Ballast Water Exchange: Guide For

Guide for Ballast Water Exchange
GUIDE FOR
BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE
JULY 2010 (Updated May 2018 – see next page)
American Bureau of Shipping

Incorporated by Act of Legislature of
the State of New York 1862
 2010-2018 American Bureau of Shipping. All rights reserved.

ABS Plaza
16855 Northchase Drive
Houston, TX 77060 USA
Updates
May 2018 consolidation includes:

• February 2016 version plus Notice No. 2
February 2016 consolidation includes:

• October 2010 version plus Corrigenda/Editorials
October 2010 consolidation includes:

• July 2010 version plus Notice No. 1
Foreword
Foreword
The inadvertent transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens in a vessel’s ballast water has been
determined to have caused a significant adverse impact to many of the world’s coastal regions. The
international maritime community, under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
has developed several documents, including the “International Convention for the Control and Management
of Ship’s Ballast Water and Sediment, 2004,” (Ballast Water Management Convention), which are aimed
at preventing the introduction of unwanted aquatic organisms and pathogens through the discharge of ballast
water and sediments.
The Ballast Water Management Convention will apply to vessels registered in a country which is party to
the Convention and to those vessels registered in other countries when operating in the waters of a country
which is party to the Convention.
One of the strategies incorporated into the Ballast Water Management Convention is Ballast Water Exchange
(BWE). Ballast water exchange is the process of exchanging coastal water, which may be fresh water, salt
water or brackish water, for mid-ocean water. During the exchange process, biologically laden water taken
on in the last port of call is flushed out of the ballast tanks with open ocean water, typically 200 nautical miles
from the nearest land. Scientists, specifically Marine Biologists, have determined that marine organisms and
pathogens are, in general, less numerous in the open ocean and, due to changes in the water’s chemistry,
temperature and salinity would be less likely to survive once they are discharged into the near shore receiving
waters.
While the vast majority of vessels are capable of conducting ballast water exchange, and the procedures do not
typically require any special structural modifications to most of the vessels in operation, it does present
challenges for designers, builders, owners and operators. These challenges include over-pressurization or under-
pressurization of tanks, longitudinal strength and transverse stability concerns, as well as maneuverability issues.
To assist the marine industry, ABS issued the “Advisory Notes on Ballast Water Exchange Procedures” in
October 1999. This Advisory described the implications associated with ballast water management and ballast
water exchange using fourteen typical vessels as examples. While the findings contained in the Advisory
focused on existing vessels, many of the conclusions could also be applied to assist in the development of
new buildings. However, it is to be noted that the details provided in the Advisory are vessel-specific and
that the information contained therein was to be viewed as typical, and provide representative values that
might be obtained for any single vessel and are highly dependent on the vessel’s design and structure, which
may vary greatly from one vessel to another.
This Guide for Ballast Water Exchange is provided for the use of designers, builders, owners, and operators
of vessels classed with ABS and specifies the requirements for obtaining the optional classification notation
Ballast Water Exchange (BWE). The BWE notation identifies a level of compliance with the applicable
regulations contained in the IMO “International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’
Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004”, as well as those IMO Guidelines referenced in the Convention addressing
ballast water exchange.
While the Convention has not yet entered into force, many port States, such as Brazil, Canada and the
United States have established national regulations mandating the exchange of ballast water, together with
evidence to support that the exchange has taken place (ballast water records).
This Guide is to be used in conjunction with other Rules published by ABS and IMO guidelines.
Users of this Guide acknowledge and agree that ABS is not responsible for a vessel’s operation pertaining
to ballast water exchange and shall bear no liability for such operations. This Guide references relevant
international regulations and guidelines that are considered to be applicable. While it is the intent of the
Guide to be consistent with these relevant regulations and guidelines, it is the ultimate responsibility of the
users of this guide to refer to the most recent text of those regulation and guidelines.
ABS GUIDE FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE . 2010 iii

ABS appreciates the receipt of comments and suggestions, as well as technical and application questions
for the improvement of this Guide. Users are also advised to check with ABS to verify that this version of
the Guide is current. For this purpose, enquiries can be submitted electronically to either rsd@eagle.org or
to the Rules & Guides Section of eagle.org.
The effective date of this Guide is the first day of the month of publication
iv ABS GUIDE FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE . 2010

Table of Contents
GUIDE FOR
BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE
CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 Introduction ............................................................................................ 1
Section 1 General .................................................................................. 2
Section 2 Definitions .............................................................................. 4
Section 3 Basis of Notation .................................................................... 5
Section 4 Classification Symbol and Notation ....................................... 6
Section 5 Classification Procedures ...................................................... 7
CHAPTER 2 Ballast Water Exchange Requirements ................................................ 9

Section 1 Ballast Water Exchange Standard and Requirements ........ 10
Section 2 Ballast Water Exchange Methods........................................ 12
Section 3 Ballast Water Exchange System Design and
Construction ......................................................................... 20
CHAPTER 3 Ballast Water Management Plan ......................................................... 23

Section 1 General Information ............................................................. 26
Section 2 Cover Page .......................................................................... 27
Section 3 Preamble .............................................................................. 28
Section 4 Introduction .......................................................................... 29
Section 5 Vessel Particulars ................................................................ 30
Section 6 Crew Review Record/Revision History ................................ 31
Section 7 Table of Contents................................................................. 32
Section 8 Introduction – Intent and Purpose of Ballast Water
Management and Management Plan................................... 33
Section 9 Ballast Water System Drawings and Data ........................... 35
Section 10 Ballast Water Sampling Points ............................................ 38
Section 11 Operational Guidance .......................................................... 39
Section 12 Safety Procedures for the Vessel and Crew ........................ 42
Section 13 Operational or Safety Restrictions ....................................... 43
Section 14 Description of the Method(s) Used Onboard for Ballast
Water Management and Sediment Control ......................... 44
Section 15 Procedures for the Disposal of Sediments .......................... 46
Section 16 Methods of Communication ................................................. 47
Section 17 Duties of Designated Ballast Water Management Officer
and Vessel’s Master............................................................. 48
ABS GUIDE FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE . 2010 v

Section 18 Ballast Water Record Book and Reporting Forms ...............50
Section 19 Crew Training and Familiarization .......................................52
Section 20 Supporting Documentation ..................................................53
APPENDIX 1 Ballast Water Reporting Form ............................................................. 54
APPENDIX 2 Ballast Water Record ........................................................................... 58
APPENDIX 3 International Convention for the Control and Management of

Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 ......................................... 62
APPENDIX 4 IMO Resolution A.868 (20) ................................................................... 66
vi ABS GUIDE FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE . 2010

Chapter 1: Introduction
CHAPTER 1 Introduction
CONTENTS
SECTION 1 General .................................................................................................... 2
1 Application .......................................................................................... 2
3 Objective/Scope .................................................................................. 2
FIGURE 1 Scope of this Guide ................................................................... 3
SECTION 2 Definitions............................................................................................... 4
SECTION 3 Basis of Notation .................................................................................... 5
SECTION 4 Classification Symbol and Notation ..................................................... 6

1 Systems Built under Survey ................................................................ 6
3 Systems Not Built under Survey ......................................................... 6
SECTION 5 Classification Procedures ..................................................................... 7

1 Engineering Review ............................................................................ 7
3 Initial Survey ....................................................................................... 7
5 Surveys After Construction ................................................................. 7
7 Governmental Regulations ................................................................. 8
ABS GUIDE FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE . 2010 1

Section 1: General
SECTION 1 General
1 Application
The requirements in this Guide apply to vessels that are designed, equipped and intended to conduct ballast
water exchange at sea in accordance with the “International Convention for the Control and Management
of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004”, the associated IMO Guidelines and national regulations
addressing ballast water exchange. At the request of the owner, those vessels intended to conduct ballast
water exchange which comply fully with the requirements of this Guide and the applicable Rules and have
been constructed under survey by ABS Surveyors may be assigned the BWE classification notation as
specified in Chapter 1, Section 4 of this Guide.
Within this Guide, ABS refers to relevant international regulations and guidelines that are considered to be
applicable. While it is the intent of this Guide to be consistent with the regulations and guidelines, it is
recommended that the users of this Guide refer to the most recent text of those regulations and guidelines.
3 Objective/Scope
The objective of this Guide is to provide supplementary requirements regarding ballast water exchange at
sea that generally are not addressed by other ABS Rules or Guides. Ballast water exchange at sea presents
numerous challenges related to the operation of vessels, specifically vessel structure, stability and machinery
systems. Owners/operators that have elected to conduct ballast water exchange at sea as a means to control
and manage ballast water pending the implementation of the IMO regulations mandating the installation of an
approved ballast water management system, may experience increased structural and mechanical equipment
failures unless the vessel’s design, construction and operation have considered the potential hazards associated
with ballast water exchange at sea.
It is recognized that vessels conducting ballast water exchange may have unique operating characteristics
for which the requirements in this Guide may not be applicable. For such cases, ABS is prepared to consider
alternative arrangements, provided that substantiating information and/or a risk analysis is submitted for review.
As indicated in 1-1/Figure 1, BWE is one of the accepted ballast water management methodologies provided
for within the Convention which is available for selection by the owner.
2 ABS GUIDE FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE . 2010

Chapter 1 Introduction
Section 1 General 1-1
FIGURE 1
Scope of this Guide
Ballast Water
Management (BWM)
BWM Recording Training &

Methods Procedures Education
BW Sediment BW
BWE
Treatment Management Isolation
Flow- Mechanical/ Reception Return to

Sequential Dilution Physical Chemical
through gas-based facilities origin
Thermal
The scope of this Guide covers the Filtration Oxidants
(heat)
ballast water exchange (BWE) method
of ballast water management (BWM).
Ultraviolet
Separation Biocides
irradiation
Hydro- De-
Ultrasound
cyclone oxygenation
Electronically
Carbonation Electrolysis generated copper
and silver

Section 2: Definitions
SECTION 2 Definitions
Administration is the Government of the State under whose authority the vessel is operating. With respect
to a vessel entitled to fly a flag of any State, the Administration is the Government of the State. With respect
to floating platforms engaged in exploration and exploitation of the sea-bed and subsoil thereof adjacent to
the coast over which the coastal State exercises sovereign rights for the purpose of exploration and exploitation
of its natural resources, including Floating Storage Units (FSUs) and Floating Production Storage and
Offloading Units (FPSOs), the Administration is the Government of the coastal State concerned.
Ballast Water is the water with its suspended matter taken onboard a vessel to control trim, list, draft, stability
or stresses of the vessel.
Ballast Water Exchange (BWE) is a process involving the replacement of water in a ballast tank using either
the sequential, flow-through, dilution or other exchange methodologies recommended or required by IMO.
Ballast Water Exchange Plan is the procedures and advice to safely and efficiently exchange ballast water
in accordance with applicable structural and stability requirements.
Ballast Water Tank is any tank, hold or space used for the carriage of ballast water.
Ballast Water Management (BWM) means mechanical, physical, chemical, and biological processes, either
singularly or in combination, to remove, render harmless or avoid the uptake or discharge of harmful aquatic
organisms and pathogens within ballast water and sediments.
Ballast Water Management Plan is the plan for the handling or treating of ballast water onboard a vessel to
minimize the transfer of harmful organisms or pathogens in the vessel’s ballast water and sediment.
Convention is the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and
Sediments, 2004.
Gross Tonnage is the gross tonnage calculated in accordance with the tonnage measurement regulations
contained in Annex I to the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969 or any successor
Convention.
Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens are aquatic organisms or pathogens which, if introduced into
the sea, including estuaries, or into fresh water courses, may create hazards to the environment, human health,
property or resources, impair biological diversity or interfere with other legitimate uses of such areas.
Rules are the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels (Steel Vessel Rules) or the ABS Rules for
Building and Classing Steel Vessels Under 90 meters (295 feet) in Length (Under 90m Rules), as appropriate.
Sediments are the matter settled out of ballast water within a vessel.
Ship is a vessel of any type whatsoever operating in the aquatic environment and includes submersibles,
floating craft, floating platforms, Floating Storage Units (FSUs), and Floating Production Storage and
Offloading Units (FPSOs).
Treatment is a process or mechanical, physical, chemical or biological method to kill, remove or render
infertile harmful or potentially harmful organisms within ballast water.

Section 3: Basis of Notation
SECTION 3 Basis of Notation

This Guide contains the provisions for ballast water exchange systems and for the optional classification
notation BWE for vessels classed with ABS. This Guide is intended for use in conjunction with the appropriate
Rules found in the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels or ABS Rules for Building and
Classing Steel Vessels Under 90 meters (295 feet) in Length, as appropriate. Ballast water exchange
systems designed and installed in accordance with this Guide will also comply with the International
Maritime Organization (IMO) Regulations and Guidelines listed below:
• The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship’s Ballast Water and Sediments,
2004.
• IMO Resolution MEPC.124 (53), “Guidelines for Ballast Water Exchange (G6)”, adopted on July 22,
2005.
• IMO Resolution MEPC.127 (53), “Guidelines for Ballast Water Management and Development of
Ballast Water Management Plans (G4)”, adopted on July 22, 2005.
• IMO Resolution MEPC.149 (55), “Guidelines for Ballast Water Exchange Design and Construction
Standards (G11)” adopted on 13 October 2006.
• IMO Resolution MEPC.150 (55), Guidelines on Design and Construction to Facilitate Sediment
Control on Ships (G12)”, adopted on 13 October 2006

Section 4: Classification Symbol and Notation
SECTION 4 Classification Symbol and Notation
1 Systems Built under Survey

Where requested by the owner, vessels designed, constructed, and surveyed in accordance with this Guide,
may be assigned the notation BWE.
3 Systems Not Built under Survey

Vessels which have not been constructed under survey in accordance with the requirements of this Guide
may obtain the optional BWE notation, provided the vessel’s arrangements have been determined to comply
with the design and construction criteria contained in this Guide. The operation of the ballast water exchange
system is to be demonstrated to ABS, or documentation confirming the successful performance of ballast
water exchange for a period of one year is to be submitted to ABS.

