
The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM) has not as yet been ratified, but the IMO General Assembly adopted Resolution A.1088(28) on December 4 2013, adapting the BWM implementation schedule to renewal surveys for conformity with the requirements of Annex 1 to MARPOL and provides relevant important interpretations.
When the Convention enters into force all ships will be required to have an approved Ballast Water Management Plan and the Ballast Water Record Book.
Notice: As the Convention cannot be modified before it enters into force Resolution A.1088(28) recommends the administrations to apply its provisions. All the same, it is quite probable that when the Convention enters into force it will immediately be amended by the changes referred to above.
In order to adapt ships to the requirements of the Convention as well as local requirements Polski Rejestr Statków S.A. offers shipowners:
•technical consultancy services,
•approval of technical documentation – including ballast water management plans, and
•certification of ballast waters treatment systems
both in cases of converting ballast water systems on ships in operation as well as installation of ballast waters treatment systems on newbuildings.
More information on PRS involvement in implementing the requirements on control and proceeding with ballast waters and sediments on board ships is accessible here.
Resolution A.1088(28) is accessible here.
More information is available in the PRS Machinery and Equipment Department, tel. 58 75 11 226, e-mail: tm@prs.pl.
prs.pl