Tag: BWM Convention

The Coast Guard’s Office of Operating and Environmental Standards has published a final Policy Letter concerning the use of multiple Independent Laboratories for evaluating Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS).

ABS issued a guide concerning yachts that are now required to comply with the IMO International Convention for the Control and management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) which requires an approved ballast water management system.

The US Coast Guard Marine Safety Centre received an application for Ballast Water Management System type approval for the Seascape Ballast Water Management System manufactured by Elite Marine Corp.

The Coast Guard Marine Safety Center issued the 34th U.S. Coast Guard Ballast Water Management System Type Approval Certificate to Kuraray Co., Ltd., after a detailed review of the manufacturer’s type approval application determined the system met the requirements of 46 CFR 162.060.

The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) formally initiated its investigation of pending Canadian ballast water regulations alleged to be unfavorable and detrimental to US flag Laker vessels.

Following China's extension of the treaty to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, ships flagged to Hong Kong will now be required to apply the requirements of the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWM).  

During the 2020 GREEN4SEA Athens Forum, Mr. Andreas Kokkotos, Partner, ARGO NAVIS Engineers Ltd., explained that confusion with owners’ supplied items can result misunderstandings, delays or even to missing equipment. In light of the situation, Mr. Kokkotos highlighted the reasons why the crew must be familiar with convention requirements before the ship leaves the shipyard.

During the 2020 GREEN4SEA Athens Forum, Dr. Efi Tsolaki, Chief Scientific Officer, ERMA FIRST S.A. highlighted that invasive aquatic species are a major threat to the marine ecosystems, and shipping has been identified as a vital pathway for introducing species to new environments.

Following the outbreak of COVID-19, the Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy issued a Marine Safety Information Bulletin to inform all shipowners and operators about the adjustments to the extension policy for vessels impacted by the pandemic.

The five-year AMS window is closing for many vessels and owners whose systems are awaiting USCG Type Approval should not miss an opportunity to seek an extension, writes William Burroughs, ABS. The end of US Coast Guard’s Alternate Management System program for ballast water discharges means owners whose systems are not USCG Type Approved should seek an extension or risk losing the ability to trade in US waters.