Download PDF

• Ballast Water Management Convention will come in to force from 08^th September 2017.

• The Republic of Marshall Islands has issued revised marine circular 2-14-1 (copy attached) and technical circular no. 25 (copy attached) providing guidance for complying with the requirements for ballast water management (BWM) prior to entry into force of the BWM convention.

• MEPC 69 approved draft amendments to Regulation B-3 of the BWM Convention, and an associated draft MEPC resolution on determining of the date for treatment of ballast water to the D-2 standard referred to in Regulation B-3.

• MEPC 70 decided to include draft alternate amendments to regulation B-3 and an associated draft MEPC resolution, developed by delegations who supported further amendments to regulation B-3 as reflected in the annex to MEPC 70 (“MEPC 70 Alternative”); and revisit the issue at MEPC 71 with a view to making a final decision (between the two (2) sets of draft amendments).

• The two (2) proposals on which MEPC 71 is intended to make a final decision with regard to the B-3 implementation schedule are summarized below:

• Taking above into consideration and in order to provide option for ship’s operator in implementing the requirements of the BWM Convention, Administration has allowed for early renewal and decoupling of the IOPP renewal survey from other statutory surveys and certifications. No special authorization from the administration is required to carry out an early IOPP renewal survey, or to issue the new certificate. However, the Administration requires the IOPP renewal survey be recoupled as soon as is appropriate.

• Vessels of 400 gross tonnage and above to which the BWM Convention applies are required to undergo surveys as specified in the convention.

• However, RMI flagged vessels of less than 400 gross tonnage (e.g. pleasure craft and offshore support vessels); floating platforms, FSUs, FPSOs are also required to undergo survey and have IBWM certificate.

• Some ships, such as Mobile Offshore Units (MOUs), including Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs), operating at single location may not need ongoing certification. BWM.2/Circ.52 should be considered with the re/positioning and dry-docking voyages of these ship types.

• Vessels to which BWM Convention applies; must have a ship specific BWMP onboard approved by the Recognized Organization

• Any BWMS considered for installation by RMI ship-owners or operators is required to meet the guidance contained in IMO resolution MEPC.279 (70).

• Officers and crew are required to be trained and familiarized in implementation of BWMP. Training records of same are to be maintained with the BWMP.

• Ballast water record book is to be maintained onboard the ship for minimum two (2) years after the last entry has been made and thereafter in the company’s control for an additional minimum period of three (3) years.

• Type approval certificate, a reference to test protocol, copy of test results are required to be carried on board and be available for inspection.
• The validity of IBWM certificates issued prior to entry into force of the convention on 8 September 2017; will commence upon the date of entry into force and remain valid for a period not exceeding five (5) years, subject to successful completion of the required periodical surveys.

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

Enclosure:

1. RMI Marine notice 2-14-1 reg. Ballast Water Management Convention
2. Marshall Islands Technical circular no. 25

Disclaimer:

  Download PDF