Why the convention exists
The convention regulates ship recycling to protect safety and the environment. Every ship contains hazardous materials in its structure, machinery and equipment, such as asbestos, hydrocarbons, ozone-depleting materials and heavy metals. The convention sets rules so these materials are recycled safely, without harm to safety, health or the environment.
Which ships it covers
All ships of more than 500 GRT.
Steps for new ships
- New ships (built on or after the convention) must have an Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) showing the amount and location of the hazardous materials listed in Appendix 1 of the convention.
- A survey on board verifies the ship’s IHM. When it is satisfactory, the International Certificate on Inventory of Hazardous Materials (ICIHM) is issued.
- Before the ship goes to the scrapping yard, the recycling facility prepares a ship recycling plan, approved by the competent authority.
- Finally, the International Ready for Recycling Certificate is issued to the ship before it heads to the recycling facility.
Existing ships
For existing ships (built before the convention entered into force) the procedure is the same, but they must comply 5 years after the date of entry into force, or before going to scrap, whichever is earlier.