BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT FAQ

The present document was prepared by the UK MCA to address the most frequently asked questions related to the implementation of the ballast water management convention. It opens with the status of ratification of the convention. Then the readers will get to know the applicability of the subject convention including both domestically and internationally operating ships, dredgers and fishers, and offshore installations.

The survey and certification requirements depending on the ship size are covered within a separate chapter. Also, the readers will find the information about the ballast water exchange and the implementation standards applicable to IOPP and non-IOPP vessels, together with the possible alternatives to compliance. Due attention has been paid to the sediments considered an important aspect.

As you know, some of the ships can be exempted from compliance with the requirements of the convention and this is discussed separately, together with the equivalences. In short, this compact booklet shall be possessed on board any ship and readily available for reference at all times. No excessive size, no useless information, no difficult terminology, only the necessary info.