The Convention on Ballast Water Management is being prepared for adoption by IMO in 2003. It is likely to be based on a two-tier approach outlined as follows:
Mandatory requirements that will apply to all ships such as:
" Ballast Water and Sediments Management Plan
" Ballast Water Record Book
" New ships to carry out ballast water and sediment management procedures to a given standard
" Existing ships to carry out ballast water management procedures following a phase-in period.
Tier 2 is special requirements set by port states. MEPC has so far not agreed on the content.
Principles for Tier 1
It has been recognised that ballast water exchange is the only current technique to prevent the spread of unwanted aquatic organisms in ships ballast water. It will therefore be accepted as one of the options for compliance with Tier 1 requirements for new and existing ships.
Due to limitations in terms of biological and ship safety, it is the opinion of MEPC that ballast water exchange is an interim solution and that the convention should encourage the adoption of new treatment techniques as they become available. Standards for such techniques are currently under development.
DNV Services
DNV may assist in developing ballast water management plans for any specific vessel including calculation of sequential exchange of ballast water,
and calculations of pressure drop in air pipes for the flow through method of exchange. DNV may review ballast water management plans according to IMO Res. A.868(20) and approve exchange sequences with respect to class rules.