Coastal State Requirements – Ballast Water Management Plan on Ships

Coastal State Requirements – Ballast Water Management Plan on Ships

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Ballast Water Management Plan contain procedures to assist the Master in coordinating the discharge of ballast in waters of a coastal state, local government or other involved parties. The quick and effective communication between the vessel and coastal state or other involved party becomes vital in mitigating the effects of an unnecessary delay.

The requirements and roles of the various national and local authorities involved vary widely between states and even from port to port. In the majority of coastal states, responsibility for compliance with port state requirements is placed on the vessel owner and the vessel. The port state authorities should be contacted for specific ballast water discharge requirements and reporting, prior to the vessel’s arrival in port state’s territorial waters.

Therefore, the Master with the responsible officer should timely obtain all necessary information and prepare the vessel accordingly, taking into consideration the safety and operational restrictions as described in this plan and relevant sections. Information on specific port state procedures can be obtained by consulting the company and local agent for latest information and requirements.

What are the action to be taken by the vessel where coastal state has specific procedures for discharge of ballast water?

  • Follow agreed reporting procedures
  • Contact vessel’s agent and/or company to ascertain latest information on ballast discharge requirements in the water of respective state
  • Ensure to timely plan for above actions and that safety and operational restrictions are met
  • Keep proper records and have them readily available for possible inspection

What are the action to be taken by the vessel where coastal state has no specific procedures for discharge of ballast water?

  • Contact vessel’s agent and/or company to obtain latest information on ballast discharge requirements in the water of respective state
  • Carry out discharge of ballast water as per the ballast water management plan
  • Take into consideration safety and operational procedures related to respective discharge
  • Keep proper records and have them readily available for possible inspection

Reference: Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP)