MEPC 76-INF20 Commentary on entries in the ballast water record book HOT!

This document is submitted in order to provide stakeholder input to the data gathering and analysis plan (DGAP) (BWM.2/Circ.67/Rev.1) as envisaged in the experience-building phase (resolution 290(71)) and provides the Committee with a copy of INTERTANKO's Commentary on entries in the ballast water record book (BWRB)

Introduction

1. Following the entry into force of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 on 8 September 2017, all ocean-going ships have been required to record ballast operations in a ballast water record book (BWRB), a requirement under regulation B-2 of the Convention. Appendix II of the Convention (Form of Ballast Water Record Book) specifies the ballast operations that should be recorded, as a minimum, in the BWRB.

2. The correct and accurate completion of the BWRB by ships' crews is a critical step in the compliance process.
The criticality of ensuring that entries in the BWRB are correct is equally relevant for those on board as well as those inspecting and auditing the ship for regulatory compliance purposes.