ECM Client Alert 05-2017: Update on the Ballast Water Management Extension Program

The US Coast Guard issued Marine Safety Information Bulletin MSIB 02-20 (Change 1) entitled ‘Novel Coronavirus – Update’. Among other things, it states that the Coast Guard considers it a hazardous condition under 33 CFR 160.216 if a crewmember who was in Iran or China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) within the past 14-days is brought aboard the vessel during transit. This requires immediate notification to the nearest Coast Guard COTP. (3/9/20)

The USCG in its Marine Safety Information Bulletin (IMSB) dated 9 April 2020, notes that disruptions to supply chains and workforce availability in the current COVID-19 pandemic can lead to delays in the installation and the commissioning of ballast water treatment systems (BWTS). The Coast Guard is, therefore, adjusting its extension policy under the US Ballast Water Management Regulations for vessels which may be impacted by the pandemic, with BWTS compliance dates before 1 April 2021. In instances where the pandemic has made it impractical to perform necessary or scheduled work on a vessel;

This Client Alert adds to the Club’s recent update reporting on EPA’s announcement of 6 October that it was proposing vessel discharge standards under VIDA.