Bahamas: Wreck Removal Convention 2007 guidelines

The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) has published a marine notice on the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, 2007.

This notice was published on 22 May 2024.

The purpose of the notice is to inform ship owners, managers, Masters, Approved Nautical Inspectors, Recognised Organisations, and surveyors about the Bahamas' requirements related to the ICRW.

It clarifies that the ICRW applies universally to Bahamian ships, irrespective of their trading area, and to all ships within The Bahamas' Convention Area, with exceptions outlined for certain scenarios. Notably, warships or government-operated ships engaged solely in non-commercial service, along with fixed-location platforms involved in seabed mineral activities, are exempt from the convention's regulations.

Furthermore, the document highlights key obligations imposed by the ICRW, such as the necessity for registered owners of ships exceeding 300 gross tonnage to maintain suitable insurance or financial backing for wreck-related expenses. It also stresses the mandatory requirement for ships trading to or registered under State Parties to possess a Wreck Removal Insurance Certificate, serving as evidence of adequate insurance or financial security.

Specific procedures for obtaining Wreck Removal Insurance Certificates for Bahamian and non-Bahamian vessels are outlined, including the necessary documentation and associated fees. The document specifies that certificates will typically be issued digitally, though provisions exist for paper certificates if required.

Additionally, the notice underscores the importance of promptly reporting wrecks occurring within The Bahamas' Convention Area to the Port Authority, along with detailed information to facilitate assessment of potential hazards. Procedures for locating, marking, and eventually removing wrecks are described, highlighting the Port Authority's role in managing these processes.

In cases where a wreck is deemed hazardous, the Port Authority may issue a removal notice to the registered ship owner, setting deadlines for compliance. Failure to adhere to these directives may result in the Port Authority arranging removal at the owner's expense, potentially accompanied by fines for non-compliance.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):