1 This Convention shall enter into force twelve
months after the date on which not less than thirty States, the combined
merchant fleets of which constitute not less than thirty-five percent
of the gross tonnage of the world's merchant shipping, have either
signed it without reservation as to ratification, acceptance or approval,
or have deposited the requisite instrument of ratification, acceptance,
approval or accession in accordance with Article
17.
2 For States which have deposited an instrument
of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession in respect of this
Convention after the requirements for entry into force thereof have
been met, but prior to the date of entry in force, the ratification,
acceptance, approval or accession shall take effect on the date of
entry into force of this Convention or three months after the date
of deposit of instrument, whichever is the later date.
3 Any instrument of ratification, acceptance,
approval or accession deposited after the date on which this Convention
enters into force shall take effect three months after the date of
deposit.
4 After the date on which an amendment to this
Convention is deemed to have been accepted under Article
19, any instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or
accession deposited shall apply to this Convention as amended.