The legal and operational aspects of wreck removal incidents are on the agenda at the “Wreck Removal Contracts & Operations Seminar” in London, United Kingdom (20-21 June). IMO’s Jan de Boer of the Legal Affairs Office gave an insight into the Organization’s Nairobi Wreck Removal Convention, which 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, and optional application of the rules in countries’ territories, including territorial seas.
Mr. De Boer covered the operational actions which led to the need for international ruling, the necessity of a unifying legal framework for States to act upon, and the duties of the shipowner and rights of the authority under the convention. He also covered the process of filling in the legal gaps and complementing the prior legal framework.
The event is organized by Lloyd’s Maritime Academy.