If you’re organising an overseas voyage, the easiest way to stay safe and compliant with ballast water management (BWM) rules is to make sure you have a plan and get certified. This will help you avoid having to justify something to an enforcement officer.
At its core, BWM compliance means following your approved Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP) and making sure any discharges meet the required performance standard. Installing treatment equipment isn't always practical for every ship, so there are other options available including:
- using port reception facilities
- taking up and discharging water on the high seas or at the same location
- using certified drinking water
- in some cases, applying for an exemption to allow ballast water exchange.
Your approved BWMP should be specific to your ship and describe the ballast water management methods you'll use. For example, it might only refer to uptake/discharge on the high seas or use of certified drinking water.
The golden rule: Stick to your BWMP and keep your documentation (including records) up to date. That way, you'll always have evidence of compliance wherever you go.
