MEPC 53/24/Add.1

I:\MEPC\53\24-ADD-1.DOC ANNEX 2

RESOLUTION MEPC.124(53)

Adopted on 22 July 2005

GUIDELINES FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE (G6)

THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION COMMITTEE,

RECALLING Article 38(a) of the Convention on the International Maritime Organization concerning the functions of the Marine Enviro nment Protection Committee conferred upon it by

the international conventions for the prevention and c ontrol of marine pollution,

RECALLING ALSO that the International C onference on Ballast Water Management for Ships held in February 2004 adopted the In ternational Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Se diments, 2004 (the Ballast Water Management Convention) together with four Conference resolutions,

NOTING that Regulation A-2 of the Ballast Wa ter Management Convent ion requires that discharge of ballast water shall only be co nducted through Ballast Water Management in accordance with the provisions of the Annex to the Convention,

NOTING FURTHER that Regulatio n B-4 of the Annex to the Ballast Water Management

Convention addresses the conditi ons under which ballast water ex change should be conducted, taking into account Guidelines developed by the Organization,

NOTING ALSO that resolution 1 adopted by the International Conference on Ballast Water Management for Ships invites the Organization to develop these Guidelines as a matter of

urgency,

HAVING CONSIDERED the draft Guidelines fo r ballast water exchange developed by the Ballast Water Working Group and the reco mmendation made by the Sub-Committee on Bulk Liquids and Gases at its ninth session,

1. ADOPTS the Guidelines for ballast water exchange, as set out in the Annex to this resolution;

2. INVITES Governments to apply the Guidelines as soon as possible, or when the Convention becomes applicable to them; and

3. AGREES to keep the Guidelines under review.MEPC 53/24/Add.1

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I:\MEPC\53\24-ADD-1.DOC ANNEX

GUIDELINES FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE (G6)

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 The purpose of these Guidelines is to provi de shipowners and operators with general guidance on the development of ship specific pr ocedures for conducting ba llast water exchange. Whenever possible ship owner and operators s hould enlist the assistance of classification societies or qualified marine surveyors in tailoring ballast exchange practic es for various conditions of weather, cargo an d stability. The application of processes and procedures concerning ballast water management are at the core of the solution to prevent, minimize and ultimately eliminate the introduction of harmful a quatic organisms and pathogens. Ballast water exchange offers a means, when used in conjunction with good ballast water management practices, to assist in achieving this solution.

1.2 Ballast water exchange introduces a number of safety issues, which affect both the ship

and its crew. These Guidelines are intended to provide guidance on the safety and operational aspects of ballast wate r exchange at sea.

1.3 Given that there are different types of ships, which may be required to undertake ballast water exchange at sea, it is impractical to provide specific guidelines for each ship type. Shipowners are cautioned that they should consider the ma ny variables that apply to their ships.

Some of these variables include type and size of ship, ballast ta nk configurations and associated pumping systems, trading routes and associated weather conditions, port State requirements and manning.

Application

1.4 The Guidelines apply to all those involve d with ballast water exchange including, shipowners and operators, designers, classifica tion societies and shipbuilders. Operational procedures and guidance reflecting the issues rose in these Guidelines should be reflected in the ships ballast water management plan.

2 DEFINITIONS

2.1 For the purposes of these Guidelines, the de finitions in the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sedi ments (the Convention) apply and:

.1 “Ballast Water Tank” – means any tank, hold, or space used for the carriage of

ballast water.

3 RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 Shipowners and operators should ensure, prio r to undertaking ballast water exchange, that all the safety aspects associated with the ball ast water exchange method or methods used onboard have been considered and that suitably traine d personnel are onboard. A review of the safety aspects, the suitability of the exchange method s being used and the aspects of crew training

should be undertaken at regular intervals.MEPC 53/24/Add.1

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I:\MEPC\53\24-ADD-1.DOC 3.2 The Ballast Water Management Plan is to include the duties of key shipboard control personnel undertaking ballast water exchange at sea. Such pers onnel should be fully conversant with the safety aspects of ballast water exchange and in particul ar the method of exchange used on board their ship and the particular safety aspects associated with the method used.

3.3 In accordance with Regulation B-4.4 of the Convention if the master reasonably decides that to perform ballast water exchange would threat en the safety or stability of the ship, its crew or its passengers, because of adverse weather, th e ship’s design, stress, equipment failure, or any other extraordinary condition a ship shall not be required to comply with Regulations B-4.1

and B-4.2.

.1 When a ship does not undertake ballast wa ter exchange for the reasons stated in paragraph above, the reasons shall be en tered in the Ballast Water Record Book.

.2 The port or coastal State concerned may re quire that the discharge of ballast water must be in accordance with procedures determined by them taking into account

the Guidelines for additional measures including emergency situations (G13).

