(a) The present Convention shall enter into force
twelve months after the date on which not less than twenty-five States,
the combined merchant fleets of which constitute not less than fifty
per cent of the gross tonnage of the world's merchant shipping, have
become parties to it in accordance with article IX.
(b) Any instrument of ratification, acceptance,
approval or accession deposited after the date on which the present
Convention enters into force shall take effect three months after
the date of deposit.
(c) After the date on which an amendment to the
present Convention is deemed to have been accepted under article VIII, any instrument of
ratification, acceptance, approval or accession deposited shall apply
to the Convention as amended.