With the Ballast Water Management Convention entering into force on 8 September, DNV GL reminds operators of a few last-minute but important issues.
Actions needed before 8 September 2017
By 8 September, all vessels subject to the convention must be in compliance with the D-1 (exchange standard).
- Scenario A – vessel status:
Action: Vessel in compliance – No further actions needed.
- Scenario B – vessel status:
Action:
- Generate Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP) quickly and efficiently with DNV GL’s free-to-use web application BWMP Generator.
- Submit the BWMP for approval. For BWMPs received in the last 2 weeks before 8 September, a certificate will be issued in accordance with BWM.2/Circ.40 including the provision that the BWMP is to be approved and initial survey concluded before 8 December 2017. (Circ.40 allows a grace period of 3 months to complete the initial survey and certification after the entry into force date).
- Scenario C – vessel status:
Action: If you are not able to perform an initial survey before 8 September 2017, please request DNV GL to issue a certificate. The certificate will be issued with the provision that the initial survey is concluded before 8 December 2017.
D-2 compliance
The MEPC (71) meeting in early-July reached a compromise on compliance dates for the ballast water D-2 standard (installation date).
- All ships with a keel laying after 8 September 2017 must comply with the D-2 standard on delivery.
- Existing ships must, in general, comply with the D-2 standard by the first IOPP renewal after 8 September 2019.
- Ships to which the IOPP renewal survey does not apply (generally ships below 400 GT and oil tankers below 150 GT) with a keel laying before the 8 September 2017 must be in compliance with the D-2 standard no later than 8 September 2024.
Operators are advised to avoid last-minute preparation, and to carefully examine and consider their ship’s individual IOPP renewal dates to ensure compliance.
