BIMCO launches practical guide to support BWM Convention entry into force
Overview
BIMCO’s new Shipmaster’s Ballast Water Manual provides clear, accessible information for seafarers dealing with practicalities of daily ballast water management. The manual covers all aspects of the Convention, including regulatory implementation, inspections by port state control and charterers and the latest guidance issued by the IMO.
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.
Lars Robert Pedersen, Deputy Secretary General at BIMCO said:
Implementation of the BWM Convention has been just around the corner for a long time, but there is still a great deal of confusion over the actual realities of the operational requirements, each ships’ ballast water management plan and the associated record keeping to demonstrate compliance.
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.
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.
The manual reflects latest guidance from the IMO and can be ordered online or by emailing info@witherbys.com. The Shipmaster’s Ballast Water Manual is priced €150, or €85 for BIMCO members.
VPS Bunker Alerts
Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) publish regular Bunker Alerts based entirely on fuel samples and have kindly permitted BIMCO’s Members to access this information.
The Bunker Alerts are not intended to be an evaluation of overall bunker quality in the port or area concerned, but usually highlight a specific parameter within the fuel which has raised a quality issue.
Latest ice reports for members
Latest piracy reports
Latest industry releasable threats
Related publication
Shipmaster's Ballast Water Manual 2.0
The background for this publication is the new regulations relating to ballast water that have changed dramatically in recent years and the operational aspec...
ELSEWHERE ON BIMCO
Contracts & Clauses
All of BIMCO's most widely used contracts and clauses as well as advice on managing charters and business partners.
Learn about your cargo
For general guidance and information on cargo-related queries.
BIMCO Publications
Want to buy or download a BIMCO publication? Use the link to get access to the ballast water management guide, the ship master’s security manual and many other publications.
About a new business partner
We can help members check new business partners. We also help to recover millions of USD (undisputed) funds every year.
