Nairobi International Convention on removal of Wrecks, 2007

The Cook Islands has acceded to the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, 2007 which will enter into force on the 14th April 2015.

Registered owners of ships above 300GT will need insurance cover arrangements, which meet the requirements of the Convention.  The Convention provides a strict liability, compensation and compulsory insurance regime for States affected by a maritime casualty. It makes the registered owner of a ship liable for locating, marking and removing a wreck deemed to be a hazard in a State’s Convention area.

The Convention provides that for compulsory insurance purposes liability under Certificates shall not exceed the limits calculated in accordance with the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims 1976 (LLMC 1976), as amended by the 1996 Protocol.  A Blue Card issued by a recognized P&I Insurer, which can be verified, will be evidence of insurance cover being in place and will be used as the basis for the issuance of the Nairobi Convention Certificate

Vessels will need a certificate from a State party attesting insurance is in force. Certificates must be carried on board at all times.

Vessels registered in a State, which is not party to the Convention, but which perform voyages to countries that are Parties should obtain a certificate from a State Party.  Cook Islands is a State Party and is prepared to issue certificates to owners of vessels registered in States who are not party to the Nairobi Convention.

Go to https://secure.maritimecookislands.com/wreck/application.php to apply online.

The application fee for a Cook Islands Removal of Wrecks Certificate is USD $300 per ship.

Delivery by DHL Courier is USD $150 per application or applicant to arrange pick up from nearest Deputy Registrar’s office 

Payment can be made online by credit card or by telegraphic transfer.

Before applying, arrange insurance with your P&I Club or insurance company.
Click here for the list of Approved P&I Clubs/Insurers

Make sure your P&I Club/Insurance company addresses the Blue Card to:

Maritime Cook Islands, P.O. Box 882, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Cook Islands will accept up to 20 ships per online application.
(If you have more than 20 ships you will need to complete another application).

To complete the online Application you will need to:

1) Enter the Name, Address, Phone Number and Email Address of the applicant.

2) Enter the following information for each ship enter:
Name of Ship
Name of Registered Owner
IMO number
Call Sign
Gross Tonnage
Flag State
Port of Registry
Approved P&I Club or Insurer Click here for a list.

3) Once the Information for each ship has been entered, proceed to the payment options. An invoice will be generated for the total amount to be paid in USD. Print the invoice if required.

4) Choose to pay by credit card (Visa or Mastercard only) or by telegraphic transfer.
An email will be sent confirming approval of credit card payment or instructing procedure for telegraphic transfer payments. A duplicate copy of the invoice in PDF format will be attached.

5) Reply to the confirmation email, attaching the Blue Cards for all ships in the application
Maritime Cook Islands will check the Blue Card(s) against the application form and check the P&I Club ship search facility to confirm validity. If everything matches, MCI will generate the certificate(s).
The Wrecks Certificate(s) will be sent to the address entered in the application by Courier.

For further information please contact:
Maritime Cook Islands
Phone: +682 23 848
Email: wrecks@maritimecookislands.com

https://secure.maritimecookislands.com/wreck-certificates/application.php

Owners or operators of a vessel or vessels that are up for renewal will have received an email from Maritime Cook Islands containing instructions on renewing their NWRC Certificate(s). If this is not the case, please follow these instructions:

1. Arrange for a new blue card to be issued by your P&I Insurer. This must be addressed to Maritime Cook Islands at P.O. Box 882 Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
2. Contact Maritime Cook Islands at wrecks@maritimecookislands.com and you will be supplied with a link to a pre-filled online form containing information for your vessel(s).
3. Once you receive the new blue card(s), follow the link. Please check that the data MCI holds is correct and make any necessary amendments.
4. Press the “Proceed” button. You will be directed to an invoice page.
5. Please print a copy of this page for your records. You will be able to pay by credit card or by Telegraphic Transfer.
6. A confirmation email will be generated. Please reply to that email with copies of your blue card(s) attached.
7. Once we have confirmation of payment we will process your application and generate your certificate(s).
8. We have tried to make the process as simple as possible for you, however if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact: wrecks@maritimecookislands.com

1.When will the Nairobi Convention come into effect?
Tuesday 14th April 2015

2.Which countries are party to the Wrecks Convention?

