ESSENTIAL CHANGES TO BALLAST WATER RECORD-KEEPING HOT!

This article highlights recent amendments to the BWRB requirements, emphasizing their significance for compliance and environmental protection

The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) requires ships to maintain a Ballast Water Record Book (BWRB) to document ballast water discharges and operations.

New Form of BWRB
At its 80th session, the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) adopted amendments to the BWRB form (Appendix II of the BWM Convention) as detailed in resolution MEPC.369(80). As of February 1, 2025, the
BWRB must contain the information specified in the amended form. Until then, the existing form remains mandatory. Shipowners may opt for the early implementation of the new form of BWRB before this due date,
provided they obtain authorization from the vessel's flag Administration.