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How many countries have signed up to the BWM treaty?

How many countries have signed up to the BWM treaty?

60 countries
How many countries have signed up to the BWM treaty? As at September 2017, the treaty has been ratified by more than 60 countries, representing more than 70% of world merchant shipping tonnage.

What does D1 and D2 mean according to the convention?

ballast water
The BWM Convention includes two performance standards for the discharge of ballast water: D1 and D2. The D1 standard concerns ballast water exchange, which must be undertaken within open ocean areas, >200nm from land and in seas >200m deep. The D2 standard covers approved ballast water treatment systems.

Which ships are exempt from BWM Convention regulations?

According to Article 3, the BWM Convention applies to all ships including submersibles, floating craft, floating platforms, FSUs and FPSOs. It will not apply to: ships not designed to carry ballast water. warships, naval auxiliary ships or other ships owned or operated by a state.

What is ballast water exchange and who’s responsible for its management?

The vessel’s Master and the designated “Ballast Water Management Officer” are the responsible authorities for the implementation of the Ballast Water Management Plan.

Is India ratified ballast water convention?

1. India has not yet ratified BWM Convention; however, as per Article 18 of the Ballast Water Management Convention, any instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession deposited after the date on which this Convention enters into force shall take effect three months after the date of deposit.

What do you mean by ballast water?

Ballast water is fresh or saltwater held in the ballast tanks and cargo holds of ships. It is used to provide stability and maneuverability during a voyage when ships are not carrying cargo, not carrying heavy enough cargo, or when more stability is required due to rough seas.

What is the coverage of ballast water convention?

The Convention aims to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms from one region to another and halt damage to the marine environment from ballast water discharge, by minimising the uptake and subsequent discharge of sediments and organisms.

What regulation is ballast water exchange?

Regulation D-1 Ballast Water Exchange Standard – Ships performing Ballast Water exchange shall do so with an efficiency of 95 per cent volumetric exchange of Ballast Water.

What is the aim of ballast water management convention?

“The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004” (Ballast Water Management Convention) was adopted in 2004 with the aim of protecting the marine environment from the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms in ballast water carried by ships.

What is ballasting and deballasting?

Ballasting or de-ballasting is a process by which sea water is taken in and out of the ship when the ship is at the port or at the sea. Ballast tanks are constructed in ships with piping system and high capacity ballast pumps to carry out the operation.

What is SOC flag shipping?

Issuance of statement of compliance (SOC) to Indian Flag vessels on verification of compliance with the International Convention.

What does ballast water contain?

Ballast water discharge typically contains a variety of biological materials, including plants, animals, viruses and bacteria. There are hundreds of organisms carried in ballast water that cause ecological effects outside their natural environment.

What was the purpose of the ballast water convention?

What is the Ballast Water Management Convention? The Ballast Water Management Convention or BWM Convention (full name International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004) is a treaty adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in order to help prevent the spread

Why do ships need a ballast water management plan?

All international sea going ships under the Convention must implement a ‘Ballast water management plan’ that enables the ship to manage their ballast water and sediment discharge to a certain standard. The plan is designed to meet the requirements for compliance with the Convention and the G4 Guidelines produced by the IMO.

When was the ballast water working group established?

From 1999 onwards, the Ballast Water Working Group, established by the MEPC in 1994, focused on the preparation of a free-standing Convention on control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments.

What are the two regulations for ballast water?

The Convention includes two regulations that define ballast water management standards; Regulation D-1 addresses the Ballast Water Exchange standard and Regulation D-2 details the Ballast Water Performance standard towards treatment of ballast water using Type Approved Ballast Water Management System.

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Ruth Doyle