1084 - 02/16 - Update, Ballast Water Management Reports - USA

The US Coast Guard issued a notice reminding owners, operators, and masters that the final rule amending the ballast water management reporting and recordkeeping requirements came into effect on 22 February 2016.

From that date, vessels with ballast water tanks operating exclusively on voyages within a single Captain of the Port (COTP) zone are required to submit an annual report of their ballast water management practices.

The amendment also simplifies and streamlines the ballast water report form.

The revised rule will allow most vessels to submit ballast water reports after arrival at a port or place of destination, instead of requiring submission of such reports prior to arrival. This revision will reduce the need to submit amended reports when actual port operations differ from the anticipated operations.

Source of Information

George Radu

Thomas Miller Americas Inc.

44 Montgomery St. Suite 1480

San Francisco, CA 94104

lossprevention.ukclub@thomasmiller.com