Section 5: Classification Procedures
SECTION 5 Classification Procedures
1 Engineering Review
Vessels having the BWE notation are required to be provided with certain design features. These design
features are addressed in Chapter 2 of this Guide.
Prior to the issuance of the BWE notation, the following plans or documentation are to be submitted
electronically by the manufacturer, designer or shipbuilder to ABS. However, hard copies will also be accepted.
i) Arrangement showing the location and capacity of the ballast tanks and pumps
ii) Booklet providing the standard construction details for the ballast piping system, including vents and
overflows, valve arrangement and controls, and the means for determining the level in the ballast tanks
iii) The location of ballast water and sediment sampling openings
iv) Ballast Water Management Plan
v) Calculations demonstrating the adequacy of the vents and overflows to prevent over- or under-
pressurization of the ballast tanks
vi) Loading Manual and Trim & Stability Booklet
The ballast water record book is to be developed and retained onboard the vessel.
3 Initial Survey
The ballast water exchange system, alarms, shutdowns and control equipment are to be tested under working
conditions to the satisfaction of the attending Surveyor. Vessels complying with the requirements in
Chapter 2 and confirmed by survey are eligible to receive the BWE notation.
5 Surveys After Construction

An Annual Survey is to be conducted to retain the BWE notation status. At each Annual Survey, the
ballast water exchange system is to be examined. The survey is to include the following, as applicable:
i) A general, external examination of the controls and piping systems (including pipes, valves, pipe
supports, etc.)
ii) Operation and Maintenance Records: The Surveyor is to review the ballast water exchange records
and the ballast water exchange plan to confirm that activities, including sampling of the ballast water,
associated with the exchange of ballast water have been properly recorded and that the exchange
plan is current.
iii) Alarm and Safety Devices: The Surveyor is to verify the operation of applicable alarms and safety
devices, using simulated conditions where necessary.
In conjunction with the Special Periodical Survey, the ballast water exchange system is to be examined and
placed in satisfactory condition to retain the BWE notation. The mechanical and electrical components are
to be examined, including but not limited to valves, seals, pumps, control panels, vents, air pipes and monitoring
sensors. When possible, the operation of the ballast water exchange system is to be demonstrated to the
satisfaction of the attending Surveyor. At the discretion of the Surveyor, the vessel’s entire ballast water
exchange system (including ballast tanks, pumps, valves and controls) is to be examined as part of the
Special Periodical Survey.

Chapter 1 Introduction
Section 5 Classification Procedures 1-5
7 Governmental Regulations
Several national administrations have in place additional requirements pertaining to the management of
ballast water for vessels operating in their territorial waters. These requirements may address additional
vessel features, equipment, reporting, and record keeping that are not included in this Guide. Owners/operators
are encouraged to remain current with these national administration requirements.

Chapter 2: Ballast Water Exchange Requirements
CHAPTER 2 Ballast Water Exchange Requirements
CONTENTS
SECTION 1 Ballast Water Exchange Standard and Requirements ...................... 10
1 Ballast Water Exchange Standard .................................................... 10
3 Where Ballast Water Exchange is to be Conducted......................... 10
5 Ballast Water Management Implementation Schedule..................... 11
TABLE 1 Summary of Convention B-3 Compliance Schedule............... 11
SECTION 2 Ballast Water Exchange Methods ....................................................... 12

1 General ............................................................................................. 12
3 Sequential Method ............................................................................ 13
3.1 Stability .......................................................................................... 13
3.3 Longitudinal Strength .................................................................... 13
3.5 Sloshing......................................................................................... 14
3.7 Wave-induced Hull Vibrations ....................................................... 15
3.9 Over- and Under-pressurization of Tanks and Holds .................... 15
3.11 Free Surface Effects ...................................................................... 15
3.13 Forward and Aft Drafts .................................................................. 15
3.15 Propeller Immersion ...................................................................... 15
3.17 Bridge Visibility .............................................................................. 16
3.19 Data, Tables and Forms to be Included ........................................ 16
5 Flow-through Method ........................................................................ 18
7 Dilution Method ................................................................................. 19
TABLE 1 Log of Ballast Water Exchange Method(s) ............................. 12

TABLE 2 Summary of Ballast Water Exchange Sequences .................. 17
SECTION 3 Ballast Water Exchange System Design and Construction ............. 20

1 General ............................................................................................. 20
3 Ballast Piping .................................................................................... 20
5 Ballast Pump ..................................................................................... 20
7 Ballast Valve Arrangements.............................................................. 21
9 Sea Chests and Shipside Openings Intended for Ballast Water
Exchange .......................................................................................... 21
11 System Arrangements ...................................................................... 21
13 Control Features ............................................................................... 21
15 Ballast Tanks .................................................................................... 22
17 Sampling ........................................................................................... 22

Section 1: Ballast Water Exchange Standard and Requirements
SECTION 1 Ballast Water Exchange Standard and

Requirements
1 Ballast Water Exchange Standard

Owners/operators that have elected to operate with BWE as the method of BWM are to meet the following
requirements:
i) Vessels performing ballast water exchange must achieve a 95% volumetric exchange of ballast
water.
ii) In order to achieve 95% volumetric exchange, vessels utilizing the flow-through or dilution methods,
as defined in 2-2/1, must pump through three times the volume of each ballast water tank.
iii) If a vessel utilizing the flow-through or dilution method is able to complete at least 95% volumetric
exchange in pumping less than three times the volume, documentation consisting of detailed studies
confirming this capability is to be submitted for review and is to be attached as an annex of the
BWM plan.
3 Where Ballast Water Exchange is to be Conducted

Exchange of ballast water in deep ocean areas or open seas offers a means of limiting the probability that
coastal aquatic species will be transferred in vessels’ ballast water. A vessel conducting ballast water exchange
to meet the BWE standard is to:
i) Conduct ballast water exchange at least 200 nautical miles from the nearest land and in water of at
least 200 meters in depth.
ii) If a vessel cannot conduct ballast water exchange in accordance with 2-1/3i), the exchange is to be
conducted as far from the nearest land as possible, but at least 50 nautical miles from the nearest
land and in water depth of at least 200 meters.
The location, volume and depth of the water where the exchange is conducted is to be recorded in the
Ballast Water Record Book. (See Chapter 3, Section 18 and Appendix 2 of this Guide.)
A port State, in consultation with adjacent or other States, may designate areas where ballast water exchange
may be conducted if there are locations of operation where the distance from nearest land and water depth
do not meet the requirements of 2-1/3i) or 2-1/3ii). Owners and operators are encouraged to consult with
the port State authorities to confirm the presence and location of such designated areas.
In extraordinary conditions, such as adverse weather or equipment failure, the Master may make the decision
not to perform ballast water exchange if he/she reasonably determines that in doing so the vessel’s stability
or safety of the vessel its crew or passengers may be threatened.
If a vessel is not able to perform ballast water exchange in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 2,
Section 1, a notation with explanation for the variance is to be made in the Ballast Water Record Book.

Chapter 2 Ballast Water Exchange Requirements
Section 1 Ballast Water Exchange Standard and Requirements 2-1
5 Ballast Water Management Implementation Schedule

The implementation schedule for vessels to meet the ballast water management requirements is provided in
Regulation B-3 of the Convention and is summarized in 2-1/Table 1, where D-1 and D-2 refer to
Regulations D-1 and D-2 of the Convention, respectively.
TABLE 1
Summary of Convention B-3 Compliance Schedule
Note: Advice is to be sought from Signatory States with respect to the delayed D2 enforcement date recommended by A.1005(25).

Section 2: Ballast Water Exchange Methods
SECTION 2 Ballast Water Exchange Methods
1 General
Three methods of ballast water exchange have been evaluated and determined to be acceptable to IMO; viz
the sequential method, the flow-through method and the dilution method. A description of these methods is
as follows:
i) Sequential method – A process by which a ballast tank intended for the carriage of water ballast is
first emptied and then refilled with replacement ballast water to achieve at least a 95% volumetric
exchange.
ii) Flow-through method – A process by which replacement ballast water is pumped into a ballast
tank intended for the carriage of water ballast, allowing water to flow through overflow or other
arrangements. At least three times the tank volume is to be pumped through the tank.
iii) Dilution method – A process by which replacement ballast water is filled through the top of the
ballast tank intended for the carriage of water ballast with simultaneous discharge from the bottom
at the same flow rate and maintaining a constant level in the tank throughout the ballast exchange
operation. At least three times the tank volume is to be pumped through the tank.
The flow-through method and the dilution method are often referred to as “pump-through” methods.
Each ballast water exchange method has particular associated aspects that are to be considered when selecting
the method(s) to be used on a specific type of vessel, as discussed in the following Subsections. The degree
to which a vessel is suited to the sequential method, the flow-through method, or the dilution method is
dependent on its design and age.
Any other method of ballast water exchange will be subject to special consideration by ABS.
After the ballast water exchange methods for a vessel have been determined, and the ballast water exchange
system requirements have been met, the pertinent sequencing or pump-through operational information is
to be documented, together with safety considerations, in the Ballast Water Management Plan as outlined
in Chapter 3 of this Guide. The Ballast Water Management Plan is also to include a summary of selected
exchange method(s), similar to 2-2/Table 1 below.
TABLE 1
Log of Ballast Water Exchange Method(s)
BWE No. BWE Method Description of Conditions Date Approved By
The vessel’s loading conditions for the selected ballast water exchange method or methods are to be developed
and calculations submitted to show that the loading conditions satisfy the applicable requirements for ballast
capacity, trim, stability, longitudinal strength, and local strength. These conditions are to be submitted for
approval and then placed in the vessel’s Loading Manual or Trim and Stability Booklet. The vessel operators
are to use the approved ballast water exchange loading conditions from the Loading Manual or Trim and
Stability Booklet when performing ballast water exchange operations.

Section 2 Ballast Water Exchange Methods 2-2
3 Sequential Method
The sequential method entails completely emptying ballast tanks of the coastal waters and refilling with
open-ocean water. Emptying of certain tanks may lead to significantly reduced stability, higher vessel structural
stresses, high sloshing pressures and/or reduced forward drafts which may then increase the probability of
bow slamming.
Margins are to be provided for stability and strength for all seagoing conditions, as specified in the vessel’s
approved trim and stability booklet and the loading manual. The loading conditions for the selected ballast
water exchange method or methods are to be taken from the approved loading manual or trim and stability
booklet. The following items are to be evaluated when the sequential method is selected for ballast water
exchange.
3.1 Stability
3.1.1 Intact Stability
The intact stability requirements contained in 3-3-1/3.1, “Intact Stability”, of the Steel Vessel Rules
or 3-3-1/3.1 of the Under 90m Rules, as applicable are to be satisfied. These requirements are to be
met at every stage of the ballast water exchange under all loading conditions. The results of the
intact stability calculations demonstrating compliance with the intact stability requirements during
ballast water exchange are to be included in the stability booklet and submitted for review and
approval.
When calculating stability, the free surfaces in all tanks are to be set to maximum.
3.1.2 Damage Stability (1 May 2018)
The damage stability requirements contained in 3-3-1/3.3, “Subdivision and Damage Stability”, of
the Steel Vessel Rules or 3-3-1/3.3 of the Under 90m Rules, as applicable are to be satisfied.
Compliance with limiting GM/KG curves, which may be based partly on applicable damage
stability criteria, is to be maintained at all times.
Damage stability need not be considered for Ballast Water Exchange Conditions for oil tankers
and chemical tankers operating in ballast conditions where the ship is not carrying oil or chemical
products, or where the vessels are carrying only oil or chemical residuals.
3.3 Longitudinal Strength

3.3.1
The longitudinal strength for each stage is to be within the allowable seagoing limits, as prescribed
in the Steel Vessel Rules or the Under 90m Rules, as applicable. This is to be demonstrated by
printouts for each stage as developed by the ABS-approved loading program or by the approved
Loading Manual.
3.3.2
At any longitudinal location, a typical output of longitudinal strength includes the following:
• Calculated still-water bending moment (SWBM) and still-water shear force (SWSF)
• Maximum and minimum values of SWBM and SWSF
• Calculated still-water torsional moment (SWTM), where applicable
• Maximum permissible value of SWTM, where applicable
• Calculated SWBM and SWSF in flooding conditions, where applicable
• Maximum permissible values of SWBM and SWSF in flooded conditions, where applicable
3.3.3
Under each loading condition, the calculation of longitudinal strength is to be conducted for each
stage of ballast water exchange.

