With the ratification of the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention in September 2016, the convention will enter into force on 8 September 2017. With only some months to go, this Technical & Regulatory News is intended as a supporting document for the BWM implementation phase, focusing on compliance. 

Timeline

With the International Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention ratified and shortly entering into force, there is no time to lose up to 8 September 2017. There are two main milestones to be aware of:

• D-1 – Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP): an approved BWMP and a BWM Certificate or Statement/Certificate of Compliance must be on board the vessel before 8 September 2017, hence an early submission for approval is recommended to avoid last-minute approval
• D-2 – The deadline for installation of the ballast water treatment system is the first IOPP renewal survey after 8 September 2017

Ship owner check list:

The most important tasks for a ship owner/operator to do in the short term – in order of priority:

• Identify the vessels subject to the BWM Convention
• Investigate if an approved BWMP for the approved ballast water exchange process is already prepared and on board (if not, see below)
• Establish an overview of IOPP renewal dates for your fleet, and decide on a schedule for implementation
• Confirm any uncertainties/questions you might have with class and/or the relevant flag

Then, after these urgent issues have been solved, some other key activities for the remaining of 2017:

• Prepare and submit your BWMP
• Order and perform the initial survey (in due time before 8 September 2017)
• Make sure mandatory documentation (BWMP and International BWM Certificate or Statement/Certificate of Compliance) is in place before 8 September 2017
• Assess and choose treatment technology based on feasibility for your fleet
• Plan your retrofit, and ensure relevant documents are forwarded to class as early as possible

Read the full report in attatched document below.

Technical Regulatory News

The information has been provided by DNV GL.

Member Alert is published by The Swedish Club as a service to members. While the information is believed correct, the Club cannot assume responsibility for completeness.