The BWM Convention was ratified by a sufficient number of states on 8 September 2016, bringing the total gross tonnage to over 35% from the signatory states. This means the convention will enter into force 12 months later, on 8 September 2017. This news describes consequences for the shipping industry and recommendations to ship owners.
The Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention requires:
-A ship-specific Ballast Water Management Plan approved by the administration on board
-A Ballast Water record book on board
-Ballast water exchange (Regulation D-1)
-An approved ballast water treatment system (Regulation D-2)
-An International Ballast Water Management certificate.
The convention stipulates two standards for discharged ballast water. The D-1 standard covers ballast water exchange while the D-2 standard covers ballast water treatment. The convention requires either D-1 or D-2 standard after entry into force. In any case, each ship must be installed with a BWM treatment system by the first IOPP survey after 8th of September 2017.