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• On or before 8 September 2017, vessels to which BWM convention applies are required to have approved Ballast Water management plan, ballast water record book and carry International Ballast Water Management (IBWM) certificate onboard.

• Republic of Liberia has issued marine operations note 02/2017 providing guidance on issuance of the IBWM Convention Certificate.

• Salient points of the notice are as follows:

1. From 22 April 2017, Administration itself will carry out approval of BWM plan and issuance of certificate for vessels implementing the D-1 standard.
2. Owners and operators that have installed ballast water management systems (BWMS) and intended to implement regulation D-2 standards voluntarily before enforcement date are advised by administration to contact authorized RO for the relevant survey and certification towards D-2 standard.
3. Ballast water management plan approved by RO in accordance with A.868 (20) or MEPC 127(53) will be acceptable, till plan requires revision due to fitment of BWMS to D-2 standard.
4. The certificate issued by RO prior to 22 April 2017 will continue to remain valid until expired or ship implement the BWMS to D-2 standard, whichever is earlier.
5. Statement of Compliance (SOC) issued to existing ships for D-1 standard will be replaced to IBWM certificate by the administration.
6. For getting approval of BWM plans and IBWM certificate, owners and operators of existing vessels implementing only D-1 standard are required to provide below information to administration at technical@liscr.com:

a. Verification that the BWM Plan required by regulation B-1 comply fully with the requirements of the BWM Convention;

b. Verification that the approved BWM Plan and record book are on-board and being implemented;

c. Company attests that no modifications or conditions on-board affecting ballast operations and ballast water exchange have been made since last periodical survey;

d. Declaration from the ship’s Master that the BWM Plan; BW Record Book; and notification or communication with coastal States is being implemented and that the BWM officer has been designated and the crew have been provided with the necessary training and familiarization; and

e. A copy of the International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate.

 7. Verification of Item c) and implementation of item d) will be done by the flag state inspector at the next attendance.

 8. Upon receiving a BWM Plan for review and approval, the Administration will issue a statement when the plan was received, thereby allowing the ship to trade for three months with an unapproved BWM Plan on board.

• Ship owners/ operators and masters are advised to be guided by above.

Enclosure:

1. Republic of Liberia Marine Operation Note 02/2017.

Disclaimer:

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