- New Ballast Water Record Book Format Mandatory by February 2025.
- Electronic Ballast Water Record Books Allowed with New Compliance Standards.
- Operators Must Maintain Detailed Records for Ballast Water Operations.
A Technical Advisory Notice 001-25 from the Isle of Man Ship Registry, dated January 10, 2025, has introduced new requirements for the Ballast Water Record Book (BWRB). The changes introduced are in line with IMO resolutions MEPC.369(80) and MEPC.383(81) of the BWM Convention. The change of format in the record book and electronic record-keeping standards would enhance compliance with the prevailing international regulations, reports Dan Compliance.
New Ballast Water Record Book Format
One of the amendments of Annex II to the BWM Convention is that a format for BWRB needs to be adopted by February 1, 2025. This format makes provisions for standardizing how ballast water operations are recorded, including uptake, discharge, treatment, and exceptional events.
In situations where ships are experiencing a delay in receiving the new-format BWRB, the Isle of Man Ship Registry allows for temporary conversion of old-format record books. To meet this requirement, operators must close the existing record books by marking unused pages, attach this advisory notice with introductory pages from MEPC.369(80), and ensure all new entries are in the correct codes and formats.
Electronic Ballast Water Record Books (e-BWRB)
The use of electronic BWRBs is now allowed, but only if they comply with the requirements of MEPC.383(81) by October 1, 2025. These systems have to be compliant with standards of electronic signatures, data storage, and offline functionality as required by MEPC.372(80).
Electronic record-keeping systems must be certified by an Isle of Man Recognized Organization (RO) or a Red Ensign Group (REG) member if they are to be accepted. The ship’s RO must check that the system has been properly installed, including backup procedures, and issue a Declaration of Compliance. A copy of the declaration must be carried onboard and not produced at inspections may lead to the electronic records not being accepted.
Working Requirements for BWRB Entries
For instance, under the new format, extensive documentation requirements are followed during ballast water operations. This includes recording uptake and discharge, which should be recorded with start and completion times, location, affected tanks, and volumes. Additionally, treatment and exchange information needs to be documented and recorded in terms of methods, operation times, locations, and distances from shore.
Events such as accidental discharges, system failures, and sediment disposal shall be recorded with detailed descriptions. In case of system failures, records shall include alarm details and corrective actions taken to rectify the situation.
Compliance Timelines
All ships must convert to the new BWRB format no later than February 1, 2025. If a ship decides to apply for electronic BWRBs, it must comply with the MEPC.383(81) standards as of October 1, 2025.
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Source: Dan Compliance