3.3.4
If, in any stage, the seagoing limits are not met and cannot be met due to the vessel’s/tank configuration
(this must be demonstrated by the designer), special consideration may be given to the implementation
of operational procedures such as weather condition limitations or enhanced watch keeping procedures.
3.5 Sloshing
3.5.1
In general, sloshing is unavoidable for a vessel using the sequential method. However, it can be
controlled to within acceptable limits by restricting the sea state in which the ballast water exchange
operations are conducted. Where necessary, an approach is to be proposed, subject to the approval
of the Flag Administration, to establish a maximum sea state or significant wave height for partial
filling of ballast tanks where sloshing occurs. Documentation for the ballast water exchange is to
include where applicable:
• An assessment of the potential for liquid resonance in the tank as a function of the ballast water
filling height. For low filling levels (less than 25%), the resonance in general is not a concern.
However, confirmation is required. For filling levels greater than 50%, resonance can be an
issue that may require a sea state limitation during ballast water exchange sequences.
• For those vessels having a SH or CSR notation or where the tank is less than 0.01L and 0.056B,
sloshing is not a concern. However confirmation is required.
• A ballast water sequence stop (i.e., temporary “hold” or permanent completion of a ballast water
exchange operation stage) will not be permitted in the filling range associated with resonance,
or if physically checking for resonance during actual operations.
• A check of the impact pressure at partial filling.
3.5.2
The maximum sea state or the significant wave height is to be limited such that the impact pressure
is less than or equal to the pressure permitted by the Steel Vessel Rules.
The sloshing check may be exempted under the following locations/conditions where extensive
internal structure is provided:
• Double side or double bottom tanks for all vessels.
• Topside tanks for bulk carriers in the heavy ballast conditions.
• A forepeak tank fitted with a centerline wash bulkhead or a centerline ring structure or horizontal
ring structures.
• Wing ballast tanks of single hull oil tankers fitted with transverse ring web structures.
3.5.3
For ballast holds of bulk carriers, sloshing must be considered where there is resonance due to
partial filling. For this reason, partial filling of ballast holds of bulk carriers is to be avoided.
3.5.4
Partial filling of ballast tanks of single hull tankers is to be avoided, especially in light ballast
conditions, unless the tanks are designed for unrestricted filling levels for the ballast condition under
consideration.
3.5.5
In cases when the sloshing action is to be considered, the sloshing calculations are to be submitted.
The Ballast Water Management Plan is to identify the stages of the exchange where sloshing may
be of particular concern and a footnote assigned to the relevant stages for justification of their
elimination. The footnote may read as follows:

“Exchange of ballast in tanks .... may impose significant structural loads generated
by sloshing action when the level of the water in the tank is between ...% and ...%.
Accordingly, the procedure is to be carried out only in favorable sea and swell
conditions such that the risk of structural damage is minimized.”
3.7 Wave-induced Hull Vibrations

Ballast water exchange is to be carried out so as to prevent wave-induced hull vibrations in both favorable
and swell conditions.
3.9 Over- and Under-pressurization of Tanks and Holds

Venting calculations are to be conducted to determine the maximum pressure in each tank and hold during
the filling phase and the minimum pressure during the de-ballasting considering the maximum pumping
rates of the ballast pump. The results of these calculations are to confirm that the tanks and holds will not
be subjected to pressure or vacuum in excess of that for which the tank or hold has been designed.
These sets of calculations are to be submitted for review by ABS.
3.11 Free Surface Effects

When using the sequential method, the free surface moments of all tanks are to be set to the maximum for
stability and strength calculations.
3.13 Forward and Aft Drafts

3.13.1 Forward Draft
In all sequences of ballast water exchange, the forward draft of the vessel is to be greater than the
prescribed minimum forward draft as shown in the Trim and Stability Booklet. If, for a transitory
period or in a specific sequence, the minimum forward draft can not be satisfied, the Ballast Water
Management Plan is to identify the stages of the exchange process that do not meet the criteria for
minimum forward draft, and a footnote documenting this is to be assigned to the relevant stages.
The following is an example of such a footnote:
“Exchange of ballast in tanks .... is to be carried out in favorable sea conditions
such that the risk of forward slamming is minimized (Beaufort Force less than or
equal to 7).”
3.13.2 Aft Draft
Full propeller immersion is assumed as the minimum requirement for the aft draft.
3.15 Propeller Immersion

The aft draft of the vessel in each sequence of ballast exchange shall be adequate to fully immerse the propeller.
If, for a transitory period or in a specific sequence, 100% propeller immersion can not be satisfied, the
sequence is to be identified in the Ballast Water Management Plan with a footnote documenting this limitation.
The following is an example of such a footnote:
“At this stage of the ballast water exchange operations, the full immersion of the
propeller is not possible. This may be considered satisfactory provided the ballast
water exchange operations are undertaken in fair weather and sea conditions – such
that the Master will be satisfied with the control of the vessel’s maneuverability,
and that there is sufficient ballast capacity available at all stages of the voyage
to enable propeller immersion in a reasonably short period of time should weather
and sea conditions begin to worsen.”

3.17 Bridge Visibility

3.17.1
For vessels built on or after 1 July 1998, the requirements of 3-6-1/1.1.1(a) and (c), 3-6-1/1.1.2(a)
and 3-6-1/1.1.3 of the Steel Vessel Rules or 3-6-1/1.1.1 (a) and (c) and 3-6-1/1.1.2(a) and 3-6-1/1.1.3
of the Under 90m Rules, as applicable are to be met during the stages of ballast water exchange.
3.17.2
For vessels built prior to 1 July 1998, the requirement of IMO MSC/Circ. 403 and SOLAS Regulation
V/22.2, is to be met.
Note: For vessels built before 1998, this visibility limit was not mandatory and is not to be invoked simply
because ballast water exchange is being implemented.
3.17.3
In all sequences of ballast water exchange, the bridge visibility required for the vessel is to be
satisfied. If, in a specific sequence or during a transitory period, the bridge visibility requirements
can not be satisfied, the Master is to determine that it is safe to conduct the ballast water exchange
taking into consideration the increased blind sectors or reduced horizontal fields of vision resulting
from these sequences or period. The vessel’s Ballast Water Management Plan is to include a footnote
to alert the vessel’s Master. The following is an example of such a footnote:
“The Master is to be aware of the fact that the forward bridge visibility is impaired
in sequences .... .... .... .... .... .... and accordingly additional measures (such as an
enhanced navigational watch will be maintained, including where necessary an
additional lookout forward with adequate communications with the navigation
bridge) to provide for navigational safety have been established.”
The commencement and termination of the enhanced navigational safety measures taken during
ballast water exchange operations are to be recorded in the vessel’s record of navigational activities.
3.19 Data, Tables and Forms to be Included

For the sequential method, the following information is to be provided to assist the evaluation of safety
considerations entailed in 2-2/3.1 through 2-2/3.17:
• Initial vessel condition data listed in the trim and stability booklet
• Summary of the stage-by-stage ballast water exchange sequences (see 2-2/Table 2 below)
• The printout results of stability criteria calculation at each stage
• The printout results of longitudinal strength calculation at each stage
• Specific instructions entailed in 2-2/3.1 through 2-2/3.19.
The following table is an example of the summary of the ballast water exchange sequences at every stage
under a certain loading condition listing the status of each tank and items to be checked for comparison.
Such summary table is to be required for each loading condition under consideration, and is to be provided
with the Ballast Water Management Plan outlined in Chapter 3 of this Guide.

ABS GUIDE FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE . 2010
Section
Chapter
TABLE 2
Summary of Ballast Water Exchange Sequences
2
2
Ballast Water Exchange Sequence Table
Ballast Water Exchange Methods

Ballast Water Exchange Requirements
Voyage:
From:
To:
Date (dd/mm/yr):
Weather Conditions:
Estimation (hr.)
F.O./L.O./F.W.
Draft Fwd (M)
Immersion %
Visibility (M)
Draft Aft (M)
GM/KG (M)
Tank No.
Tank No.
Tank No.
Tank No.
Tank No.
Tank No.
Tank No.
Propeller
Trim (M)
Bridge
BM %
A.P.T.
SF %
F.P.T
Time
(Mt)
Sequence P S P S P S P S P S P S P S Remarks
Initial Condition
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Step 8
Step 9
Step 10
Notes: 1) Master to be notified when the propeller will not be fully immersed
2) Master to be notified that bridge visibility forward will be reduced
3) Master or Ballast Water Management Officer to confirm that the tanks indicated as empty or filled are in that condition
4) Noting difficulties to confirm tank levels of the vessel at sea, where a step results in the partial filling of a tank, additional conditions of + 10% of
the partially filled tank level are to be assessed. (Steps resulting in partially filled tanks are to be avoided)
2-2
17
5 Flow-through Method
The flow-through method involves pumping replacement ballast water into the bottom of a full ballast
tank, forcing existing ballast water out through an overflow or other arrangement. Ballast water equal to
approximately three times the tank capacity must be pumped through the tank to achieve 95% effectiveness
in eliminating aquatic organisms.
The flow-through method does not typically alter stability, hull girder stress and vessel attitude. It therefore
eliminates concerns of exceeding shear force and bending moment limits and concerns related to shallow
forward and aft drafts and extreme trims. As with all methods, the Ballast Water Reporting Form provided
in Appendix 1 is to be completed and transmitted to the next port where ballast water is discharged.
In those instances where the flow-through method alters stability, hull girder stress or vessel attitude, a
ballast water summary sequence table is to be submitted demonstrating that adequate strength and stability
has been maintained.
As the flow-through method is not suitable for all tanks, in addition to the design requirements of Chapter 2,
Section 3 of this Guide, the following items are to be evaluated on those vessels utilizing the flow-through
method:
i) Safe pumping procedures are to be provided for ballasting and de-ballasting operations that take
into account additional vessel structural stresses that may be involved with conducting ballast
water exchange.
ii) The size of the fixture designated for the overflow is to be verified such that over-pressurization of a
ballast tank or pumping equipment, which may lead to structural damage, is prevented. Under-
pressurization created by a large drop in pressure due to rapid change in the volume of the contents of
the tank is also to be avoided by verifying air vent pipes are open and properly sized prior to discharge.
Hydraulic calculations verifying the proper sizing of the fixtures are to be submitted for review.
Calculations confirming that the capacity of the ballast water tank and the ballast piping are capable
of providing ballast water exchange by the flow-through method without the risk of being subject
to a pressure greater than design are to be submitted for review.
Ballast water carried in double bottom tanks is to be exchanged by the sequential method, unless
calculations confirming that pump pressure generated in raising the necessary head of water does
not cause excessive internal pressure leading to damage to the vessel.
iii) Charts and/or tables are to be provided to show the pumping rates, volumes, and time required to
exchange ballast water in each tank. In addition, the charts and/or tables are to identify the openings
used for release of water from the tank, together with overboard discharge arrangements.
iv) Arrangements for the examination by the vessel’s crew of sounding pipes, vent pipes and non-
return devices involved in ballast water exchange are to be provided. Cautionary procedures to be
taken regarding the use of air pipes that are not designed for continuous ballast water flow, and
weathertight closures (e.g., manholes) which are to be re-secured after flow-through ballast water
exchange, are to be provided within the Ballast Water Management Plan and on the charts and/or
tables required in item iii) above.
The Ballast Water Management Plan is to contain a note similar to the following example:
“Tank lids or other openings to be used during the flow-through operation are to be
specified. Opening of tank lids or manholes, even in fair weather and sea conditions,
can compromise deck watertight integrity. The authority as well as the responsibility
for this action rests with the Master, and prudent seamanship is to be used. A
procedure is to be followed for confirming they are closed after work is completed.”
v) The circumstances and conditions under which ballast water exchange is not to be undertaken due
to adverse weather, design limitations, equipment failures, loss of power or other extraordinary
circumstances that could threaten human life or safety of the vessel are to be detailed.
vi) A flow-through method that has water flowing on the deck is not recommended. The use of collecting
pipes, internal overflow pipes or interconnecting pipe/trunk arrangements between tanks is to be
used to avoid water flowing on the deck.

vii) The cautionary procedures related to flooding of deck areas and icing during cold weather conditions
are to be identified (for example, the flow-through method is not to be performed in low temperature
weather conditions that would result in icing).
Where the effect of icing on deck has not been taken into consideration, the Ballast Water Management
Plan is to indicate, “The flow-through method is not to be performed in weather conditions that
would result in icing.”
viii) For the flow-through method, it is recommended that the inlet and outlet piping connections be
located as remotely from each other as practicable. Aft and fore peak tanks are to be provided with
additional pipe work to improve the mixing conditions, unless documentation can be provided to
demonstrate adequate mixing. The total cross sectional area of the ballast water discharge pipes on
the upper deck is not to be less than two times that of the cross sectional area of the filling/suction
pipe. To optimize the ballast water exchange, the ballast water discharge pipes serving the same
tank are to be of a different diameter. The discharge pipe located closer to the filling/suction pipe
is to have a smaller diameter than the other discharge pipe located further away from the
filling/suction pipe. For illustration purposes and as an example, where the filling suction pipe has
a diameter of 250 mm, the discharge pipes may be of 200 mm and 300 mm diameter, respectively.
ix) Where topside and lower hopper side tanks are not interconnected, the scantlings of the hopper
and double bottom tanks are normally derived using the head to the top of the tank or two/thirds
the distance to the top of the overflow, whichever is the greater. Traditionally, ballast tanks are
filled until ballast water overflows. The water pressure at the tank bottom drops immediately due
to entrapped air, which reduces the water level in a small diameter overflow pipe. However, the
flow-through method will result in a constant high pressure during the long periods required to
complete the exchange. Therefore, for flow-through ballast water exchange where topside and hopper
side tanks are not interconnected, the scantlings of the tank boundary structure are to be verified
using a tank head equivalent to the full distance to the top of the overflow plus the generated back
pressure at the maximum flow rate.
x) The installation of additional air pipes, access hatches (as an alternative to deck manholes), internal
overflow pipes (to avoid overflowing on the deck), or interconnecting pipe/trunk arrangements
between tanks, where applicable and possible, may be considered.
7 Dilution Method
In the dilution method, replacement ballast water is filled through the top of the ballast tank and simultaneously
discharged from the bottom at the same flow rate while maintaining a constant level in the tank throughout
the ballast exchange operation. As with the flow-though method, ballast equal to approximately three times
the tank capacity must be pumped through the tank to achieve 95% effectiveness in eliminating aquatic
organisms.
The dilution method has the advantages of the flow-through method with regard to maintaining the stability
and strength and other similar benefits. By discharging water from the bottom of the ballast tanks, sediments
are more easily removed. This method avoids the use of air vent pipes and the removal of manhole covers
to discharge water over the deck.
In addition to the design requirements of Chapter 2, Section 3 of this Guide, the following safety precautions are
to be taken and noted in the Ballast Water Management Plan if the dilution method is chosen:
i) Arrangements are to be made to automatically maintain the ballast water level in the tanks at a
constant level.
ii) High and low water level alarms are to be provided where maintaining a constant level in a tank or
hold is essential to the operational efficiency of the vessel during the ballast water exchange.
iii) The arrangements are to include the provision of a manual emergency stop for any operating ballast
pump in case of valve malfunction or incorrect control actions.
As with all methods, the Ballast Water Reporting Form provided in Appendix 1 is to be completed and
transmitted to the next port where ballast water is discharged.

