(1) This 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 twenty-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
16, any instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or
accession deposited shall apply to the Convention as amended.