MEPC 65th session, 13 to 17 May 2013
The IMO MEPC 65, from 13 to 17 May 2013, approved a draft IMO Assembly resolution on the application of regulation B-3 of the BWM Convention to ease and facilitate the smooth implementation of the Convention, for submission to the 28th session of the IMO Assembly (25 November to 4 December 2013).
The draft resolution recommends that ships constructed before the entry into force of the Convention will not be required to comply with regulation D-2 until their first renewal survey following the date of entry into force of the Convention.
The aim of the draft resolution is to clarify uncertainty in relation to the application of regulation B-3, through the application of a realistic timeline for enforcement of regulation D-1 (ballast water exchange standard) and regulation D-2 (ballast water performance standard), upon entry into force of the Convention.
The MEPC considered the reports of the twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth meetings of the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environment Protection (GESAMP) Ballast Water Working Group (held during 2012-2013), and granted granting Basic Approval to three, and Final Approval to three, ballast water management systems that make use of Active Substances.
The MEPC also approved BWM-related guidance, including Guidance concerning ballast water sampling and analysis for trial use and a BWM Circular on clarification of “major conversion” as defined in regulation A-1.5 of the BWM Convention.
The MEPC also adopted a revised MEPC resolution regarding information reporting on type-approved ballast water management systems.
For more information on MEPC 65 Outcome, please click here.
Source: IMO