Section 3: Ballast Water Exchange System Design and Construction
SECTION 3 Ballast Water Exchange System Design and

Construction
1 General
The requirements of ballast water exchange system design and construction are provided for compliance
with Regulation D-1 of the Convention. These requirements are to be applied in conjunction with 4-6-4/7
of the Steel Vessel Rules or Section 4-4-3 of the Under 90m Rules, as applicable and with the requirements
related to the specific ballast water exchange methods addressed in Chapter 2, Section 2 of this Guide.
3 Ballast Piping
Where the flow-through method or dilution method is to be used, the design of water ballast discharge
arrangements is to be made to avoid over-pressurization. When the tank or hold is overflowing at the maximum
pump capacity available, the tank, ballast piping, or ballast hold is not to be subjected to a pressure greater
than that for which it has been designed.
The design of water ballast discharge piping is to be made to avoid the overflowing of ballast water directly
onto decks.
5 Ballast Pump (20 October 2010)

i) At least two independent power-driven ballast pumps are to be provided, one of which may be driven
by the propulsion unit. The ballast pumps are to be certified in accordance with 4-6-1/7.3 of the
Steel Vessel Rules or 4-4-2/1 of the Under 90m Rules, as applicable. Additional pump redundancy
may be required for those vessels utilizing the dilution method.
ii) Where the sequential method is adopted, the capacity of the ballast water system is to be capable
of providing ballast water exchange of the greatest dedicated ballast water tank or group of ballast
water tanks that are undergoing simultaneous exchange (whichever is the greater volume), as per
the approved Ballast Water Management Plan.
iii) Ballast water exchange of cargo holds used for the carriage of water ballast may require an extended
period of time over that specified in 2-3/5ii) and is normally to be completed within twenty-four hours.
iv) The ballast pumps are to be included in the power balance calculations for normal seagoing conditions.
(See 4-8-1/5.1.5 of the Steel Vessel Rules or 4-6-2/1.7 of the Under 90m Rules, as applicable.)

Section 3 Ballast Water Exchange System Design and Construction 2-3
7 Ballast Valve Arrangements

i) The piping serving every ballast tank or hold intended for carrying ballast water is to be provided
with isolating valves for ballasting and/or deballasting purposes.
ii) The isolating valves controlling the movement of ballast water are to be arranged so that they remain
closed at all times except when ballasting, deballasting, or ballast exchange operations are being carried
out.
iii) For vessels operating in low temperature environments, the side ballast discharge valves placed above
the assigned lightest load line are to be provided with adequate heating arrangements. (Refer to the
ABS Guide for Vessels Operating in Low Temperature Environments.)
iv) On oil tankers, segregated ballast and clean ballast may be allowed to be discharged below the
waterline during ballast water exchange, provided that the surface of the ballast water has been
examined either visually or by other means immediately before the discharge to verify that no oil
contamination has taken place.
9 Sea Chests and Shipside Openings Intended for Ballast Water

Exchange
i) The relative positions of ballast water intakes and discharge openings are to avoid as far as practical
the contamination of replacement ballast water with the water being discharged.
11 System Arrangements
i) The design of the ballast water system is to allow for ballast water exchange operations with the
minimum number of stages.
ii) The internal arrangements of ballast tanks and ballast water piping inlet and outlet arrangements
are to allow for complete ballast water exchange and clearing of any sediments. (Refer to IMO Res.
MEPC.150(55) “Guidelines on Design and Construction to Facilitate Sediment Control on Ships
(G12)”.)
iii) The design of sea suction line strainers is to permit cleaning of strainers without interrupting ballast
water exchange procedures.
13 Control Features
i) Ballast pumps and all associated valves are to be provided with a means of remote operation from
a central ballast control station during the ballast water exchange process.
ii) Each ballast pump operated during ballast water exchange is to be provided with a means of local
control.
iii) A manually operated independent means of control of all valves required for ballast water exchange
is to be provided for emergency operation in the event of main control system failure. Where the
valves are located inside tanks or other closed spaces that are not readily accessible, this means of
control may be achieved using valve actuating rods.
iv) The central ballast control station is to include the following:
• A valve position indicating system
• A tank level indicating system which indicates the filling level of ballast tanks
• A draft and trim indicating system
• A means of communication between the central ballast control station and local control stations
for the ballast pumps and valves
• Equipment for monitoring and/or recording all ballast water operation processes

Section 3 Ballast Water Exchange System Design and Construction 2-3
These systems are to function independently of one another or have sufficient redundancy so that
a failure in one system does not jeopardize the operation of any other system.
v) The ballast pump and ballast valve control systems are to be arranged such that the loss of any one
component will not cause loss of operation of the other pumps or valves.
vi) Where a dilution method is used, the control of ballast pump(s) is to be such that the ballast water
level may be maintained within predetermined levels (i.e., maximum allowable level and minimum
allowable level) with due consideration to the hull longitudinal strength.
When the water level reaches outside the predetermined levels, an alarm is to be sent at the ballast
water control station and other normally manned location(s).
15 Ballast Tanks
For vessels operating in low temperature environments and where there is a risk of freezing water ballast,
ballast tanks are to be provided with a means to prevent the water inside the tanks from freezing. (Refer to
the ABS Guide for Vessels Operating in Low Temperature Environments.)
17 Sampling
i) The design of the ballast water system is to take into account the need for sampling ballast water
and sediments by port State or other authorized organizations.
ii) The area immediately below any tank opening is to be kept free of obstructions that could impede
the use of sampling equipment or free access. (Providing safe access to the tanks by the fitting of
tank hatches as an alternative to manholes is to be recommended.)
iii) The sampling arrangements are to provide ease of sampling of ballast water and sediments without
the need to enter potentially dangerous spaces or partially filled ballast tanks.
iv) In tank samples are to be taken via sounding or air pipes or manholes using pumps, sampling
bottles or other water containers. Samples may also be taken from the ballast water discharge line.
v) Sediment samples are to be taken through manhole covers or access hatches.

Chapter 3: Ballast Water Management Plan
CHAPTER 3 Ballast Water Management Plan
CONTENTS
SECTION 1 General Information ............................................................................. 26
1 General ............................................................................................. 26
3 Maintenance of the Ballast Water Management Plan ...................... 26
5 Development of the Ballast Water Management Plan ...................... 26
SECTION 2 Cover Page ........................................................................................... 27
SECTION 3 Preamble ............................................................................................... 28

1 General ............................................................................................. 28
3 Preamble ........................................................................................... 28
SECTION 4 Introduction .......................................................................................... 29

1 General ............................................................................................. 29
3 Introductory Text ............................................................................... 29
SECTION 5 Vessel Particulars ................................................................................ 30
SECTION 6 Crew Review Record/Revision History............................................... 31

1 General ............................................................................................. 31
3 Crew Review/Revision History .......................................................... 31
SECTION 7 Table of Contents ................................................................................. 32

1 General ............................................................................................. 32
3 Table of Contents.............................................................................. 32
SECTION 8 Introduction – Intent and Purpose of Ballast Water Management

and Management Plan ......................................................................... 33
1 General ............................................................................................. 33
3 Carriage of Ballast Water .................................................................. 33
5 Purpose of Ballast Water Management ............................................ 33
7 Record Keeping ................................................................................ 34
9 Ballast Water Management Plan ...................................................... 34

SECTION 9 Ballast Water System Drawings and Data .......................................... 35
1 General .............................................................................................35
3 Drawings and Data ...........................................................................35
3.1 Ballast Tank Arrangements ........................................................... 35
3.3 Ballast Water Capacity Plan .......................................................... 37
3.5 Pumping and Piping Arrangements ............................................... 37
TABLE 1 Sample Ballast Water Capacity Plan ......................................37

TABLE 2 Sample Pump Data .................................................................37
TABLE 3 Sample Overflow and Filling Line Data ...................................37
FIGURE 1 Section View ...........................................................................35

FIGURE 2 Profile View .............................................................................36
FIGURE 3 Plan View ................................................................................36
SECTION 10 Ballast Water Sampling Points ............................................................ 38

1 General .............................................................................................38
3 Sampling Points ................................................................................38
SECTION 11 Operational Guidance .......................................................................... 39

1 General .............................................................................................39
3 Exchange Guidance..........................................................................39
5 General Ballast Water Management Precautionary Practices .........40
5.1 Avoiding Unnecessary Discharge of Ballast Water ........................ 40
5.3 Minimizing the Uptake of Harmful Aquatic Organisms,
Pathogens, and Sediments ............................................................ 41
SECTION 12 Safety Procedures for the Vessel and Crew ...................................... 42

1 General .............................................................................................42
3 Exchange at Sea ...............................................................................42
SECTION 13 Operational or Safety Restrictions...................................................... 43

1 General .............................................................................................43
SECTION 14 Description of the Method(s) Used Onboard for Ballast Water

Management and Sediment Control ................................................... 44
1 General .............................................................................................44
3 Method(s) Used ................................................................................44
3.1 Sequential Method ......................................................................... 44
3.3 Flow-through Method ..................................................................... 44
3.5 Dilution Method .............................................................................. 45
5 Ballast Water Exchange Operation Spreadsheet .............................45

SECTION 15 Procedures for the Disposal of Sediments ........................................ 46
1 General ............................................................................................. 46
3 Sediment Management ..................................................................... 46
SECTION 16 Methods of Communication ................................................................ 47

1 General ............................................................................................. 47
3 Communications Directory ................................................................ 47
SECTION 17 Duties of Designated Ballast Water Management Officer and

Vessel’s Master .................................................................................... 48
1 General ............................................................................................. 48
3 Officer in Charge of Ballast Water Exchange ................................... 48
5 Vessel’s Master ................................................................................. 49
SECTION 18 Ballast Water Record Book and Reporting Forms ............................ 50

1 General ............................................................................................. 50
3 Record Book and Reporting Forms .................................................. 50
SECTION 19 Crew Training and Familiarization ...................................................... 52

1 General ............................................................................................. 52
3 Crew Training and Familiarization .................................................... 52
SECTION 20 Supporting Documentation ................................................................. 53

1 Documentation .................................................................................. 53

Section 1: General Information
SECTION 1 General Information
1 General
The vessel is to maintain a Ballast Water Management Plan onboard for use by the vessel’s Master and
crew and port State authorities. This plan is to include:
i) Vessel particulars
ii) Ballast tank arrangements
iii) Safety considerations
iv) A detailed description of the actions required by the crew to implement ballast water exchange
method(s)
v) Detailed procedures for the disposal of sediments (at sea and ashore)
vi) Other operational considerations including communications with and reporting to coastal and port State
authorities, and the designation of the officer onboard who is responsible for proper implementation of
the Ballast Water Management Plan
In addition, the Ballast Water Management Plan is to provide a listing and the details of any exemptions
issued by the Administration in accordance with Regulation A-4 of the Convention, and where appropriate,
a list of any Additional Measures issued by a Party to the Convention that are relevant to the vessel’s trade.
Detailed descriptions of any actions required by the vessel’s crew to comply with the additional measures
are also to be included in the Management Plan.
3 Maintenance of the Ballast Water Management Plan

The Ballast Water Management Plan is to be reviewed periodically by the Owner, Operator or Master to
maintain its currency. Any changes to the provisions of the Ballast Water Management Plan are to be
submitted for review and approval by ABS.
The Ballast Water Management Plan is to be readily available for inspection upon request by authorities
such as port State authorities.
5 Development of the Ballast Water Management Plan

The following Sections of this Guide, which have been based on IMO Resolution MEPC.127(53)
“Guidelines for Ballast Water Management and Development of Ballast Water Management Plans (G4)”
have been provided to assist in the development of a vessel-specific Ballast Water Management Plan in
those instances where ballast water exchange is intended.

Section 2: Cover Page
SECTION 2 Cover Page
Vessel Name: ABC

IMO No: 12345
Owner/Operator:
Issued Date:
Approved Date:
To Meet the requirements of the

International Convention for the Control and Management of ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004,
adopted by the International Maritime Organization on 13th February 2004
and
Part “B” of IMO Resolution MEPC.127(53) “Guidelines for Ballast Water Management and Development
of Ballast Water Management Plans (G4)” adopted on 22 July 2005

Section 3: Preamble
SECTION 3 Preamble
The ballast water management plan should contain the information required by regulation B-1 of the Convention.
1 General
A preamble is essentially introductory text which is intended to provide all interested parities of the purpose
of the plan or relevant document. The text below is a sample preamble which ABS has determined to be
acceptable.
3 Preamble
This Ballast Water Management Plan has been developed to provide guidance to the Master and the crew
of the M/V __________________ in the operation of the vessel’s ballast water exchange system. This plan
has been prepared to be practical and easy to use to assist in the development of structured and logical
actions required in association with ballast water exchange operations.
The following items have been included in this plan:
i) Detailed safety procedures for the vessel and the crew associated with ballast water exchange
procedures
ii) A detailed description of the actions to be taken to implement the ballast water exchange procedures
iii) Detailed procedures for the disposal of sediments at sea and to shore
iv) Procedures for coordinating the discharge of exchanged ballast water with the port State authorities
v) The designation of a Ballast Water Management Officer, who is responsible for the implementation
of the Ballast Water Management Plan
vi) The reporting/recording requirements provided for in the Ballast Water Management Convention.
In addition, advice regarding the uptake of ballast water, step-by-step procedures, sequences for ballast
water exchange, and any operational restrictions have been included in the plan.

Section 4: Introduction
SECTION 4 Introduction
At the beginning of each plan, wording should be included to reflect the intent of the following text.
1 General
The text below is an example of an “Introductory” paragraph for inclusion into the Ballast Water Plan or
Manual. This proposed text is based on the Appendix to IMO Resolution MEPC.127(53) “Guidelines for
Ballast Water Management and Development of Ballast Water Management Plans (G4)”.
3 Introductory Text
This Plan/Manual is written in accordance with the requirements of Regulation B-1 of the International
Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (the Convention),
the associated Guidelines and this Guide.
The purpose of the Plan/Manual is to meet the requirements for the control and management of ship’s
ballast water and sediments in accordance with the Guidelines for Ballast Water Management and the
Development of Ballast Water Management Plans as contained in Resolution MEPC.127(53) and this
Guide. The Plan/Manual provides standard operational guidance for the planning and management of
vessel’s ballast water and sediments via ballast water exchange, and the procedures to be followed.
This Plan/Manual has been approved by ABS for classification purposes (where the BWE notation has
been assigned) and statutory certification (where ABS is acting as a Recognized Organization (R.O.)). No
alteration or revision has been made to any part of this manual without the approval of ABS.
The Owners/operators and/or the Master have reviewed this manual on a regular basis and can confirm that
the information contained herein is accurate and current.
Note: The plan is to be written in the working language of the crew. If the text is not in English,
French, or Spanish; the plan is to include a translation into one of these languages.

