Since September of last year, when the implementation date of the International Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention became clear, all eyes have been focused on the US Type Approval Process.  Shipowners and operators have been concerned, in particular, with the differences between the between the US and International Type approval processes and the potential that BWMS meeting the more stringent US requirements may not be available prior to the entry into force of the International BWM Convention in 2017.

In December 2016, the Coast Guard type approved three BWMSs, and we expect to see more systems submitted for type approval early this year.  The type approved systems currently available treat ballast water with filtration and either chlorination (EC) or ultraviolet light (UV) to reduce the number of living organisms to less than the regulatory limits.  Information on the US type approved systems is available at the Coast Guard  “Maritime Commons” blog, Maritime Information Exchange (CGMIX), and Homeport internet portal.  

The Coast Guard recognises that a range of BWM options are necessary for the global fleet to manage ballast water effectively, including a range of BWMS sizes and treatment types.  Even as we continue to focus on type approving additional BWMS, vessel owners and operators need to look beyond type approval to the challenges associated with fitting and operating the systems and planning for compliance with US and International standards.  

Understand the Type Approval Certificate

BWMS type approvals are not the same as type approvals for more passive and less complex systems, such as life saving or firefighting equipments.  BWMS type approvals are highly technical and very complex.  System requirements such as flow rates, power level, water temperature and hold time vary greatly, not only between system type (ie between UV and EC), but also between systems of the same type produced by different manufacturers.  An approved system will be compliant with the discharge standard only if it is operated as specified in the type approval.  Most often the type approval will reference the manufactures operating manual for the system.  It is incumbent on owner/operators to evaluate the technical specifications of each BWMS to ensure the system they intend to install fits the operating profile of the vessel on which it is intended to be installed.

In order to assist owner/operators with this decision, the Coast Guard lists key system parameters on the US Coast Guard Certificate of Approval.  Other key parameters such as power consumption, system dimension and space requirements can be found in the system specific operations manuals.  I strongly urge vessel owners/operators to work closely with system manufacturers to evaluate potential BWMSs to ensure the system they choose adequately fits their needs and the needs of their fleet.

Understand the new compliance date extension process

There are now type approved systems available and, accordingly, the Coast Guard has transitioned to a post-type approval extension regime. It is important for the vessel owner/operator to understand the new extension request requirements.  Previously, it was relatively simple for a vessel owner/operator to document that, despite all efforts, compliance with one of the accepted ballast water management methods, including installation of a Coast Guard type approved BWMS, was not possible. Now that three BWMSs have been type approved, it changes the way we approach these requests. Operators can no longer request an extension simply citing there is no Coast Guard type approved system available. Each extension request requires an explicit statement supported by documentary evidence that one of the accepted methods in the regulations, including installation of a Coast Guard type approved system, is not possible for purposes of compliance with the regulatory implementation schedule.  

Other factors that we consider when evaluating an extension request include the lead time required to contract and install a US type approved system, issues related to limited market and manufacturing capabilities, and limited shipyard capacity. The Coast Guard will no longer accept batch applications for extensions; instead, each vessel must be evaluated individually. Lastly, vessels equipped with a foreign type approved BWMS that has been accepted as an Alternate Management System (AMS) will likely not receive an extension because the vessel is already considered to be in compliance. As per our regulations, vessels may use an AMS for up to five years past the vessel’s compliance date.

To date, we have received over 13,000 requests for extensions to vessel compliance dates, granted just under 12,000 requests, and recently denied nine requests. Due to the volume of these requests and time that it takes to review them, it is extremely important for vessel owners/operators to pay close attention to the extension requirements. An extension request must be submitted at least 12 months prior to the vessel’s compliance date, and  supplemental requests must be filed 90 days before the termination date specified in the previous extension. Supplemental requests will be granted only for delays caused by unforeseen circumstances or situations beyond the control of the owner or operator.  

Plan for compliance

It is imperative that vessel owners/operators review and update vessel Ballast Water Management plans routinely and especially now that type approved systems are available. Ballast water exchange and the use of Coast Guard accepted AMS are being phased out as compliance options. This means that vessel owners/operators must understand the accepted BWM method(s) that will be used, train the crew in proper procedures and use of any BWM equipment, and incorporate ballast water management into the vessel’s Safety Management System. The core of this approach is the BWM plan (BWMP). 

A comprehensive plan addresses a broad spectrum of items. Here are some general issues that must be addressed in detail in a ship-specific BWMP:

1. Training requirements for the crew
2. Safety procedures related to ballast water management methods, equipment and practices, including incorporation of BWM into Safety Management Systems 
3. Specific actions for meeting the BWM requirements, documentation procedures, crew training requirements, contingency plans for the failure or inoperability of intended ballast water management methods and corrective action plans and procedures,  and inclusion or specific reference to any information necessary to conduct ballast water management in accordance with the plan, taking into account any conditions and factors specific to the vessel 
4. Detailed fouling maintenance and sediment removal procedures
5. Procedures for coordinating the shipboard BWM strategy with Coast Guard authorities including procedures for informing the Coast Guard of any problems in managing ballast water intended for discharge into US waters 
6. Identification of the designated officer in charge of BWM  
7. Detailed procedures for meeting the reporting requirements for ports and places in the US visited by the vessel (different reporting procedures exist for Great Lakes, upper Hudson River, and other locations).  

Ballast water management compliance is being actively enforced in the US. Every domestic vessel inspection or Port State Control examination includes an assessment of compliance with the BWM requirements. US Coast Guard inspectors will follow the existing compliance approach where they certify documents and records, crew knowledge, equipment condition and operation, and sample BW discharge for analysis if warranted.  Failure to comply with the applicable requirements may result in penalties. 

Plan for contingencies

Vessels that have reached their compliance date will not be allowed to discharge unmanaged ballast water into US waters. The ballast water management plan should address what the vessel will do if the intended method of BWM is unexpectedly unavailable (eg the BWMS stops operating, a reception facility or PWS is temporarily unavailable, etc). This plan is critical to the safe and efficient operation of the vessel. 

This year, the Coast Guard will publish more guidance on the ballast water management programme.  Specifically, we will continue to clarify details with regard to our compliance programme and compliance date extensions.  All of the outreach and guidance documents developed will be posted on the Homeport website. I look forward to continued dialogue between the Coast Guard and industry as we work to reduce the threats of ballast-mediated biological invasions in US waters.