Guidance from IMO on Ballast Water Record-Keeping and Reporting for 2024
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) released updated guidance on ballast water record-keeping and reporting in 2024, aimed at helping ships comply with the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM Convention). This guidance clarifies the record-keeping and reporting processes for ballast water management, ensuring that ship operators can accurately complete the required documentation and adhere to the Convention.
These updates were approved during the 80th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) in July 2023, with further revisions made at the 82nd session in October 2024. The revisions specifically address the recording of ballast water operations under challenging water quality conditions, in line with the interim guidance (resolution MEPC.387(81)) concerning the application of the BWM Convention in such scenarios.
The updated guidance includes several key components:
- Ballast Water Record Book: Detailed instructions on when and how to record ballast water operations, including ballasting, deballasting, and treatment processes. It also specifies the duration for which records should be kept and the required format.
- Ballast Water Reporting Form: An example of the Ballast Water Reporting Form is included, which ships must submit to authorities. This form captures essential data about ballast water operations, such as locations, quantities, and whether treatment was applied. The guidance provides step-by-step instructions for accurately completing this form.
- Voluntary Tank-by-Tank Log: Ships are encouraged to maintain a voluntary tank-by-tank log for more detailed recording of ballast water operations. This log aids operators in monitoring ballast water treatment on a per-tank basis and offers supplementary information to the Ballast Water Record Book. Instructions for maintaining this log are also provided.
- Challenging Water Quality Scenarios: The revised guidance addresses operational situations where ships encounter difficult water quality conditions (e.g., brackish or polluted waters), ensuring accurate recording and reporting of ballast water operations even in these environments.
The updated circular, designated as BWM.2/Circ.80/Rev.1, replaces the previous version (BWM.2/Circ.80) and includes new templates and examples, such as:
- Appendix 1: Sample entries for the Ballast Water Record Book.
- Appendix 2: A completed example of the Ballast Water Reporting Form.
- Appendix 3: A sample of the voluntary tank-by-tank log.
Member governments are encouraged to share this guidance with all relevant stakeholders to promote compliance with the BWM Convention. By providing clear instructions and templates, the IMO aims to assist shipowners and operators in maintaining accurate records and preventing the spread of harmful aquatic species through ballast water.