Section 5: Vessel Particulars
SECTION 5 Vessel Particulars

At least the following details should be included:
Vessel name
Vessel type
Port of registry
Flag
Gross Tonnage (gt)
Deadweight (DWT)
IMO number (in accordance with resolution
A.600(15) IMO Vessel Identification Number)
Length overall
Length between perpendiculars
Beam
International call sign
Summer draft
Deepest ballast drafts (normal and heavy
weather)
Total ballast capacity of the vessel in cubic
meters and other units
Total number of ballast tanks and holds
Number of ballast tanks
Number of holds
Classification society
Ballast Water Exchange Method(s)
Identification (Rank) of the Appointed Ballast
Water Management Officer(s)
This plan is to be kept available for inspection upon request by an authorized authority.
Approved by _________________ on Date __________________

Section 6: Crew Review Record/Revision History
SECTION 6 Crew Review Record/Revision History
1 General
The owners/operators and vessel’s crew on a routine basis are to review the contents of the Ballast Water
Management Plan. This review is to confirm that the information provided within the Plan is current and
contains the information necessary to conduct a ballast water exchange in accordance with the Ballast Water
Management Convention and this Guide. A record of the reviews and revisions to the plan updates has been
recorded below.
The text below represents a means to document that the vessel’s crew has conducted a review of the Ballast
Water Management Plan and the revisions to the plan have been documented.
3 Crew Review/Revision History

This section of the Ballast Water Management Plan documents a review by the vessel’s crew and provides
a means to track the revision history of the plan as a means to confirm that the plan remains current.
Crew Review
Name Position/Rank Date of Review Signature
Revision History
Current Version Created by (Position/Rank) Date of Revision Revision Description
Previous Versions

Section 7: Table of Contents
SECTION 7 Table of Contents

An index of sections should be included to reference the content of the plan.
1 General
A Table of Contents is to be provided to assist in the implementation of the Ballast Water Management Plan.
The Table of Contents is to be simple and provide the user with a quick reference to the various sections of
the Plan.
3 Table of Contents
Cover Page .................................................................................................................................. 1

Preamble ...................................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 3
Vessel Particulars ....................................................................................................................... 4
Crew Review/Revision History ................................................................................................... 5
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................ 6
Intent and Purpose of Ballast Water Management and Management Plan ............................ 7
Ballast Water System Drawings and Data................................................................................. 8
Ballast Water Sampling Points .................................................................................................. 9
Operational Guidance ............................................................................................................... 10
Safety Procedures for the Vessel and Crew ........................................................................... 11
Operational or Safety Restrictions .......................................................................................... 12
Description of the Method(s) Used Onboard for Ballast Water Management and
Sediment Control ...................................................................................................................... 13
Procedures for the Disposal of Sediments ............................................................................. 14
Methods of Communication ..................................................................................................... 15
Duties of Designated Ballast Water Management Officer and Vessel’s Master .................. 16
Ballast Water Record Book and Reporting Forms ................................................................. 17
Crew Training and Familiarization ........................................................................................... 18
Supporting Documentation ...................................................................................................... 19

Section 8: Introduction – Intent and Purpose of Ballast Water Management and Management Plan
SECTION 8 Introduction – Intent and Purpose of Ballast

Water Management and Management Plan
This section of the Ballast Water Management Plan is to contain a brief introduction for the vessel’s crew, explaining
the need for ballast water management and for record keeping.
1 General
The intent of this section of the Ballast Water Management Plan is to provide the crew with a basic
understanding on why ballast water is carried onboard vessels, the reason why it is necessary to conduct ballast
water management and the significance of record keeping. The explanations should be brief and informative.
3 Carriage of Ballast Water

Ballast water is carried onboard vessels to maintain acceptable load and trim conditions during a specific
voyage or a segment of a voyage. The amount and distribution of ballast water provides for:
i) A reduction in hull stresses (longitudinal strength)
ii) Transverse stability
iii) Sufficient vessel draft, including propeller and rudder immersion (enhanced efficiency and
maneuverability)
iv) Compensation for the consumption of fuel and other consumables.
The amount and distribution is determined by the vessel’s Master and is based on specific operational and
environmental conditions. The vessel’s Master and the designated Ballast Water Management Officer are
the responsible authorities for the implementation of the Ballast Water Management Plan.
5 Purpose of Ballast Water Management

While the carriage of ballast water is an essential component in the operation of vessels, it has been determined
by competent authorities that ballast water is a significant pathway for the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms
and/or pathogens. The introduction of these harmful aquatic organisms (including but not limited to Zebra
Mussels, Golden Mussel, North American Comb Jellyfish, North Pacific Seastar, and the Cladoceran Water
Flea) and/or pathogens (cholera) has caused significant damage to many of the worlds’ coastal regions. The
international community, under the International Maritime Organization has developed and adopted the
“International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship’s Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004. This
Convention is aimed at preventing the introduction of unwanted aquatic organisms and pathogens through the
discharge of ballast water and sediments.
The responsible authorities, composed of scientists, ship owners/operators and builders as well as flag States,
have determined that ballast water exchange provides an effective means, on a temporary basis pending the
development of ballast water treatment systems, to prevent the inadvertent transfer of these harmful aquatic
organisms and pathogens.
Ballast water exchange is the process of exchanging the biologically rich coastal waters with mid-ocean sea
water. It has been scientifically proven that those marine organisms and/or pathogens taken on in coastal
waters are less likely to survive when discharged into the open ocean due to changes in the water’s chemistry,
temperature and salinity. Similarly, those marine organisms taken onboard in the open ocean are less likely
to survive once they are discharged into coastal waters.

Chapter 3 Ballast Water Management Plan
Section 8 Introduction – Intent and Purpose of Ballast Water Management and Management Plan 3-8
7 Record Keeping
Each operation concerning ballast water exchange is to be fully recorded without delay in the ballast water
record book. These records are considered to be critical to the success of the ballast water management
program and serve to provide documentation that the ballast water exchange has been properly conducted
and the exchange has been completed.
Authorized port State officers may inspect the ballast water record book onboard the vessel as a means to
determine the level of exchange completed. These officials may elect to make a copy of the entries in the
record book and require the vessel’s Master to certify that the copy is a true copy. Any copy so certified
may be admissible in any judicial proceedings as evidence of the facts stated in the entry.
9 Ballast Water Management Plan

This Ballast Water Management Plan has been developed to provide guidance to the vessel’s crew in the
effective operation of the ballast water exchange system. The implementation of this plan enables the
vessel to prepare for the actions required when conducting a ballast water exchange at sea. Effective planning
leads to these actions being taken in a structured, logical and safe manner.

Section 9: Ballast Water System Drawings and Data
SECTION 9 Ballast Water System Drawings and Data

Plan or drawings of the ballast system are to be included in this section of the Ballast Water Management Plan.
1 General
Plans, drawings, and documentation are to be provided in this section of the Ballast Water Management Plan
to facilitate the implementation of the Plan. The number of plans, drawings, or documents provided is to be
limited to those determined to be necessary by the Plan’s developer and is to be reviewed and revised as
necessary by the vessel’s crew in order to avoid the inclusion of extraneous information.
3 Drawings and Data

A description of the ballast water system including but not limited to the following drawings and data is to
be included in this section of the Ballast Water Management Plan:
i) Ballast Tank Arrangements (Section, Profile, and Plan Views)
ii) Ballast Water Capacity Plan
iii) Ballast Water Piping Plan (including air pipes, discharge/overflows and sounding/gauging locations)
iv) Ballast pump capacities
v) The ballast water exchange system used onboard, with references to detailed operational and
maintenance manuals held onboard
vi) Location of tank sampling points
3.1 Ballast Tank Arrangements

Ballast tank arrangements are to be provided, as shown in 3-9/Figures 1 through 3. Schematics should
include section, plan, and profile views of the vessel.
FIGURE 1
Section View
S/F/D S/F/D

36
FIGURE 2 Section
Profile View
Chapter
9
3
S/F/D S/F/D S/F/D S/F/D S/F/D S/F/D
S
Ballast Water Management Plan
S S S S S S
Ballast Water System Drawings and Data
FIGURE 3
Plan View
S/F/D S/F/D S/F/D S/F/D S/F/D

S/F/D
S S S S S S S S
S/F/D
S/F/D S/F/D S/F/D S/F/D S/F/D

3-9
Section 9 Ballast Water System Drawings and Data 3-9
3.3 Ballast Water Capacity Plan

A tabular format of all ballast water tanks is to be provided, including the tank identifier, location and capacity
of the tank, the pumps that serve the tank, and the designated BWE method that has been selected for the
tank.
TABLE 1
Sample Ballast Water Capacity Plan
Tank Number Location/Frame Numbers Capacity (m3) Available Pumps Designated
Exchange
Method (s)
3.5 Pumping and Piping Arrangements

Tabular and/or schematic drawings are to be provided with ballast water system piping information.
3-9/Tables 2 and 3 below provide sample data to be included, as applicable.
TABLE 2
Sample Pump Data
Pump Name Rated Capacity (m3) Type Location
TABLE 3
Sample Overflow and Filling Line Data
Tank Name No. of Overflow line Overflow lines Filling line Filling line Ratio of
overflow lines nominal total cross nominal total cross overflow
per tank diameter sectional area diameter sectional area filling line
(air vents or (mm) (mm2) (mm2) (mm2) total cross
overflow lines sectional area
per tank) (mm2)

Section 10: Ballast Water Sampling Points
SECTION 10 Ballast Water Sampling Points

A list or diagrams specifying the location of the sampling and access points to the pipelines and ballast water tank.
1 General
The availability of sampling points is considered to be an essential component of the Ballast Water Management
system. These sampling points are to be provided so as to enable the port State officers or other interested
parties to confirm that a ballast water exchange has been conducted prior to the discharge of ballast water.
Currently, ballast water salinity is the most common means available to determine if a ballast water exchange
has taken place. The concept behind using salinity as an indicator of ballast water exchange is that the salinity
of mid ocean seawater differs when compared to coastal waters. However, this is not always a good indicator
since some coastal waters have a similar salinity when compared to mid-ocean waters.
For ballast water exchange, samples are normally taken though vents, manholes, hatches, and sounding tubes.
Care must be exercised to confirm that the ballast water records have been properly maintained to avoid
the possibility of discrepancies in the samples (for example, if any ballast water has been transferred into
the tank since the exchange occurred, this is to be noted in the ballast water record).
3 Sampling Points
Articles 6 and 9 of the Ballast Water Management Convention provide for compliance monitoring by officers
duly authorized by a Party to the Convention for the purposes of scientific research and determining if the
vessel is in compliance with the Convention.
A list of diagrams specifying the location of the sampling and access points to the pipelines and ballast water
tanks, to enable the crew to provide assistance to the authorized officers is provided in Appendix ____ to
this plan. In-tank samples may be taken via sounding or air pipes and manholes by using pumps, sampling
bottles or other water containers.
It is unlikely that a crew member will be required to take samples unless at the expressed request and under
the direct supervision of an authorized port State inspection officer.
The vessel’s Master and crew are to advise the authorized officers of the safety procedures to be observed
when entering enclosed spaces.
The Master should contact the appropriate port State authorities to obtain as much notice as is possible
regarding the intention of the authorized officers to take samples in order to assist in the planning and to
provide for the required resources.
The Master should provide all reasonable assistance to the authorized authorities in support of the sampling.

Section 11: Operational Guidance
SECTION 11 Operational Guidance

A detailed description of the operation of the Ballast Water Exchange System is to be provided.
1 General
This section of the Ballast Water Management Plan should provide the user with a detailed description of
the operation of the ballast water exchange system. The text below provides a listing of those items which
are considered necessary for inclusion in this section of the Plan. The contents of the Plan are to be clear
and easy to understand to support the exchange sequences.
3 Exchange Guidance
The exchange of ballast water at sea requires careful and deliberate planning since these operations have
the potential to be more hazardous than ballast water operations conducted in port.
It is the responsibility of the vessel’s Master and the Ballast Water Management Officer to develop detailed
procedures and processes in support of the ballast water exchange. All parties are to be conversant with the
safety aspects of ballast water exchange and in particular with the method(s) of exchange to be used onboard
their vessel. The vessel’s Master and crew engaged in ballast water exchange at sea should be trained in
and familiar with the following, as appropriate:
i) The approved vessel loading conditions to be used during ballast water exchange
ii) The vessel’s ballast pumping and piping arrangements, positions of associated air and sounding pipes,
positions of all compartment and tank suctions and pipelines connecting them to the vessel’s ballast
pumps and, in the case of use of the flow-through method of ballast water exchange, the openings used
for release of water from the top of the tank together with overboard discharge arrangements
iii) The method of confirming that the sounding pipes are clear and that air pipes and non-return devices
are in good order
iv) The different times required to undertake the various ballast water exchange operations including
the time required to complete individual tanks
v) The method (s) to be used for ballast water exchange at sea
vi) The need to continually monitor ballast water exchange operations
Throughout the exchange process, the Master is to consider if it is acceptable to continue the process, taking
into consideration the following:
i) The vessel’s position (traffic density)
ii) Forecast weather and sea conditions
iii) Vessel stability and loading conditions
iv) Condition and performance of the vessel’s machinery

Section 11 Operational Guidance 3-11
The list below identifies a representative listing of those items that should be considered for inclusion in
this section of the Ballast Water Management Plan. This list is only a representative listing provided as guidance
and is not inclusive:
i) The location where ballast water exchange is to occur is to be identified (refer to 2-1/3, “Where
Ballast Water Exchange is to be Conducted”)
ii) A detailed location and description of the watertight and weathertight closures (e.g., manholes, opening
of vents and air pipes) which may have been opened during ballast exchange that must be re-secured
iii) Descriptions of the procedures required to conduct ballast water exchange taking into consideration
the requirements contained in Chapter 2, Section 2
iv) Maximum pumping rates to prevent the over-pressurization of the ballast tanks are to be identified
v) Ballast water transfer within the vessel in order to comply with the loading conditions addressed
in Chapter 2
vi) Allowable weather conditions and sea states
vii) Weather routing in areas seasonably affected by cyclones, typhoons, hurricanes or heavy icing
conditions
viii) Documented records of ballasting and de-ballasting
ix) Contingency procedures for situations which may affect ballast water exchange at sea, including
deteriorating weather conditions, pump failure and loss of power
x) Time to complete the ballast water exchange or an appropriate sequence thereof. Ballast water
exchange is to commence only if there is sufficient time to safely complete the exchange in the
distance and minimum water depth criteria required by the ballast water exchange standard. The
exchange is to be completed for as many tanks as possible
xi) A description of how the ballast water operation will be continually monitored. Monitoring includes
pump operation, tank levels, line and pump pressures, stability, stresses, etc.
xii) A list of circumstances under which ballast water exchange is not to be undertaken. These
circumstances may result from critical situations of an exceptional nature or force majeure due to
weather conditions, equipment failures or defects, or any other circumstances in which human life
or vessel’s safety is threatened, or at the discretion of the Master. If ballast water exchange is not
undertaken, the details of the circumstances are to be documented in the Ballast Water Record
Book (see Chapter 3, Section 18)
xiii) Ballast water exchange at sea is to be avoided in freezing weather conditions. However, when it is
deemed absolutely necessary, particular attention is to be paid to the hazards associated with the
freezing of overboard discharge arrangements, air pipes and ballast system valves, together with
their means of control and the accumulation of ice on deck.
xiv) A listing of personnel safety concerns, 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 conditions. These concerns may be related to risk to personnel of falling and injury
due to the slippery wet surface of the deck plate where water is overflowing on the deck, and to
the direct contact with the ballast water, in terms of occupational health and safety.
5 General Ballast Water Management Precautionary Practices
5.1 Avoiding Unnecessary Discharge of Ballast Water

Where it is necessary to take on and discharge ballast water in the same port to facilitate safe cargo operations,
care should be taken to avoid the unnecessary discharge of ballast water that has been taken on in another
port.
A note is to be provided explaining that exchanged ballast water which is mixed with non exchanged water
is no longer considered to be properly exchanged.

