Download PDF

1. The Ballast Water management Convention will come into force from 08^th September 2017. In accordance with Engineering Circular no. 02 of 2016 all Indian flag vessels above 400 GT and engaged on international voyages to which this convention applies are required to be surveyed and issued with Statement of Compliance on satisfactory completion of Survey.

2. BWM Convention requires existing vessels to carry following documents from 08^th Sept 2017:

a. Approved Ballast Water management plan as required by regulation B-1;

b. Ballast Water Record Book as required by regulation B-2; and

c. Statement of Compliance to International Ballast Water Management Convention. 

3. A treatment system (BWMS) will be required to be fitted on ships meeting the discharge performance standard (D-2). The implementation deadline for fitment of BWMS, according to IMO resolution A.1088 (28) is as follows:

•  

  Keel Laid	Implementation deadline for BWMS
  Before 8 September 2017	By the first renewal Survey associated with the IOPP Certificate after 8 September  2017
  On or After 8 September  2017	By the completion date of the construction.

4. New vessels constructed before entry into the force but delivered after entry into the force shall comply with the BWM that meets standards in regulation D-2 from the date of IOPP renewal survey.

5. Due to uncertainties with respect to ability of BWMS approved as per current G8 guidelines (MEPC 174 (58)) to meet the D-2 requirements, MEPC has now revised G8 (guidelines for approval of BWMS) vide MEPC 279. (70) and recommend that BWMS is to be installed onboard as per following:

• 
  

  BWM date on board installation	Reference guidelines
  Before 28 October 2020	Resolution of MEPC 174(58) or preferably revised  guidelines (G8).
  On or After 28 October 2020	Revised G8 as per MEPC 279 (70)

6. In order to allow BWMS approved as per MEPC 279 (70) be fitted on Indian Flag vessels which are not available presently and will be available only after 28^th October 2020, DGS has issued instructions via Engineering Circular 02 of 2016 (copy attached) informing that administration has no objection to de-harmonize the IOPP certificate survey cycle from the HSSC system of the statutory certificates of their vessel and to allow the renewal of IOPP survey before implementation date of BWMS (due 8^th September 2017) in order to postpone the installation of BWMS. Owners are advised to approach respective RO for the same.

7. In the transitional period after 8^th September 2017 until next IOPP renewal survey vessels are required to comply with the requirements of Ballast Water exchange standard D1.

8. Existing vessels for which IOPP renewal survey falls after 8^th September 2017 may prepone IOPP renewal survey as per paragraph 6 to meet BWMS installation requirements as per revised guidelines G8.

9. On fitment of compliant Ballast Water Management System, vessels are required to carry following:

a. Revised approved BWM plan, as per G4 guideline adopted by resolution MEPC.127(53);

b. Approved technical documentation for BWMS installation;

c. BWMS operational manual.

d. Documentation of the ballast water treatment in the Ballast Water Record Book. 

10. Owners/ managers are requested to prepare the Ballast Water Management Plan and submit for approval to IRS. The copy of approved Ballast Water Management Plan and ballast Water Record book to be placed onboard for issuance of Statement of Compliance.

Enclosure:  

1. Engineering Circular No. 02 of 2016.
2. Checklist for Water Ballast Management Plan Approval.

Disclaimer:

  Download PDF