1 The present Protocol
shall enter into force twelve months after the date on which not less
than fifteen States, the combined merchant fleets of which constitute
not less than 50 per cent of the gross tonnage of the world's merchant
shipping, have become Parties to it in accordance with article 5 of the present Protocol.
2 Any instrument of
ratification, acceptance, approval or accession deposited after the
date on which the present Protocol enters into force shall take effect
three months after the date of deposit.
3 After the date on
which an amendment to the present Protocol is deemed to have been
accepted in accordance with article
16 of the Convention, any instrument of ratification, acceptance,
approval or accession deposited shall apply to the present Protocol
as amended.