Section 11 Operational Guidance 3-11
5.3 Minimizing the Uptake of Harmful Aquatic Organisms, Pathogens, and Sediments
When loading ballast, every effort should be made to avoid the uptake of potentially harmful aquatic organisms,
pathogens and sediment that may contain such organisms. The uptake of ballast water should be minimized
or, where practicable, avoided in areas and situations such as:
• In areas identified by the port States
• In darkness when organisms may rise up the water column
• In very shallow water
• Where the propellers may stir up sediment; or
• Where dredging is or recently has been carried out.

Section 12: Safety Procedures for the Vessel and Crew
SECTION 12 Safety Procedures for the Vessel and Crew

Details of the vessel specific safety aspects of the ballast water exchange systems used.
1 General
The exchange of ballast water at sea presents challenges to the vessel’s Master and crew. The development
of this section of the Ballast Water Management Plan is to detail the safety procedures which may be
required to address those challenges expected to be encountered during the exchange sequences. The
precautions and action required by the crew, upon completion of the exchange sequences, are to be carefully
considered and documented.
3 Exchange at Sea
The exchange of ballast water at sea has the potential to be more hazardous than ballast water operations
conducted in port. Safety procedures aimed at addressing the potential for increases in hull stresses, loss of
transverse stability, bottom slamming, adverse affects on the vessel’s maneuverability, over- and under-
pressurization of ballast tanks, and the effects of sloshing loads on tanks represent only a few of those
issues that warrant a heightened awareness from the crew which are to be included in this section of the
Ballast Water Management Plan.
Where applicable, the proposed footnotes found in Chapter 2, Section 2 are recommended for insertion in
this section of the Ballast Water Management Plan.
Precautions, including keeping the hull girder stresses and bending moments within the permissible limits
contained within the approved loading manual and confirming that the vessel maintains adequate intact
stability, as contained in the approved trim and stability booklet, are to be adhered to throughout the exchange
sequence.
Detailed instructions and procedures for crew safety, including but not limited to, proper lighting being provided
when the crew is working on deck, procedures for opening sampling points and guidance regarding water
on deck (where the flow-through method is used), are to be addressed.
A listing of those safety considerations pertaining to the specific ballast water exchange method(s) selected
is to be included in this section of the management plan. For example, where the sequential method of ballast
water exchange is to be utilized, this list should address the following:
i) Maintaining adequate intact stability
ii) Means to prevent the longitudinal stress and, where applicable, torsional stress level exceeding the
permitted values with regard to the prevailing sea conditions
iii) Measures to be taken to prevent significant structural loads resulting from sloshing action of partially
filled tanks, especially where the partially filled tanks are adjacent to empty tanks.
iv) Maintaining forward and aft drafts and trim to provide for adequate bridge visibility, propeller
immersion and minimum forward draft.
A similar list addressing the flow-though and dilution methods should be developed for inclusion into this
section of the Ballast Water Management Plan.

Section 13: Operational or Safety Restrictions
SECTION 13 Operational or Safety Restrictions

Details of the specific operational or safety restrictions, including those associated with the management system,
which affect the vessel and or the crew, including reference to procedures for safe tank entry.
1 General
The implementation of the Ballast Water Management Plan is largely dependent on the proper planning
and execution of the task contained therein. Thus pre-planning and training are essential to provide an
effective exchange of the vessel’s ballast.
The detailed safety procedures discussed in Chapter 3, Sections 11 and 12 should be adopted during the
development of the voyage plan.
Ballast exchange procedures, regardless of the method selected, are complex and may require a prolonged
period, sometimes lasting days, to complete. Detailed training for all crew members that may participate in
the exchange of ballast water should be conducted so that the crew can safely perform the duties that are
expected of them and respond to an emergency should it occur.
When conducting ballast water exchange, the vessel’s Master, Ballast Water Management Officer and crew
are to maintain a diligent watch in order to respond to power failures, ballast pump or pipe failures, or
structural failures. Should any of these events occur, they are to be reported immediately to the company’s
safety office in accordance with established procedures.
Company procedures related to the entry into tanks are also to be included in this section

Section 14: Description of the Method(s) Used Onboard for Ballast Water Management and Sediment Control
SECTION 14 Description of the Method(s) Used Onboard for

Ballast Water Management and Sediment Control
Details of the method(s) used onboard for the management of ballast and for sediment control including step-by-step
operational procedures.
1 General
This section of the Ballast Water Management Plan is to clearly identify the method or methods of ballast
water exchange utilized onboard the vessel. A detailed spreadsheet or listing of the operational procedures
required to be conducted to support the exchange is to be included.
3 Method(s) Used
There are three methods of ballast water exchange which have been determined by the IMO to be acceptable
to reduce the spread of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens via vessel’s ballast water.
These three methods are:
i) Sequential method
ii) Flow-through method
iii) Dilution method
3.1 Sequential Method

The sequential method is a process by which a ballast tank intended for the carriage of ballast water is first
emptied and then re-filled with replacement ballast water to achieve at least a 95% volumetric exchange.
Where the sequential method is utilized, each tank is to be discharged until the suction on the ballast pump
is lost. To assist in sediment control, it is recommended that a small percentage of seawater (approximately
5% of the tank’s volume) be pumped into the tank for flushing purposes and then removed prior to refilling
the tank to complete the exchange.
The intent of this additional flushing of the tank is to assist in the removal of sediments that may accumulate at
the bottom of the tank. Scientists have proven that aquatic organisms and pathogens when entrapped in the
sediments may re-emerge and develop when the tank is refilled with mid ocean water.
3.3 Flow-through Method

The flow-through method is a process wherein the replacement ballast water is pumped in at the bottom of
the ballasted tank, allowing for the water to flow through an overflow or other arrangements to achieve at
least a 95% volumetric exchange of ballast water. Pumping through three times the volume of each ballast
water tank is considered to meet the 95% volumetric exchange. In some cases, pumping through less than
three times the volume of the ballast tank may be acceptable, provided the vessel can demonstrate that at
least 95% volumetric exchange has been met.

Section 14 Description of the Method(s) Used Onboard for Ballast Water Management and Sediment
Control 3-14
3.5 Dilution Method

The dilution method is a process by which replacement ballast water is filled through the top of the ballast
tank intended for the carriage of ballast water with the simultaneous discharge from the bottom at the same
flow rate and maintaining a constant level in the tank throughout the ballast exchange sequence. Pumping
through three times the volume of each ballast water tank is considered to meet the 95% volumetric exchange.
In some cases, pumping through less than three times the volume of the ballast tank may be acceptable,
provided the vessel can demonstrate that at least 95% volumetric exchange has been met.
5 Ballast Water Exchange Operation Spreadsheet

A spreadsheet or computer-based means to document the exchange sequences for the ballast water exchange
method(s) selected is to be developed and incorporated into this section of the Ballast Water Management
Plan. This spreadsheet or computer-based means is to be simple, easy to understand and implement, and is
to detail the various steps required to complete the exchange. (For example, Step 1: Tank(s) 1 and 4 are to
be pumped out using ballast pump number #. Percentage of tank volume exchanged, etc.). Each ballast
water tank (including fore and aft peaks) is to be identified by tank designation and the volume in each
tank is to be measured and recorded.
In addition, the forward and aft drafts, trim, bending moments, shear force, propeller immersion, and time
required for each sequence or step is to be recorded. Any additional notes regarding the ballast water exchange
operations, for example sea states or bridge visibility, are to be annotated.

Section 15: Procedures for the Disposal of Sediments
SECTION 15 Procedures for the Disposal of Sediments

Procedures for the disposal of sediments at sea and to shore.
1 General
In addition to being added weight, the carriage of sediments provides a suitable environment for the aquatic
organisms and pathogens to survive for extended periods of time after the water they were originally in has
been discharged. The re-introduction of ballast water may enable the organisms and or pathogens to redevelop
and subsequently, upon discharge into another port or area, cause injury or damage to the local environment.
This section of the Ballast Water Management Plan is intended to provide instructions or procedures to the
crew for the disposal of sediments both at sea, via the use of features incorporated into the vessel’s design
or while in a port or shipyard to shore based facilities.
3 Sediment Management
Regulation B-5 of the Ballast Water Management Convention requires that vessels should, without
compromising safety or operational efficiency, be designed and constructed with a view to minimize the uptake
and undesirable entrapment of sediments, facilitate the removal of sediments, and provide safe access to
allow for sediment removal and sampling.
As discussed in 3-11/5.3, practical steps are to be taken during ballast water uptake to avoid the accumulation
of sediments. However, it is recognized that sediments will be taken onboard and will settle on tank surfaces.
The amount of sediment accumulation is directly related to the vessel’s trading pattern, ballast tank design
and configuration, the frequency in which ballast is taken onboard, the frequency of removal and the availability
of reception facilities. Where sediment has accumulated, consideration should be given to flushing the tank
bottoms and other surfaces in suitable locations, such as more than 200 miles from the nearest land in waters
having a depth of more than 200 meters, or in areas designated for ballast water exchange by the port or
coastal State.
The volume of sediment in the ballast tanks should be monitored on a regular basis and removed on a
timely basis as found necessary.
Removal of sediment from the ballast tanks should preferably be undertaken under controlled conditions in
port, at a repair facility or in dry dock. The removed sediment should preferably be disposed of in a sediment
reception facility, if available.
It is to be recognized that flushing with sea water or conducting ballast water exchange in the open sea may
only serve to suspend sediment or remove only a limited amount of the sediment. Therefore, the scheduling
of in-tank cleaning of the ballast tanks should be incorporated in the vessel’s maintenance schedule.

Section 16: Methods of Communication
SECTION 16 Methods of Communication

Details of the procedures for coordinating the discharge of ballast in waters of a coastal State.
1 General
Effective communication between the vessel and the port State and local authorities regarding the discharge
of ballast water is a significant component in the management of ballast water.
This section of the Ballast Water Management Plan should contain the information necessary to support this
communication.
3 Communications Directory
As the requirements for the submission of ballast water reports vary greatly between parties to the Convention,
it is recommended that the Ballast Water Management Plan contain a directory of those authorities that the
vessel may be required to contact for any given voyage. This directory should contain the name of the
appropriate authority, telephone number, email address and street address. It is recommended that the vessel’s
Master or the Ballast Water Management Officer contact the port State authorities well in advance of the
vessel’s arrival to obtain any specific instructions relative to the reporting and discharge of ballast waters.
Appendix 2 of this Guide contains a “generic” ballast water reporting form based on MEPC 52/2 Annex 2.
This form is intended to provide assistance to the Master and the designated Ballast Water Management Officer
when communicating with the port State.
In addition to reporting the vessel’s intended ballast water operations (amount of ballast to be discharged,
location of exchange, etc.), the Master or Ballast Water Management Officer should obtain any special
instructions from the port State, notify the port State authorities of any special circumstances relative to the
exchange of ballast water and advise the Authorities of any exemptions granted to the vessel under
regulation A-4 of the Ballast Water Management Convention.

Section 17: Duties of Designated Ballast Water Management Officer and Vessel’s Master
SECTION 17 Duties of Designated Ballast Water Management

Officer and Vessel’s Master
Outline of the duties of the designated officer and vessel’s Master.
1 General
The responsibility for the execution and record keeping associated with the management of ballast water is
to be assigned to a responsible member of the vessel’s crew. This section of the template provides guidance
on those duties associated with ballast water exchange to be performed by the Ballast Water Management
Officer and the vessel’s Master. Vessel-specific listings of responsibilities are to be carefully identified and
included in this section of the Ballast Water Management Plan.
3 Officer in Charge of Ballast Water Exchange

Duties of the appointed officer (designated or rank officer) in charge of ballast water exchange may include:
i) Following the applicable Ballast Water Management Plan or developing a new Ballast Water
Management Plan on the basis of the vessel’s safety criteria, equipment availability and weather
forecast
ii) The responsibility for the proper implementation of the Ballast Water Management Plan including
the availability of personnel and equipment
iii) Informing shore management, the owner or operator of the commencement/interruption/completion
of ballast water exchange
iv) Maintaining the Ballast Water Exchange Record Book (See Chapter 3, Section 18)
v) Preparing the appropriate national or port Ballast Water Reporting Form prior to arrival at destination
vi) Assisting the port State control or quarantine officers with any sampling that may need to be performed
vii) Providing crew familiarization and training in ballast water exchange requirements and applicable
shipboard systems and procedures.
viii) Other duties specified by the vessel’s owners/operators
The Ballast Water Management Officer must periodically keep the Master advised on the progress of the
plan. If there is any doubt, or if the management plan does not keep to the schedule, the Master is to be
advised accordingly. Additionally, the appointed Ballast Water Management Officer is to inform the Chief
Officer when commencing/stopping ballast operations at each stage.

