Transport Canada has issued updated guidance on submitting Ballast Water Reporting Forms (BWRF). The bulletin applies to any vessel that is subject to the Ballast Water Regulations and bound for a port, offshore terminal or anchorage in Canada.
A BWRF must be submitted for all ballast tanks, regardless of their condition, even when a vessel does not plan to discharge ballast while in waters under Canadian jurisdiction.
The BWRF and documents must be submitted as follow:
- If the duration of the segment of the voyage before entering waters under Canadian jurisdictions is less than 24 hours, as soon as practicable before entering waters under Canadian jurisdictions but no later than the time of departure from the last port of call.
- If the duration of the segment of the voyage before entering waters under Canadian jurisdictions is less than 96 hours but more than 24 hours, at least 24 hours before entering waters under Canadian jurisdictions; or
- At least 96 hours before entering waters under Canadian jurisdictions.
A duly completed BWRF and the required documents must be submitted electronically via email to the appropriate address indicated below and must include the vessel name, IMO number, name of the first Canadian port of call and estimated date/time of arrival in the subject line.
The submission should include the following:
- Copy of all pages of the International Ballast Water Management Certificate, or an equivalent document;
- Copy of all pages of the International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) Certificate or its interim and supplements;
- Other relevant documents/certificates as requested by TCMSS.
Once the form has been submitted, the vessel will receive an automated email message to confirm that TCMSS has received the BWRF.
The Master or Operator must keep on board a copy of each BRWF for at least 24 months after it is submitted.