1 Purpose
This Marine Notice provides guidance on the requirements for the Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP) under the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM Convention), and explains NVMD's role in the survey and certification process.
2 BWM Convention Overview
The BWM Convention entered into force on 8 September 2017. Its purpose is to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens through ships' ballast water. All ships subject to the Convention must carry and implement a Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP) approved by the flag state administration.
The BWM Convention applies to all vessels that are authorized to carry ballast water, including new and existing ships operating in international waters. Certain exemptions may apply (e.g., ships operating only in one country's waters).
3 Required Management Standards
| Standard | Description | Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation D-1 | Ballast Water Exchange (BWE) — mid-ocean exchange | Interim standard; phasing out |
| Regulation D-2 | Ballast Water Performance Standard — treatment system | Required for all vessels per schedule |
| Regulation D-4 | Prototype treatment technologies | Ships conducting research/trials |
4 Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP)
Every ship must carry on board and implement a BWMP. The Plan must be specific to each vessel and must include:
- Safety procedures for officers and crew associated with BWM
- Description of actions required to implement BWM requirements
- Procedures for disposal of sediments at sea and in port
- Procedures for coordinating with port authorities on BWM
- Designation of the officer responsible for BWM implementation
- Reporting requirements of the flag state and ports visited
5 Ballast Water Record Book
Every ship to which the Convention applies must maintain a Ballast Water Record Book (BWRB) recording all ballast water operations including uptake, exchange, treatment, and discharge. The BWRB must be retained on board for a minimum of two years after the last entry and available for port state inspection.
6 NVMD Survey & Certification
NVMD conducts BWM surveys including approval of the BWMP, verification of the installed treatment system (D-2 compliance), verification of the BWRB, and functional testing of treatment equipment where practicable. Upon satisfactory survey, NVMD issues or endorses the International Ballast Water Management Certificate (IBWMC) on behalf of the flag administration.