Guidance on ballast water record-keeping and reporting 10.12.2024 01:36The IMO has adopted the amendment to the current circular relating to the Ballast Water Management
(BWM) Convention as follow: IMO – BWM.2/Circ.80/Rev.1 – 2024 Guidance on ballast water record-keeping and reporting (adopted on 24 October 2024).
The first Part of this document (section 2, Ballast Water Record Book), which is intended for ship crews, explains how ballast water operations should be recorded by making mandatory entries in the Ballast Water Record Book (BWRB). These records are required by the Convention. These records may also assist the ship in properly implementing its Ballast Water Management Plan and in operating and maintaining any ballast water management system (BWMS) that is being used.
Sample entries in the ballast water record book
The second Part (section 3, Ballast water reporting form), intended for ship crews and port States, contains an example ballast water reporting form (BWRF) together with instructions for completing it. A BWRF may be submitted prior to entry into a port State that requires specific information regarding the management of ballast water on ships bound for its ports, offshore terminals or anchorage areas.
Example ballast water reporting form
The third Part (section 4, Voluntary tank-by-tank log), intended for ship crews, explains how to maintain voluntary tank-by-tank records of ballast water operations that may facilitate completion of a BWRF by allowing the crew to efficiently track the contents of each tank and hold that carries ballast water. Maintaining these voluntary records may also assist the ship in documenting and demonstrating that the requirements of the Convention have been met.
Example tank-by-tank log form
Shipowners, ship operators and BWMS manufacturers are advised to familiarise themselves with the new guidance.