Countries party to the Nairobi WRC, 2007 convention are as follows:

Wreck Removal Convention States Entry into force date:

Albania 5 August 2015
Antigua & Barbuda* 14 April 2015
Bahamas 05 September 2015
Belgium 17th April 2017
Bulgaria 14 April 2015
Cayman Islands (UK Territory) 7th February 2017
China 11 February 2017
Cook Islands 14 April 2015
Congo 14 April 2015
Cook Islands 14 April 2015
Cyrpus 22 October 2015
Democratic Republic of Korea 8th August 2017
Denmark* 14 April 2015
Finland 27th January 2017
France 04 May 2016
Germany 14 April 2015
Gibraltar 16 April 2015
India 14 April 2015
Iran (Islamic Republic of) 14 April 2015
Isle of Man (UK) 14 April 2015
Jordan 16 December 2016
Kenya 14 July 2015
Liberia 14 April 2015
Malaysia 14 April 2015
Malta 18 April 2015
Marshall Islands 14 April 2015
Morocco 14 April 2015
Nigeria 14 April 2015
Niue 27 July 2015
Netherlands 19 April 2016
Palau 14 April 2015
Panama 18 November 2015
Portugal 21 October 2015
Romania 20 December 2016
Saint Kitts and Nevis 30th June 2016
Singapore 8 September 2017
South Africa 04 December 2015
Switzerland 16 August 2016
Tuvalu 15 May 2015
Tonga 20 June 2015
United Kingdom 14 April 2015

Maritime Cook Islands will not issue NWRC Certificates to EU sanctioned countries listed below:

North Korea
Syria
Iran
Somalia
Cuba

3.Who is liable under the Wreck Removal Convention?
Ship Owner (including the registered, bareboat charter, manager and operator)

4.Which Ships are required to have Nairobi WRC Certificate for Insurance?
All ships over 300 GT.

5.What is the difference between a “Blue Card” and a “Wrecks Certificate”?
A “WRC Blue Card” is issued by an insurer evidencing that there is in place insurance meeting the liability requirements of the WR Convention.

A “WRC Certificate” is issued by a State party attesting that such insurance is in force. A ship over 300Gt must carry a “WRC Certificate” onboard. Without a WRC Blue Card” then can be no “WRC Certificate”

6.Who is required to obtain the Wrecks Certificate of Insurance?
The registered owner of a ship.

7.My ship flies the flag of a non-Wreck Convention country – do I have to obtain a Wreck Certificate for her?
Only if your ship enters the ports and terminals of a Wreck Removal Convention Country, where it may be subject to Port State Control Inspection

8.My ship is registered in a state party, but she will not call at a port of a State Party, do we need to obtain a Wrecks Certificate?
Yes

9.How do I apply for a Wreck Certificate?
Go to https://secure.maritimecookislands.com/wreck/application.php and follow the instructions. You can register up to 20 vessels under one application.

10.How much does it cost for a WRC Certificate with the Cook Islands?
USD$300 + USD$150 courier (if required).

11.What types of vessels need to apply?
All Ships of 300GT and greater, meaning a seagoing vessel of any type whatsoever and includes hydrofoil boats, air-cushion vehicles, submersibles, floating craft and floating platforms, except when such platforms are on location engaged in the exploration, exploitation or production of seabed mineral resources.

12. Who is required to carry NWRC Certificate – the Charterer or Owner?
In accordance with IMO A 27/Res.1057, the IMO Legal Committee recommends that

.2 States Parties should not request more than one wreck removal certificate
from any ship including ships bareboat-registered in a State Party, and
should accept wreck removal certificates issued by such a State Party in
accordance with article 12, paragraph 9, of the Convention;

.3 States Parties should avoid taking action that could cause unnecessary
bureaucracy; and

.4 States Parties which allow ships to be registered as bareboat-chartered
should work with each other, in a spirit of understanding and cooperation, to
find viable solutions to problems caused by differing interpretations regarding
the issue of wreck removal certificates to ships registered in bareboat
Registries;

In light of above, Cook Islands affirms to those seeking certificates issued under the NWRC, that MCI will accept an application from ether the Ship Owner or Ship Operator (Ship Charterer).