Cyprus’ Ministry of Shipping has released guidance for ships operating under its flag to ensure compliance with the International Ballast Water Management (IBWM) Convention, specifically when encountering Challenging Water Quality (CWQ) conditions. This guidance is based on Resolution MEPC.387(81) adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Challenging Water Quality Conditions
Challenging Water Quality Conditions (CWQ) are defined as the quality of the ambient water being taken up as ballast that has parameters (including, but not limited to, high total suspended solids or turbidity) which cause a Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) that is properly installed, maintained, and operated, and is type-approved, to become temporarily inoperable. This inoperability is due to the BWMS reaching its operational limitations or being unable to meet operational demand. It is important to note that temperature and salinity are not parameters that define Challenging Water Quality.
Pre-emptive bypass of a BWMS due to anticipated Challenging Water Quality Conditions can only be conducted after obtaining written consent from this Administration. This is because water quality can vary significantly depending on the precise location, the current sea tide, weather conditions, or overall sea state.
In situations where a pre-emptive bypass is intended, an application must be submitted to this Administration using the designated form well in advance of the operation. If approved, a relevant dispensation letter will be granted under specific provisions. This process is essential to ensure that the ballast water operation does not negatively impact or damage the environment, human health, property, or resources of the coastal State.
Provisions Given
The approval granted by this Administration for a pre-emptive bypass of the Ballast Water Treatment Plant due to Challenging Water Quality Conditions may include, but is not limited to, the following provisions:
- Port State Notification: The Master of the vessel must notify the Port State authorities of the intention to override the Ballast Water Treatment Plant.
- Adherence to MEPC Guidance: The Master must take all necessary actions following the provisions of Resolution MEPC.387(81) – Interim Guidance on the Application of the BWM Convention to Ships Operating in Challenging Water Quality.
- Subsequent Ballast Water Exchange and Treatment: Upon departure from the port where the override occurred, the Master, having loaded the minimum required volume of ballast water, shall proceed to the first suitable location to perform ballast water exchange for each contaminated tank. This exchange must be conducted under the operational and safety provisions outlined in the vessel’s Ballast Water Management plan and Regulations B-4 and O-1 of the BWM Convention. Following the exchange, the ballast water must undergo flushing and treatment to meet the D-2 Standards. Any specific instructions received from the Port State authorities must also be followed.
- Record Keeping: All operations related to the pre-emptive bypass, ballast water exchange, and treatment must be accurately recorded in the Ballast Water Management Record.
- Notification to Next Port: The authorities of the next port of call must be informed that the Ballast Water Treatment Plant was overridden at the previous port.
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Source: Cyprus Shipping Ministry
