(1) The Convention shall enter into force 12 months
after the date on which not less than 25 States, the combined merchant
fleets of which constitute not less than 50% of the gross tonnage
of the world's merchant shipping of ships of 100 gross register tons
or more, have either signed it without reservation as to ratification,
acceptance or approval or deposited the requisite instruments of ratification,
acceptance, approval or accession in accordance with article XIII.
(2) The Secretary-General shall inform all States
that have signed the Convention or acceded to it of the date on which
it enters into force.
(3) Any instrument of ratification, acceptance,
approval or accession deposited during the 12 months referred to in
paragraph (1) shall take effect on the coming into force of the Convention
or three months after the deposit of such instrument, whichever is
the later date.
(4) Any instrument of ratification, acceptance,
approval or accession deposited after the date on which the Convention
enters into force shall take effect three months after the date of
deposit.
(5) After the date on which an amendment is deemed
to have been accepted under article XII,
any instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession
deposited shall apply to the Convention as amended.