Final ballast water deadline nears
With the final ballast water deadline approaching, BIO-UV Group anticipates increased inspections by port state control (PSC), with officials checking machinery installations, crew competencies, and ballast water management (BWM) plans.
From September, all vessels subject to the BWM convention must have a D-2 compliant ballast water treatment system. While there is a two-year grace period for non-compliant discharges, ships can still be detained if BWM systems are poorly maintained or documented. Inspections have increased in China, Australia, and the USA, and are expected to extend to other regions.
In its press release, BIO-UV Group stresses the importance of regular maintenance and crew training to ensure compliance, to meet the discharge standards and ensure that vessels pass port inspections. The BWM convention aims to protect the marine environment from invasive species and pathogens spread through ballast water. (pb)