Section 17 Duties of Designated Ballast Water Management Officer and Vessel’s Master 3-17
5 Vessel’s Master
Duties of Vessel’s Master may include:
i) Confirmation that the Ballast Water Management Plan is clearly understood by the appointed Ballast
Water Management Officer and by any other responsible officer that may be involved, and that all
operations strictly conform to the safety parameters
ii) The Master shall consider the Precautionary Advice to Masters When Undertaking Ballast Water
Exchange Operations (MSC/Circ.1145). Where transitory deviations of bridge visibility (SOLAS
V/22), propeller immersion, and minimum draft forward during ballast water exchange are acceptable,
the Master is to be notified by a note placed in the Ballast Water Management Plan.
iii) The Master assesses:
• The duration and time of any such deviation
• The effect(s) on vessel’s navigation/maneuvering performance
• The time to complete the ballast water exchange operation
iv) A decision to proceed with such a ballast water exchange operation is to be taken only:
• When the vessel will be in open water
• With low traffic density
• When an enhanced navigation watch will be maintained
• When the maneuverability of the vessel will not be impaired
• In suitable weather and sea state conditions
v) Coordinate communications with coastal and port State authorities though established procedures.
Such communications may include, but are not limited to, submission of ballast water reporting
forms, coordinating inspections of the ballast water logs and sampling of ballast water, local restrictions
or instructions related to the discharge of ballast water, designated areas for the discharge of ballast
water in the event that the vessel was unable to discharge the ballast water due to weather or
mechanical failures.

Section 18: Ballast Water Record Book and Reporting Forms
SECTION 18 Ballast Water Record Book and Reporting Forms

Details of the record keeping requirements of the Convention.
1 General
The maintenance of records detailing specific information pertaining to the exchange of ballast water is to
be viewed as an important component of the Ballast Water Management Plan. The Ballast Water Exchange
Record Book will be reviewed by the port State authorities during port State inspections when assessing
the ballast water samples discussed earlier in this Guide. Detailed instructions for the maintenance and
retention of these records onboard the vessel are to be provided within this section.
Many port States require the submission of ballast water reporting forms as a means to analyze and evaluate
their national ballast water management program. This section of the Ballast Water Management Plan should
also contain instructions regarding the completion and retention of these ballast water reporting forms.
3 Record Book and Reporting Forms

In accordance with Regulation B-2 of the Annex to the International Convention for the Control and
Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, a record is to be kept of each ballast water operation.
This includes discharges at sea and to reception facilities.
The Ballast Water Record Book shall be kept readily available for inspection at all reasonable times and, in
the case of an unmanned vessel under tow, it may be kept on the towing vessel. An example of the information
to be recorded in the Ballast Water Record Book can be found in Appendix 2.
Each operation concerning ballast water shall be fully recorded without delay in the Ballast Water Record
Book. Each entry shall be signed by the officer in charge of the operation concerned and each completed
page shall be signed by the Master. The entries in the Ballast Water Record Book shall be in the working
language of the vessel. If that language is not English, French, or Spanish, the entries shall contain a translation
into one of those languages.
Coastal or port State officers may inspect the Ballast Water Record Book onboard any vessel while that
vessel is in a port or offshore terminal of that State. These officials may elect to make a copy of the Ballast
Water Record Book and require the Master to certify that the copy is a true copy. Any such certified copy
shall become admissible in any judicial proceeding as evidence of the facts stated in the entry.
In the Ballast Water Management Plan, the following forms are to be provided for recording and
documentation. It is recommended that blank forms be pre-formatted with permanent information such as
the Vessel’s Name, IMO No., Call Sign, Gross Tonnage, Owner, total ballast capacity, total number and
list of tanks onboard, etc. This will help to avoid any inadvertent mistakes and the clarity of presentation
will be welcome to quarantine officers.
i) Ballast Water Record Book. The Ballast Water Record Book includes the record of loading and
discharging ballast and narrative pages for recording unusual events. This record is to be maintained
in order to provide port State officers with historical information they may require concerning the
source of the ballast water onboard the vessel.
Even if a vessel is not currently trading in an area where ballast water information is required to be
reported, it may later prove worthwhile to have a history of what water has been carried.

Section 18 Ballast Water Record Book and Reporting Forms 3-18
ii) Ballast Water Reporting Form. The Ballast Water Reporting Form is to be used when reporting ballast
water exchange to national or local authorities that request such information in advance. Guidance
for completing the form is included in the pages following the form. Before this general form is
completed, the appointed Ballast Water Management Officer is to verify that the appropriate form
required by the country or port of call is used.

Section 19: Crew Training and Familiarization
SECTION 19 Crew Training and Familiarization

Information on the provisions of crew training and familiarization.
1 General
To assist in the implementation of the Ballast Water Management Plan, the vessel’s crew must be trained
and familiar with the tasks expected of them. This training together with an understanding as to the reasons
why ballast water exchange is necessary will promote the effective and efficient conduct of the Ballast
Water Management Plan.
3 Crew Training and Familiarization

Training and familiarization of the vessel’s crew is essential in the management of ballast water and sediments.
Specifically, this training should include instructions on the requirements of the Ballast Water Management
Convention, the implementation of the Ballast Water Management Plan, ballast water exchange procedures,
sediment management procedures, the Ballast Water Record Book, and reporting functions. This training
should be particularly sensitive to those matters concerned with the safety of the vessel and the crew.
The vessel’s Master and crew engaged in the exchange of ballast water at sea are to be trained in and
familiar with the following, as appropriate:
i) The vessel’s ballast pumping and piping arrangements, positions of associated air and sounding
pipes, positions of compartment and tank suctions and pipelines connecting them to the vessel’s
ballast pumps and, when using the flow-through method, the openings used for release of water
from the top of the tank, together with overboard discharge arrangements
ii) The method of confirming that sounding pipes are clear and that air pipes and their non-return
devices are in good working order
iii) The different times required to undertake the various ballast water exchange operations, including
the time to complete individual tanks
iv) The location of and access to sampling points
v) The method(s) in use for ballast water exchange at sea with particular reference to safety considerations
including the precautions for entering tanks and the removal of sediments (including procedures
for the safe handling, packaging and storage of sediments)
vi) The need to continually monitor ballast water exchange operations
vii) The method used onboard for ballast record keeping, reporting and sounding of the ballast tanks
Training records are to be maintained with the Ballast Water Management Plan.

Section 20: Supporting Documentation
SECTION 20 Supporting Documentation
1 Documentation
The following documents are recommended to be appended to the Ballast Water Management Plan:
i) IMO Resolution A. 868 (20), Guidelines for Control and Management of Ship’s Ballast Water to
Minimize the Transfer of Harmful Aquatic Organism and Pathogens.
ii) The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship’s Ballast Water and Sediments,
February 2004.
iii) IMO Resolution MEPC.127(53) Guidelines for Ballast Water Management and Development of
Ballast Water Management Plans (G4).
iv) Latest national or local quarantine requirements for ballast water management

Appendix 1: Ballast Water Reporting Form
APPENDIX 1 Ballast Water Reporting Form
1 General
The attached Ballast Water Reporting Form was developed based on Annex 2 to MEPC 52/2. Owners/operators
are strongly encouraged to communicate with coastal and port States to obtain a copy of any reporting forms
and/or instructions which may be unique to that State. For example, those vessels which intend to enter into US
Waters should obtain the US Ballast Water Reporting Forms from the NBIC (National Ballast Information
Clearinghouse) via the NBIC website at http://invasions.si.edu/NBIC/bwform.html. The completed form is
to be submitted directly to NBIC in accordance with the instructions provided on the website.

Appendix 1
Ballast Water Reporting Form (based on MEPC 52/2, ANNEX 2)
1. VESSEL INFORMATION 2. BALLAST WATER
Vessel Name: Type: IMO Number: Specify Units: m3, MT, LT, ST
Owner: GT: Call Sign: Total Ballast Water Onboard:
Ballast Water Reporting Form

Flag: Arrival Date: Agent:
Last Port and Country: Arrival Port: Total Ballast Water Capacity:
Next Port and Country:
3. BALLAST WATER TANKS

BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN ONBOARD? YES_____ NO_____ HAS THIS BEEN IMPLEMENTED? YES_____ NO_____
TOTAL NO. OF TANKS ONBOARD______ NO. OF TANKS IN BALLAST_____ IF NONE IN BALLAST GO TO NO. 5
NO. OF TANKS EXCHANGED_____ NO. OF TANKS NOT EXCHANGED_______
4. BALLAST WATER HISTORY:

RECORD ALL TANKS THAT WILL BE DEBALLASTED IN PORT STATE OF ARRIVAL; IF NONE GO TO NO. 5.
Tanks/Holds Ballast Water Source BW EXCHANGE: circle one: Ballast Water Discharge
(list multiple Empty/Refill or Flow Through
sources/tanks DATE/ PORT VOL. TEMP DATE/ ENDPOINT VOL. % SEA DATE/ PORT VOLUME SALINITY
separately) TIME or LAT./ (units) (units) TIME LAT./ (units) Exch. HGT. TIME or LAT./ (units) (units)
ddmmyy/ LONG. ddmmyy/ LONG. (m) ddmmyy/ LONG.
hhmmss hhmmss hhmmss
Ballast Water Tank Codes: Forepeak = FP, Aft Peak = AP, Double Bottom = DB, Wing Tank = WT, Center Tank = CT, Topside Tank = TS, Cargo Hold = CH, O = Other
A1
55
56
Appendix 1
Ballast Water Reporting Form (continued)
IF EXCHANGES WERE NOT CONDUCTED, STATE OTHER CONTROL ACTION(S) TAKEN:
IF NONE, STATE REASON WHY NOT:

5. IMO BALLAST WATER GUIDELINES AND THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION) ONBOARD? YES_____ NO_____
RESPONSIBLE OFFICER:
NAME _______________________ (PRINTED)
TITLE _______________________ (PRINTED)
SIGNATURE_________________________ DATE _________________
A1
Appendix 1
Guidance for Completing the Ballast Water Reporting Form
Please fill out in English and make every effort to PRINT Ballast water management plan: Do you have a ballast Endpoint or latitude/longitude: Location of ballast
clearly water management plan specific to your vessel onboard? water exchange. If it occurred over an extended
Check Yes or No. distance, list the end point latitude and longitude.
Section 1: Vessel information
Use of Management plan: Do you follow the above Volume: Volume of ballast water exchanged, with units.

Vessel name: Print the name of the vessel. management plan? Check Yes or No. Percentage exchanged: Percentage of ballast water
Owner: The registered owner(s) or operator(s) of the vessel. No. of tanks in ballast: Number of segregated ballast exchanged. Calculate this by dividing the number of
Flag: Country under which the ship normally operates. Write water tanks and holds with ballast at the onset of the units of water exchanged by the original volume of
the full name Do not use abbreviations. voyage to the current port. If you have no ballast water ballast water in the tank. If necessary, estimate based on
Last port and country: Last port and country at which the onboard, go to section 5. pump rate. (Note: For effective flow-through exchange
vessel called before arrival in the current port. Write the No. of tanks exchanged: This refers only to tanks and this value should be at least 300%).
country and port names in full. Do not use abbreviations. holds with ballast at the onset of the voyage to the Sea height (m): Document the sea height in meters at
Next port and country: Next port and country at which the current port. the time of the ballast exchange (Note: this is the
vessel will call, upon departure from the current port. Write No. of tanks not exchanged: This refers only to tanks combined height of the wind seas and swell, measured
the country and port names in full. Do not use abbreviations. and holds with ballast at the onset of the voyage to the from crest to trough).
Type: List specific vessel type, write out or use the following current port. Ballast water discharge:
abbreviations: bulk (bc); ro-ro (rr); container (cs); tanker (ts); Date/Time: Date and time of ballast water discharge.
Section 4: Ballast water history
passenger (pa); oil/bulk ore (ob); general cargo (gc). Write in Use European format (DDMMYY) and (HHMMSS).
any additional vessel types. Ballast water source: List all tanks and holds that you
Port or latitude/longitude: Location of ballast water
have discharged or plan to discharge in this port
GT: Gross tonnage. discharge. If discharged in a port, write the name of the
(carefully write out, or use codes listed below the table).
Arrival date: Arrival date to current port. Use European date port in full.
Follow each tank across the page listing all source(s),
format (DDMMYY). exchange events, and/or discharge events separately. If Volume: Volume of ballast water discharged, with units.
IMO number: Identification number of the vessel used by the ballast water history is identical (i.e., the same source, Salinity: Document salinity of ballast water at the time
the International Maritime Organization. exchange and discharge dates and locations), like tanks of discharge, with units, [i.e., specific gravity (sg) or
can be combined (example: wing tank 1 with wing tank parts per thousand (ppt)].
Call sign: Official call sign.
2 both water from Belgium, exchanged Oct. 3rd, mid If exchanges were not conducted, state other control
Agent: Agent used for this voyage. ocean – can be combined. See first line of the table in action (s) taken: If exchanges were not made on all
Arrival port: This is the current port. Write the name in full. the sample form).Use an additional page if necessary. tanks and holds to be discharged, what other actions
Do not use an abbreviation. Include ship name, date and IMO number at the top of were taken? (i.e., transfer of water to a land-based
Section 2: Ballast water each page. holding facility or other approved treatment).
(Note: Segregated ballast water = clean, non-oily ballast) Date/Time: Date and time of ballast water uptake. Use If none, state reason why not: List specific reasons
European format (DDMMYY) and (HHMMSS). why ballast exchange was not done. This applies to all
Total ballast water onboard: Total segregated ballast water
upon arrival to current port, with units. Port or latitude/longitude: Location of ballast water tanks and holds being discharged.
uptake. If carried out in port, write the port name in full.
Total ballast water capacity: Total volume of all ballast Section 5: IMO Ballast water
tanks or holds, with units. Volume: Volume of ballast water uptake, with units.
Temperature: Water temperature at time of ballast IMO Ballast Water Convention and IMO Guidelines
Section 3: Ballast water tanks water uptake, in degrees Centigrade (Celsius). onboard. Is a copy of the IMO Convention and
Guidelines on board? Check Yes or No.
Count all tanks and holds separately (e.g., port and starboard Ballast water exchange: Indicate exchange method:
tanks should be counted separately). Circle empty/refill or flow through. Responsible officer’s name and title (printed) and
signature: e.g., Master, chief officer or chief engineer
Total no. of tanks onboard: Count all tanks and holds that Date/Time: Date and time of ballast water exchange. must PRINT their name and title and sign the form.
can carry segregated ballast water. Use European format (DDMMYY) and (HHMMSS).
A1
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Appendix 2: Ballast Water Record
APPENDIX 2 Ballast Water Record
1 General
The attached Ballast Water Record was developed based on Appendix II of the International Convention for
the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 and is provided for the assistance
of owners/operators.

