Glossary

WRC is a shortcut for --->'Wreck Removal Convention' or for "World Radiocommunication Conference".

The Wreck Removal Convention is an international treaty adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2007. The convention sets out rules and procedures for the prompt and effective removal of wrecks that may pose a hazard to navigation, the marine environment, or the coastline.

The convention applies to all ships over 300 gross tonnage, including oil tankers, cargo ships, and passenger ships. It requires shipowners to maintain insurance or other financial security to cover the costs of wreck removal, including the removal of any cargo or hazardous materials on board.

Under the convention, the flag state of the ship is responsible for ensuring that the shipowner complies with the convention's requirements. The convention also provides for the appointment of a "wreck removal agent" in the event of a maritime casualty, who is responsible for coordinating the removal of the wreck and ensuring that it is done in a safe and efficient manner.

The Wreck Removal Convention aims to prevent and mitigate the environmental and economic damage that can result from shipwrecks and other maritime incidents. It also helps to ensure that the costs of wreck removal are borne by those responsible for the ship, rather than being passed on to the public or the state.

As of 2021, the Wreck Removal Convention has been ratified by over 40 countries, representing more than 70% of the world's merchant shipping tonnage.

In the maritime context, WRC stands for "World Radiocommunication Conference". It is a conference held by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) every few years to review and revise the Radio Regulations, which govern the use of the radio frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.

The decisions made at the WRC can have a significant impact on the maritime industry, as many maritime communication systems rely on radio frequency spectrum for their operation. Here are some examples of maritime communication systems that can be affected by decisions made at the WRC:

1. GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) - This is a system that uses radio communication to provide distress alerting and communication for ships in distress. The system relies on designated frequencies and satellite orbits to function.

2. AIS (Automatic Identification System) - This is a system used to track and identify ships using VHF radio frequencies. The system relies on designated frequencies and modes of operation.

3. VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) - This is a satellite communication system used by ships for voice and data communication. The system relies on designated satellite orbits and frequencies.

4. EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) - This is a distress beacon that uses satellite communication to provide the location of a ship in distress. The system relies on designated frequencies and satellite orbits.

Decisions made at the WRC can also impact other maritime industries, such as offshore oil and gas exploration, shipping logistics, and maritime navigation.

Overall, the WRC plays an important role in shaping the regulatory environment for maritime communication systems and technologies. The decisions made at the conference can have far-reaching implications for the safety and efficiency of maritime operations.