The Department of State (DOS) issued a notice stating that an open meeting will be held on 18 October in Washington, DC to prepare for the upcoming session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 73). Topics on the agenda include harmful aquatic organisms in ballast water; air pollution and energy efficiency; and reduction of […]

During BWMTech North America, Mr. Jack Faulk, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) addressed the expiration of the current 2013 Vessel General Permit (VGP) and the release of the 2018 VGP.  The draft 2018 VGP will not be published by expiration of the 2013 VGP on December 18, 2018.  The EPA has determined that the 2013 […]

On October 1, 2018 the Coast Guard is eliminating the requirement for certain vessels that operate on voyages exclusively within a single Captain of the Port Zone to submit an Annual Ballast Water Summary Report for calendar year 2018. We view this current reporting requirement as unnecessary for us to analyze and understand ballast water […]

The Coast Guard Marine Safety Center issued the 10th Ballast Water Management System Type Approval Certificate to Wartsila Water Systems, Ltd.  After a detailed review of the manufacturer’s type approval application, the MSC determined the system met the requirements of 46 CFR 162.060. The treatment principle of the Wartsila Aquarius EC BWMS consists of filtration with electrolysis […]

For the most part, U.S. or foreign Flag vessels equipped with ballast tanks that have performed a ballast operation in the United States must submit a Ballast Water Management Report to the National Ballast Information Clearinghouse (NBIC), in most cases up to six hours after arrival. As part of the report, ship operators must indicate […]

Captain Jennifer F. Williams, Director of Inspections and Compliance for the U.S. Coast Guard, address about 250 members of the international shipping community last month during Korea Maritime Week. Williams presentation was part of a three-part Ballast Water Forum session titled “Challenges and tasks for the smooth implementation of the Ballast Water Convention.” Williams’s remarks centered […]

The UK has not yet ratified the Convention but is currently drafting the legislation that will allow compliance to the Convention to take place. An FAQ was released 11 July 2018 that includes: What ships must comply to the Convention Survey and Certification requirements Can ballast water exchange be done in UK waters D2 implementation […]

A communication has been sent to the IMO from the Regional Activity Centre/Regional Marine Pollution Emergency, Information and Training Centre – Wider Caribbean Region  which include: Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, […]

“The Coast Guard is increasing its focus on enforcement and compliance,” stated Rear Adm. John Nadeau.  “. . . we are actively enforcing the requirement. Every domestic and Port State Control exam assesses compliance, and failure of the exam may result in penalties. Marine inspectors will verify crew knowledge of the equipment, examine the condition […]

 Rear Adm. John Nadeau, assistant commandant for prevention policy, speaks about the role of the regulator in the context of ballast water management regulations. In 2017, Port State Control examiners documented 220 ballast water management deficiencies. Most were related to incomplete record keeping, lack of a sufficient ballast water management plan, or discharge of untreated ballast […]