The California State Lands Commission (SLC) issued a letter reminding stakeholders of various reporting requirements related to marine invasive species. The letter addresses issues regarding Ballast Water Treatment Technology Annual Reporting Form; Ballast Water Treatment Supplemental Reporting Form; Hull Husbandry Reporting Form; Ballast Water Management Report requirements.
To ensure compliance with reporting requirements under the Marine Invasive Species Act (Public Resources Code section 71200 et seq.), the California SLC requires the following:
- Supply the Ballast Water Treatment Technology Annual Reporting Form, Ballast Water Treatment Supplemental Reporting Form and the Hull Husbandry Reporting Form (attached) to all vessel masters, owners, operators, or persons in charge;
- Inform vessel masters, owners, operators, or persons in charge of the submission requirements;
- Encourage submission of annual forms while a vessel is in California; and
- Remind clients that failure to comply with the form submission requirements may result in an administrative civil penalty. Penalties may be applied to the master, owner, operator, agent, or person in charge of the vessel.
Ballast Water Treatment Technology Annual Reporting Form
This form must be submitted once per calendar year to the Commission in written or electronic format if a vessel:
• Has a ballast water treatment system installed on board; and
• Has or will discharge treated ballast water in California.
Ballast Water Treatment Supplemental Reporting Form
Any vessel that discharges treated ballast water in California must submit this form in written or electronic format upon departure from a California port or place in addition to the Ballast Water Management Report.
Hull Husbandry Reporting Form
Vessels that visit a California port are required to submit this form once per calendar year in written or electronic format to the Commission.
Change to the Ballast Water Management Report
In 2016, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) revised the form used to report ballast water management information. The old Ballast Water Reporting Form was replaced by the new Ballast Water Management Report. All vessels that arrive at California ports must submit the Ballast Water Management Report 24 hours prior to arrival at each port call in California. If a vessel’s voyage is less than 24 hours, then the report shall be submitted upon departure from the last port of call prior to arrival.
Find further information by reading the letter herebelow
Source: California SLC
