According to their statement, the new Ballast Water Management Reporting Form has two important changes from the most recently expired Reporting Form:

  • The yes/no question “Alternative BW management conducted, per instructions from COTP” has been removed.
  • All vessels are now required to report the date of their last dry dock, information that is critical to the Coast Guard for determining a vessel’s compliance date as specified in 33 CFR 151.1512 & 151.2035.

In addition, it is highlighted that the National Ballast Information Clearinghouse (NBIC) will no longer accept expired Reporting Form versions. To fully comply with all Coast Guard Ballast Water reporting requirements, all vessels must use the new Ballast Water Management Reporting Form, since expired versions lack required information.