South Africa has become a State Party to the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks. Adopted in 2007, this convention provides the legal basis for States to remove, or have removed, shipwrecks that may threaten the safety of lives, goods and property at sea, as well as the marine environment. It also provides uniform international rules for the prompt and effective removal of wrecks located beyond territorial seas. H.E. Mr. Obed Thembinkosi Mlaba, High Commissioner of South Africa and Permanent Representative to IMO, deposited the instrument of accession today (4 September).