Despite the fact that Ships Ballast Water Management Systems can meet the IMO D-2 discharge requirements, a Commissioning Testing is required to verify the alignment of the specific BWMS on your vessel (e.g. tanks. pipework, valves) and the related BWMS performance, as per type approval.

As per IMO BWM.2/Circ.66/Rev.2, if the initial or additional survey is completed before 1 June 2022, the commissioning testing of individual BWMS remains subject to the specific requirements of the Administration(s).                         

If the initial or additional survey is completed on or after 1 June 2022, the commissioning testing of individual BWMS should be conducted in accordance with ‘2020 Guidance for the commissioning testing of ballast water management systems’ BWM.2/Circ.70/Rev.1), as amended.

The ‘2020 Guidance for the commissioning testing of ballast water management systems’ (BWM.2/Circ.70/rev.1) includes a requirement that the collection and analysis of the representative samples should be independent of the BWMS manufacturer or supplier and to the satisfaction of the Administration’.

From 1 June 2022, as per Resolution MEPC.325(75) (Regulation E-1), amendments are adopted to Guidance for the commissioning testing of ballast water management systems during initial surveys for new construction projects and during BWMS installation surveys on existing ships. Additional, MEPC.325 (75) includes a small change to the format of the International Ballast Water Management Certificate (Reg. B-3.6, Regs. A-3.4 and A-3.5).

Ship-owners, operators should reassure a biological commissioning testing by an independent lab or approved service provider by your classification society.

Source: www.imo.org

Contact us to receive a professional advisory in your area of interest