BIMCO launches practical guide in line with BWM Convention

BIMCO has launched a practical guide for shipmasters managing new ballast water management systems, in the light of the entry into force of the IMO’s Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention.

The BWM Convention came into force on 8 September 2017. To prevent the transfer of potentially invasive species, ballast water must now be treated before it is unloaded into a new location, so that any micro-organisms or small marine species are destroyed.  There are currently numerous ballast water management systems that have been approved by the IMO but IMO member states and most seafarers are still unfamiliar with their operations.

In response, the new Shipmaster’s Ballast Water Manual provides information for seafarers dealing with practicalities of daily ballast water management and covers all aspects of the Convention, including regulatory implementation, inspections by port state control and charterers and the latest guidance issued by the IMO.

    “This new guide has been written with seafarers in mind, in a practical and easily accessible way, to be used onboard at sea, helping the crew to manage the new obligations safely and effectively,” said Lars Robert Pedersen, Deputy Secretary General at BIMCO.

BIMCO’s Shipmaster’s Ballast Water Manual links to the already established safety management system (SMS) covering the company and the ship, which includes proper plans for shipboard operations. The SMS requires crew and officers to be familiar with applicable onboard instructions and procedures, including ballast water management.