4 BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Exchange of ballast water in deep ocean ar eas or open seas offers a means of limiting the probability that harmful aquatic organisms and pat hogens be transferred in ships ballast water.

4.2 Regulation D-1 of the Convention requires that:

.1 ships performing ballast water exchange in accordance with this regulation shall do so with an efficiency of at least 95 per cent volumetric exchange of ballast water; and

.2 for ships exchanging ballast water by the pumping-through method, pumping through three times the volume of each ball ast water tank shall be considered to meet the standard described in paragr aph 1. Pumping through less than three times the volume may be accepted provide d the ship can demonstrate that at least 95 per cent volumetric exchange is met.

4.3 There are three methods of Ballast Water exchange which have been evaluated and accepted by the Organization. The three methods are the sequential method, the flow-through

method and the dilution method. The flow -through method and the dilution method are considered as “pump through” methods.

4.4 The three accepted methods can be described as follows:

Sequential method – a process by which a ballast tank intended for the carriage of ballast water is first emptied a nd then refilled with replacemen t ballast water to achieve at least a 95 per cent volumetric exchange.

Flow-through method – a process by which replacement ba llast water is pumped into a

ballast tank intended for th e carriage of ballast water, allowing water to flow through overflow or other arrangements.MEPC 53/24/Add.1

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I:\MEPC\53\24-ADD-1.DOC Dilution method – a process by which replacement ballast water is filled through the top of the ballast tank intended for the carriage of ballast water with simultaneous discharge

from the bottom at the same flow rate and ma intaining a constant level in the tank through out the ballast exchange operation.

5 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ASSOCI ATED WITH BALLAST WATER

EXCHANGE

5.1 Three methods of carrying out ballast water exchange at sea have been identified as acceptable by the Organization. Each has particular safety aspects associated with it that should be considered when selecting the method( s) to be used on a particular ship.

5.2 When identifying the ballast water exchange method(s) for the first time for a particular ship, an evaluation should be made which should include:

.1 the safety margins for stability and st rength contained in allowable seagoing conditions, as specified in the approved trim and stability booklet and the loading

manual relevant to individual types of ships. Account s hould also be taken of the loading conditions and the envisaged balla st water exchange method or methods to be used;

.2 the ballast pumping and piping system taking account of the number of ballast pumps and their capacities, size and arra ngements of ballast water tanks; and

.3 the availability and capacity of tank vents and overflow arrangements, for the flow through method, the availability and capac ity of tank overflow points, prevention of under and over pressuriza tion of the ballast tanks.

5.3 Particular account should be taken of the following:

.1 stability which is to be maintained at all times and not less than those values recommended by the Organization or required by the Administration;

.2 longitudinal stress, and where applicable torsional stress values, not to exceed permitted values with regard to prevailing sea conditions;

.3 exchange of ballast in tanks where signi ficant structural loads may be generated by sloshing action in the partially filled ta nk to be carried out in favourable sea

and swell conditions such that the risk of structural damage is minimized;

.4 wave-induced hull vibrations when carrying out ballast water exchange;

.5 limitations of the available methods of ba llast water exchange in respect of sea and weather conditions;

.6 forward and aft draughts and trim, with pa rticular reference to bridge visibility, slamming, propeller immersion a nd minimum forward draft; and

.7 additional work loads on the master and crew.MEPC 53/24/Add.1

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I:\MEPC\53\24-ADD-1.DOC 5.4 Having undertaken an evaluation for a partic ular ship and the exchange method or methods to be used, the ship should be provided with procedures, advice and information appropriate to the exchange method(s) iden tified and ship type in the Ballast Water Management Plan. The procedur es, advice, and information in the Ballast Water Management Plan, may include but is not limited to the following:

.1 avoidance of over and under-pressurization of ballast tanks;

.2 free surface effects on stability and sloshi ng loads in tanks that may be slack at any one time;

.3 maintain adequate intact stability in accordance with an approved trim and stability booklet;

.4 permissible seagoing strength limits of shear forces and bending moments in accordance with an approved loading manual;

.5 torsional forces;

.6 forward and aft draughts and trim, with pa rticular reference to bridge visibility, propeller immersion and minimum forward draft;

.7 wave-induced hull vibrations when performing ballast water exchange;

.8 watertight and weatherti ght closures (e.g. manholes ) which may have to be opened during ballast excha nge must be re-secured;

.9 maximum pumping/flow rates – to ensure the tank is not subject ed to a pressure greater than that for wh ich it has been designed;

.10 internal transf ers of ballast;

.11 admissible weather conditions;

.12 weather routeing in areas seasonably a ffected by cyclones, typhoons, hurricanes, or heavy icing conditions;

