WRC 2007 The Wreck Removal Convention was adopted at an International Maritime Organisation Diplomatic Conference in Nairobi in 2007. The Convention entered into force on 14 April 2015. There were 15 states party to the Convention when it entered into force and other states are continuing to ratify. Article 12 of the Convention contains a compulsory insurance regime based upon the system which is familiar from other IMO Liability Conventions, including a requirement for state issued Certificates for vessels of 300 gt or more. All International Group P&I Clubs are able to issue "blue cards" which will enable members to obtain the Wreck Removal Convention Certificates which must be carried on board in order to comply with compulsory insurance requirements of the Convention. The Certificates must be issued by a State which is party to the Convention. The flag state will issue the Certificate if it is party to the Convention. If the flag state is not party to the Convention, owners will need to find a State party which is willing to issue Certificates for vessels not flying its flag. The text of the Convention is attached . The IMO Press Briefing 13 April 2015 on entry into force is also attached. The European Commission has also  issued a statement  welcoming the entry into force of the Convention and pointing out its relevance to ships in distress being accommodated in places of refuge. More information is also available from the attached link to the website of Colin de La Rue, Shipping and the Environment – Legal Consultancy .   Where in force   Extension to Territorial sea Entry into force Albania ✓ 27 July 2015 Antigua & Barbuda ✓ 14 April 2015 Bahamas ✓ 5 Sept 2015 Barbados ✓ 23 Oct 2024 Belarus   5 Dec 2019 Belgium   17 April 2017 Belize ✓ 17 April 2018 Bulgaria ✓ 14 April 2015 Canada ✓ 30 July 2019 China (excluding Hong Kong Special Administrative Region)  ✓ 11 Feb 2017 Congo   14 April 2015 Coo