Palau Reports Increase in WRC Applications
Palau International Ship Registry (PISR) has received a high volume of applications from owners looking to have the correct documentation in place prior to the imminent entry into force of the Nairobi Wreck Removal Convention.
Marisabel Arauz Park, Palau International Ship Registry’s technical manager, said, “The high number of applications from owners wanting to be compliant before the convention’s entry into force on April 14 is indicative of the shipowning community’s increasing confidence in Palau as a reliable, responsible flag.
“Although we are a relatively new register, our fleet is expanding rapidly and we now have regional offices in 15 countries, including the USA (Houston), Panama, Germany, Greece, Cyprus, Russia, Nigeria, Egypt, Romania, Dubai, India Sri Lanka, Singapore, and China. PISR is now firmly established as one of the leading ship registries using state-of-the-art techniques and service standards. We certainly have the infrastructure in place to deal with the anticipated volume of WRC applications.”
PISR has set up web site www.palaushipregistry.com/nairobi-wrc-certificate to expedite the application process. Shipowners/managers and/or relevant parties who wish to apply for a certificate need to obtain the relevant ‘blue card’ from a Palau-approved P&I Club.
Similar to the way in which the Bunker Convention operates, PISR will issue a certificate within 24 hours on receipt of an insurer’s ‘blue card’, a valid Certificate of Registry and confirmation of payment. The fee for a PISR WRC certificate is US$270.00 although volume discounts are available.
“The cost of removing a wreck from territorial waters has long been a concern for all parties given that most states have had their own legal framework for dealing with casualties. The Nairobi Wreck Removal Convention establishes an international standard for hitherto complex, national-based rules,” Park added.
In January, the Panama Maritime Authority issued a ‘Merchant Marine Circular’ informing its members that Palau is one of three PMA-approved Administrations authorised to issue WRC certificates on its behalf.
