Ballast Water Management Convention?What are D-1, D-2 Standards?IMO Frequently Asked Questions V.IMP

Summary

The video explains the International Maritime Organization's Ballast Water Management Convention (BWM Convention), which aims to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms through ships' ballast water. The convention, enforced from 8th September 2017, requires ships to manage their ballast water by exchanging or treating it to meet specified standards (D1 and D2). The video covers the standards for ballast water exchange and discharge, the required documentation for ships, and the phased implementation timeline. Additionally, it highlights the global adoption of the treaty and its ongoing amendments to ensure compliance and protect marine ecosystems.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Ballast Water Management Convention (BWM Convention) is an international treaty aimed at preventing the spread of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens via ballast water.
• 🌍 The convention entered into force globally on September 8, 2017, and applies to ships engaged in international voyages that take on and discharge ballast water.
• 📜 Ships are required to have a Ballast Water Management Plan, a Ballast Water Record Book, and an International Ballast Water Management Certificate (for ships over 400 GT).
• 🌊 There are two key ballast water management standards: D1 (ballast water exchange) and D2 (discharge standards based on viable organisms and pathogens).
• ⚖️ From September 8, 2017, all ships must comply with at least the D1 standard, while new ships must meet the D2 standard.
• 🔬 The D2 standard limits the number of viable organisms allowed in ballast water discharges, including strict criteria for harmful bacteria like E. coli and Vibrio cholerae.
• 🔄 The compliance timeline is phased in over time, with older ships required to meet the D2 standard upon their next IOPP certificate renewal after September 8, 2019.
• 📅 Ships that do not have an IOPP certificate renewal by September 8, 2024, must meet the D2 standard as determined by their flag state.
• 🚢 Ships may be inspected by port state control authorities to verify compliance with the BWM Convention, including reviewing the Ballast Water Record Book and sampling ballast water.
• 💡 Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS) must be approved by the ship's flag state and meet IMO guidelines, including robust testing and performance specifications.
• 🌐 As of September 2017, more than 60 countries, representing over 70% of global merchant shipping tonnage, have ratified the BWM Convention.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention?

The purpose of the BWM Convention is to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens through ships' ballast water, thereby protecting the marine environment from invasive species and diseases.

When did the BWM Convention enter into force?

The BWM Convention entered into force globally on September 8, 2017.

Which ships are required to comply with the BWM Convention?

Ships that are registered under contracting parties to the BWM Convention and use ballast water during international voyages must comply with the convention.

What are the two ballast water management standards under the convention?

The two standards are the D1 and D2 standards. D1 requires ballast water exchange in open seas, while D2 sets limits on the number of viable organisms and pathogens allowed to be discharged.

What is the difference between the D1 and D2 ballast water management standards?

The D1 standard involves ballast water exchange in open seas to dilute organisms, whereas the D2 standard specifies the maximum permissible concentrations of viable organisms and harmful microbes in ballast water discharged into the sea.

What is the timeline for compliance with the D2 standard for existing ships?

Existing ships must meet the D2 standard at their next International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate (IOPPC) renewal survey, which should occur after September 8, 2019.

What documents must ships carry to comply with the BWM Convention?

Ships must carry a Ballast Water Management Plan, a Ballast Water Record Book, and an International Ballast Water Management Certificate (for ships 400 GT and above).

How are ships inspected to ensure compliance with the BWM Convention?

Ships may be subjected to port state control inspections, which include checking certificates, reviewing the ballast water record book, and sampling ballast water to verify compliance with the D1 or D2 standards.

How is compliance with the BWM Convention checked for ships that do not have an IOPPC renewal survey?

Ships without an IOPPC renewal survey must meet the D2 standard by a date determined by their flag state, but not later than September 8, 2024.

How many countries have ratified the BWM Convention as of September 2017?

As of September 2017, over 60 countries have ratified the BWM Convention, representing more than 70% of the world's merchant shipping tonnage.