Ballast Water Management Convention

PMDS Technical Department issued the Technical Circular PMDS-TC-19-24 related to the latest amendments to the BWMC.

 

The International Maritime Organization has issued resolutions and circulars related to amendments to the Ballast Water Management Convention.  According to their experience, it has been noted that 70% of reported deficiencies by PSC are related to incorrect entries to the BWRB.

 

Ref. Ballast Water Management Record Book (BWRB)

IMO Resolution MEPC.369(80) introduces changes to the format of the Ballast Water Record Book, which is detailed in Appendix II of the BWM Convention.

 

In addition, guidance providing sample entries of an amended BWRB (BWM.2/Circ.80) has been adopted. On or after the effective date, the amended BWRB must be used to record ballast water management in accordance with this guidance.

 

The revised Ballast Water Record Book includes expanded items for recording and a new system of code letters and item numbers, similar to other maritime Record Books, deleting the duplication of the information contained in the IBWMC and reviewing the BWRB items to improve clarity on how to record the operation of the ship.

 

Entries in the Ballast Water Record Book shall be made on each of the following occasions:

1. When ballast water is taken on board from the aquatic environment (ballasting operation)
2. When ballast water is discharged into the aquatic environment (deballasting operation)
3. Whenever ballast water is exchanged, treated through internal circulation or treated in tank
4. Uptake or discharge of ballast water from/to a port-based or reception facility
5. Accidental discharge/ingress or other exceptional uptake or discharge of ballast water
6. Failures and inoperability of the ballast water management system
7. Ballast tank cleaning/flushing, removal and disposal of sediments
8. Additional operational procedures and general remarks

 

These changes will take effect on 01 February 2025.

 

Ref. Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP)

Amendments to Guidelines for Ballast Water Management and development of Ballast Water Management Plans (G4) have been adopted by Resolution MEPC.370(80).  It is necessary to specify that the guidance BWM.2/Circ.80, which provides sample entries of an amended BWRB, should be referenced in the record keeping requirements section of the BWMP.

 

These changes will take effect on 01 February 2025.

 

Ref. Electronic Ballast Water Management Record Book

Guidelines for the use of e-BWRB (MEPC.372(80)) and the amendments to the Ballast Water Management Convention (MEPC.383(81)) establishing specific requirements for e-BWRB have been adopted.

 

These changes will take effect on 01 October 2025.

 

Implications

• At the first periodical survey for the BWMC on or after the effective date, the PMDS surveyor will confirm that the amended BWRB is provided on board. The BWRB shall be maintained on board the ship for a minimum period of 2 years after the last entry has been made and remain thereafter in the company´s control for a minimum period of 3 years.  Therefore, it should be noted that a BWRB on board prior to the amendment shall also be maintained.
• At the first periodical survey for the BWMC on or after 1 February 2025, the PMDS surveyor will confirm that the BWMP used onboard the vessel has been appropriately amended.
• Amendments to the BWMP must be in accordance with the instructions included in the regulations and Maritime Administrations.
• When e-BWRB is issued, on or after the effective date, a declaration must be issued stating that an e-BWRB approved in accordance with the guidelines of the MEPC.372(80) is being used. Maritime Administrations shall regulate the approval and issuance of declarations of e-BWRB.
• PMDS instructive is available in the Login Section of the Website.