.13 documented records of ballasting and/or de -ballasting and/or internal transfers of ballast;

.14 contingency procedures for situations wh ich may affect ballast water exchange at sea, including deteriorating weather c onditions, pump failure and loss of power;

.15 time to complete the ballast water ex change for each tank or an appropriate sequence thereof;

.16 continual monitoring of the ballast wa ter operation; monitoring should include pumps, levels in tanks, line and pum p pressures, stability and stresses;

.17 a list of circumstances in which ballast wa ter exchange should not be undertaken. These circumstances may result from critical situations of an exceptional nature orMEPC 53/24/Add.1

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I:\MEPC\53\24-ADD-1.DOC force majeure due to stress of weather, known e quipment failures or defects, or any other circumstances in which human life or safety of the ship is threatened;

.18 ballast water exchange at sea should be avoided in freezing weather conditions. However, when it is deemed absolutely necessary, particular attention should be paid to the hazards associated with the freezing of overboard discharge arrangements, air pipes, ballast system valves together w ith their means of control, and the build up of ice on deck; and

.19 personnel safety, including precautions which may be required when personnel are required to work on deck at night, in heavy weather, when ballast water overflows the deck, and in freezing conditi ons. These concerns may be related to the risks to the personnel of falling and in jury, due to the slippery wet surface of the deck plate, when water is overflowi ng on deck, and to the direct contact with the ballast water, in terms of occupational health and safety.

5.5 During ballast water exchange sequences th ere may be times when, for a transitory period, one or more of the following criteria ca nnot be fully met or are found to be difficult to

maintain:

.1 bridge visibility standards (SOLAS V/22);

.2 propeller immersion; and

.3 minimum draft forward.

5.6 As the choice of acceptable ballast water excha nge sequences is limited for most ships, it is not always practicable to dismiss from cons ideration those sequences where transitory noncompliance may occur. The practical alternativ e would be to accept such sequences provided an appropriate note is placed in the Ballast Water Ma nagement Plan to alert the ship’s master. The

note would advise the master of the nature of the transitory non-compliance, that additional planning may be required and that adequate pr ecautions need to be taken when using such

sequences.

5.7 In planning a ballast water exchange opera tion that includes sequences which involve periods when the criteria for propeller immers ion, minimum draft and / or trim and bridge visibility cannot be met, the Master should assess:

.1 the duration(s) and time(s) during the operation that any of the criteria will not be

met;

.2 the effect(s) on the navigational and manoeuvring capabilitie s of the ship; and

.3 the time to complete the operation.

5.8 A decision to proceed with the operation shoul d only be taken when it is anticipated that:

.1 the ship will be in open water;

.2 the traffic density will be low;MEPC 53/24/Add.1

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I:\MEPC\53\24-ADD-1.DOC .3 an enhanced navigational watch will be maintained including if necessary an additional look out forward with adequa te communications with the navigation bridge;

.4 the manoeuvrability of the vessel will not be unduly impaired by the draft and trim and or propeller immersion duri ng the transitory period; and

.5 the general weather and sea state condi tions will be suitable and unlikely to

deteriorate.

5.9 On oil tankers, segregated ballast and clean ballast may be discharged below the water line at sea by pumps if the ballast water ex change is performed under the provisions of Regulation D-1.1 of the Internat ional Convention for the Contro l and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, provided that the surface of the ballast water has been examined either visually or by other m eans immediately before the discharge to ensure that no contamination with oil has taken place.

6 CREW TRAINING A ND FAMILIARIZATION

6.1 Appropriate training for ships’ masters a nd crews should include instructions on the safety issues associated with ballast water exchange based upon the information contained in

these Guidelines. Instruction s hould be provided on the ships’ Ballast Water Management Plan including the completion of required records.

6.2 Ships’ officers and crew engaged in ballast wa ter exchange at sea shou ld be trained in and be familiar with the following as appropriate:

.1 the ship’s ballast pumping and piping arra ngements, positions of associated air and sounding pipes, positions of all compar tment and tank suctions and pipelines connecting them to ship's ballast pumps a nd, in the case of use of the flow through method of ballast water exchange, the openi ngs used for release of water from the top of the tank together with ove rboard discharge arrangements;

.2 the method of ensuring that sounding pipes are clear, and that air pipes and their non-return devices are in good order;

.3 the different times required to undert ake the various ballast water exchange operations including the time to complete individual tanks;

.4 the method(s) in use for ballast water excha nge at sea if applicable with particular reference to required safety precautions; and

.5 the need to continually monitor ballast water exch ange operations.

7 FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS IN RELATION TO BALLAST WATER

EXCHANGE

7.1 These Guidelines may be revised and updated in the light of possible technical evolutions

with the ballast water excha nge methods and of new ballast water management options.

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