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Ballast Water Convention
Key Changes and Requirements
1. Ballast Water Management Convention Overview
The BWM Convention applies to Indian ships making international voyages, with requirements for ballast water management, records, and system approval.
- Applicable Ships: All vessel types designed or constructed to carry ballast water, excluding floating platforms, FSUs, and FPSOs.
- Survey Requirements: Initial survey before the ship is put into service or before the Certificate is issued for the first time (for ships of 400 gross tonnes and above).
- Ballast Water Management: Standards described in Regulation D-2 of the BWM Convention must be met, with specific timelines based on ship construction date and IOPP renewal survey.
2. Ballast Water Management System
Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS) must be approved by the Administration in accordance with the BWMS Code or relevant guidelines.
- Approval Requirements: BWMS installed on or after 28 October 2020 must be approved in accordance with the BWMS Code. BWMS installed before this date must be approved taking into account the 2016 G8 Guidelines or relevant guidelines.
- Active Substances: BWMS using active substances or preparations containing one or more active substances must be approved in accordance with G8 Guidelines.
3. Implementation and Compliance
Indian ships must comply with the BWM Convention requirements, including carrying a Ship Specific Ballast Water Management Plan and Record Book, and having records of familiarization for officers and crew.
- Commissioning Test: Required for BWMS installed on or after 08 September 2020, to be carried out to the satisfaction of the attending RO surveyor.
- Electronic Ballast Water Record Book: Must be approved by the Administration and a declaration to this effect must be kept on board.
Indian ships must comply with the requirements of this circular upon India's ratification of the BWM Convention. Any ship requiring dispensation must apply to the Competent Authority with an undertaking to remain on Indian coast during the dispensation period.
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