IMO has adopted specific guidance for the conduct of a PSC inspection under the BWM Convention. Once the Convention becomes effective on 8th of September,2017 a trial period will be initiated where port State control can further trial the approaches in the IMO related circular to ensure they are practical and fit for purpose. Panasia has compiled a comprehensive guide to advise on the issues for consideration for compliance with the BWM Convention during a PSC inspection.
MEPC.67 adopted (October 2014) the “Guidelines for Port State Control under the BWM Convention” to provide basic guidance for the conduct of a Port State Control (PSC) inspection to verify compliance with the requirements of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship’s Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM Convention).
MEPC 65 (May 2013), approved the Guidance on ballast water sampling and analysis for trial use in accordance with the BWM Convention and Guidelines (G2) (BWM.2/Circ.42) and agreed in principle with the recommendations related to the trial period for reviewing, improving and standardizing the guidance, as set out in annex 6 to document BLG 17/18.
Panasia reminds that there will be a trial period for 2 to 3 years following entry into force of the Convention (8 September 2017). The trial period, and the data gathered during the trial, is essential in providing a sound basis for future enforcement. Prior to a satisfactory completion of the trial period, leading to agreement on the appropriate sampling and analysis protocols, Port States would refrain from applying criminal sanctions or detaining the ship, based on sampling. This does not prevent the port State from taking preventive measures to protect its environment, human health, property or resources
In the following document, Panasia refers to necessary steps for conducting an initial and a more detailed inspection. Also, Panasia explains what to consider during an indicative analysis and a detailed analysis which are the 3rd and 4rth steps of inspections respectively. In case the sampling results indicate that a ship has violated the BWM Convention, PSCO may take steps to warn, detain or exclude the ship or grant such a ship permission to leave to discharge ballast water elsewhere or seek repairs. Panasia also refers to the deficiencies which are considered to be of such a serious nature that they may warrant the detention of a ship.
Explore more by reading Panasia’s Guide herebelow
Moreover, Paul Jinhwa Kim, Manager of Panasia Europe BV, has previously highlighted that training is important for ballast water management practices and refered to four types of training methods which can be used to acquire both theoretical and practical knowledge of BWTS operation.
