Emergency Contact Entry into force of the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks (NWRC) – update on issuance of Blue Cards Home Latest updates Publications Entry into force of the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks (NWRC) – update on issuance of Blue Cards 21 Jan 2015 Download page as PDF Sign up for alerts The Circular published on 19 January 2015 advised Members that the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, 2007 (“the Convention”) will enter into force on 14 April 2015. As already notified, Clubs in the International Group have agreed to issue the required Wreck Convention ‘Blue Cards’ to enable State parties to issue certificates. To provide guidance in the run up to renewal on the application process in respect of applying for a ‘Blue Card’ we can advise: Issue of Blue Cards Blue Cards will only be issued for vessels of 300 GT or more, the NWRC does not apply to vessels below 300 GT. The Blue Card must state, in common with those for other International Conventions, the name of the ship, the ship’s distinctive number or letters (or call sign), the port of registry, the IMO number and the name and full address of the principal place of business of the registered owner. In addition to this common information, the Gross Tonnage must also be shown. Blue Cards will only be issued in the name of the owner. They will not be issued in the name of the operators, managers or bareboat charterers. The effective date shown for this year will be 14 April 2015 and not before. Data Collection for Preparation of Blue Cards In view of the large numbers of certificates that will need to be produced we are setting up a web-based system to expedite the handling of applications. Work on this is progressing well and we anticipate this system will be available for users to apply at least one month before the Convention comes into force. The system will be available through the Club’s usual website under the Trading Certifi