Appendix 2
Ballast Water Record Book
Name of Ship _______________________
IMO Number _______________________
Gross Tonnage ______________________
Ballast Water Record

Flag _______________________________
Total Ballast Water Capacity (in cubic meters) _________________________
Is this vessel provided with Ballast Water Management Plan yes no
Was the approved Ballast Water Management Plan implemented prior to discharge yes no
Diagram of the vessel indicating the ballast tanks:
Introduction
In accordance with regulation B-2 of the Annex to the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, a
record is to be kept of each Ballast Water Operation. This includes discharges at sea and to reception facilities.
Ballast Water and Ballast Water Management
“Ballast Water” means water with its suspended matter taken on onboard a ship to control trim, list, draft, stability or stresses of a ship. Management of
Ballast Water shall be in accordance with an approved Ballast Water Management Plan and take into account Guidelines developed by the IMO.
A2
56
56
Appendix 2
Date Time Location Port or Estimated Location Depth of Estimated Estimated Estimated Signature of Rank
Facility of Uptake Volume of the Water at Volume of Volume of Volume of Officer in Charge
(Port or Lat/Long) of Uptake Exchange Exchange Ballast Water Ballast Ballast Water
(in cubic Operation Location Discharged Remaining Discharge in

meters) (Port or (in meters) at Sea (in cubic Port or Facility
Lat/Long) (in cubic meters) (in cubic
meters meters).
Note: Any accidental or other exception uptake or discharge of Ballast Water shall also be recorded. The circumstances associated with the accidental or other exceptional
uptake, discharge, escape or loss and the reason therefore and any general remarks associated with such and event shall also be recorded.
A2
Appendix 2
Narrative Record of Events Related to Ballast Water Management Onboard
Name of Ship ____________________________ IMO Number __________________________ Gross Tonnage ______________________
Flag _________________________ Total Ballast Water Capacity (in cubic meters) __________________________________

Record events which are relevant to ballast water management and which are likely to be of interest to quarantine officers, such as sediment removal during dry-
dock, or tank flushing at sea. Each entry should be completed with the signature and the rank of the officer making the entry.
Date Activities Comments Signature
A2
56
Appendix 3: International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship’s Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004
APPENDIX 3 International Convention for the Control and

Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and
Sediments, 2004
BWM/CONF/36
16 February 2004
Note: The following contexts obtained from the GEF/UNDP/IMO Global Ballast Water Management Programme
(http://globallast.imo.org) are a summary of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships
Ballast Water & Sediments, 2004. The full text of the Convention is available to purchase from IMO (www.imo.org).
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF

SHIPS’ BALLAST WATER AND SEDIMENTS, 2004
The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships Ballast Water & Sediments was
adopted by consensus at a Diplomatic Conference at IMO in London on Friday 13 February 2004.
The Conference was attended by representatives of 74 States, one Associate Member of IMO; and observers from
two intergovernmental organizations and 18 non-governmental international organizations.
Summary of Convention requirements
The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments is divided
into Articles; and an Annex which includes technical standards and requirements in the Regulations for the control
and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments.
The main features of the Convention are outlined below.
Entry into force
The Convention will enter into force 12 months after ratification by 30 States, representing 35 percent of world
merchant shipping tonnage (Article 18 Entry into force).
General Obligations
Under Article 2 General Obligations Parties undertake to give full and complete effect to the provisions of the
Convention and the Annex in order to prevent, minimize and ultimately eliminate the transfer of harmful aquatic
organisms and pathogens through the control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments.
Reception facilities
Parties are given the right to take, individually or jointly with other Parties, more stringent measures with respect to
the prevention, reduction or elimination of the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens through the
control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments, consistent with international law. Parties should
ensure that ballast water management practices do not cause greater harm than they prevent to their environment,
human health, property or resources, or those of other States.
Under Article 5 Sediment Reception Facilities Parties undertake to ensure that ports and terminals where cleaning
or repair of ballast tanks occurs, have adequate reception facilities for the reception of sediments.
Research and monitoring
Article 6 Scientific and Technical Research and Monitoring calls for Parties individually or jointly to promote and
facilitate scientific and technical research on ballast water management; and monitor the effects of ballast water
management in waters under their jurisdiction.

Appendix 3 International Convention on the Control and Management of Ship’s Ballast Water and
Sediments, 2004 A3
Survey, certification and inspection

Ships are required to be surveyed and certified (Article 7 Survey and certification)and may be inspected by port
State control officers (Article 9 Inspection of Ships) who can verify that the ship has a valid certificate; inspect the
Ballast Water Record Book; and/or sample the ballast water. If there are concerns, then a detailed inspection may
be carried out and “the Party carrying out the inspection shall take such steps as will ensure that the ship shall not
discharge Ballast Water until it can do so without presenting a threat of harm to the environment, human health,
property or resources.”
All possible efforts shall be made to avoid a ship being unduly detained or delayed (Article 12 Undue Delay to Ships).
Technical assistance
Under Article 13 Technical Assistance, Co-operation and Regional Co-operation, Parties undertake, directly or through
the Organization and other international bodies, as appropriate, in respect of the control and management of ships’
ballast water and sediments, to provide support for those Parties which request technical assistance to train personnel;
to ensure the availability of relevant technology, equipment and facilities; to initiate joint research and development
programmes; and to undertake other action aimed at the effective implementation of this Convention and of guidance
developed by the Organization related thereto.
Annex – Section A General Provisions
This includes definitions, application and exemptions. Under Regulation A-2 General Applicability: “Except where
expressly provided otherwise, the discharge of Ballast Water shall only be conducted through Ballast Water
Management, in accordance with the provisions of this Annex.”
Annex – Section B Management and Control Requirements for Ships
Ships are required to have on board and implement a Ballast Water Management Plan approved by the Administration
(Regulation B-1). The Ballast Water Management Plan is specific to each ship and includes a detailed description
of the actions to be taken to implement the Ballast Water Management requirements and supplemental Ballast
Water Management practices.
Ships must have a Ballast Water Record Book (Regulation B-2) to record when ballast water is taken on board;
circulated or treated for Ballast Water Management purposes; and discharged into the sea. It should also record
when Ballast Water is discharged to a reception facility and accidental or other exceptional discharges of Ballast Water
The specific requirements for ballast water management are contained in regulation B-3 Ballast Water Management
for Ships:
• Ships constructed before 2009 with a ballast water capacity of between 1500 and 5000 cubic metres must
conduct ballast water management that at least meets the ballast water exchange standards or the ballast water
performance standards until 2014, after which time it shall at least meet the ballast water performance standard.
• Ships constructed before 2009 with a ballast water capacity of less than 1500 or greater than 5000 cubic metres
must conduct ballast water management that at least meets the ballast water exchange standards or the ballast
water performance standards until 2016, after which time it shall at least meet the ballast water performance
standard.
• Ships constructed in or after 2009 with a ballast water capacity of less than 5000 cubic metres must conduct
ballast water management that at least meets the ballast water performance standard.
• Ships constructed in or after 2009 but before 2012, with a ballast water capacity of 5000 cubic metres or more
shall conduct ballast water management that at least meets the ballast water performance standard.
• Ships constructed in or after 2012, with a ballast water capacity of 5000 cubic metres or more shall conduct
ballast water management that at least meets the ballast water performance standard.
Other methods of ballast water management may also be accepted as alternatives to the ballast water exchange
standard and ballast water performance standard, provided that such methods ensure at least the same level of protection
to the environment, human health, property or resources, and are approved in principle by IMO’s Marine Environment
Protection Committee (MEPC).

Sediments, 2004 A3
Under Regulation B-4 Ballast Water Exchange, all ships using ballast water exchange should:
• Whenever possible, conduct ballast water exchange at least 200 nautical miles from the nearest land and in
water at least 200 metres in depth, taking into account Guidelines developed by IMO;
• In cases where the ship is unable to conduct ballast water exchange as above, this should be as far from the
nearest land as possible, and in all cases at least 50 nautical miles from the nearest land and in water at least
200 metres in depth.
When these requirements cannot be met areas may be designated where ships can conduct ballast water exchange.
All ships shall remove and dispose of sediments from spaces designated to carry ballast water in accordance with
the provisions of the ships’ ballast water management plan (Regulation B-4).
Annex - Section C Additional measures
A Party, individually or jointly with other Parties, may impose on ships additional measures to prevent, reduce, or
eliminate the transfer of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens through ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments.
In these cases, the Party or Parties should consult with adjoining or nearby States that may be affected by such
standards or requirements and should communicate their intention to establish additional measure(s) to the Organization
at least 6 months, except in emergency or epidemic situations, prior to the projected date of implementation of the
measure(s). When appropriate, Parties will have to obtain the approval of IMO.
Annex – Section D Standards for Ballast Water Management
There is a ballast water exchange standard and a ballast water performance standard. Ballast water exchange could
be used to meet the performance standard:
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. For ships exchanging ballast water by the
pumping-through method, pumping through three times the volume of each ballast water tank shall be considered
to meet the standard described. Pumping through less than three times the volume may be accepted provided the
ship can demonstrate that at least 95 percent volumetric exchange is met.
Regulation D-2 Ballast Water Performance Standard - Ships conducting ballast water management shall discharge
less than 10 viable organisms per cubic metre greater than or equal to 50 micrometers in minimum dimension and
less than 10 viable organisms per milliliter less than 50 micrometres in minimum dimension and greater than or
equal to 10 micrometers in minimum dimension; and discharge of the indicator microbes shall not exceed the
specified concentrations.
The indicator microbes, as a human health standard, include, but are not be limited to:
a. Toxicogenic Vibrio cholerae (O1 and O139) with less than 1 colony forming unit (cfu) per 100 milliliters
or less than 1 cfu per 1 gram (wet weight) zooplankton samples;
b. Escherichia coli less than 250 cfu per 100 milliliters;
c. Intestinal Enterococci less than 100 cfu per 100 milliliters.
Ballast Water Management systems must be approved by the Administration in accordance with IMO Guidelines
(Regulation D-3 Approval requirements for Ballast Water Management systems). These include systems which
make use of chemicals or biocides; make use of organisms or biological mechanisms; or which alter the chemical
or physical characteristics of the Ballast Water.
Prototype technologies
Regulation D-4 covers Prototype Ballast Water Treatment Technologies. It allows for ships participating in a
programme approved by the Administration to test and evaluate promising Ballast Water treatment technologies to
have a leeway of five years before having to comply with the requirements.

Sediments, 2004 A3
Review of standards
Under Regulation D-5 Review of Standards by the Organization, IMO is required to review the Ballast Water
Performance Standard, taking into account a number of criteria including safety considerations; environmental
acceptability, i.e., not causing more or greater environmental impacts than it solves; practicability, i.e., compatibility
with ship design and operations; cost effectiveness; and biological effectiveness in terms of removing, or otherwise
rendering inactive harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens in ballast water. The review should include a
determination of whether appropriate technologies are available to achieve the standard, an assessment of the above
mentioned criteria, and an assessment of the socio-economic effect(s) specifically in relation to the developmental
needs of developing countries, particularly small island developing States.
Annex – Section E Survey and Certification Requirements for Ballast Water Management
Gives requirements for initial renewal, annual, intermediate and renewal surveys and certification requirements.
Appendices give form of Ballast Water Management Certificate and Form of Ballast Water Record Book.
Resolutions adopted by the Conference
The Conference also adopted four resolutions:
• Conference resolution 1: Future work by the Organization pertaining to the International Convention for the
Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments
• Conference resolution 2: The use of decision-making tools when reviewing the standards pursuant to Regulation
D-5
• Conference resolution 3: Promotion of technical co-operation and assistance
• Conference resolution 4: Review of the Annex to the International Convention for the Control and Management
of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments

Appendix 4: IMO Resolution A.868 (20)
APPENDIX 4 IMO Resolution A.868 (20)
IMO RESOLUTION A.868 (20)

adopted on 27 November 1997
GUIDELINES FOR THE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF SHIPS’ BALLAST

WATER TO MINIMIZE THE TRANSFER OF HARMFUL
AQUATIC ORGANISMS AND PATHOGENS
THE ASSEMBLY,
RECALLING Article 15(j) of the Convention on the International Maritime Organization concerning the functions
of the Assembly in relation to regulations and guidelines concerning prevention and control of marine pollution
from ships,
RECALLING ALSO resolution A.774(18) by which it recognized that the uncontrolled discharge of ballast water
and sediment from ships has led to the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens, causing injury to
public health and damage to property and the environment, and accordingly adopted Guidelines for Preventing the
Introduction of Unwanted Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens from Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediment Discharges,
and further that the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) and the Maritime Safety Committee
(MSC) shall keep the ballast water issue and the application of the Guidelines under review with a view to further
developing the Guidelines as a basis for a new Annex to MARPOL 73/78,
RECALLING FURTHER that the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED),
in its Agenda 21 requests IMO to consider the adoption of appropriate rules on ballast water discharge to prevent
the spread of non-indigenous organisms, and further proclaims in its Declaration on Environment and Development
that States shall widely apply the precautionary approach according to their capabilities,
BEARING IN MIND that MEPC/Circ.288 recognized that the existing Guidelines do not provide a complete
solution towards the total prevention of the introduction of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens, but urged that
focus should be directed on measures aimed at minimizing the risks, emphasizing further that in applying the existing
Guidelines, the ship’s safety was of paramount importance,
NOTING the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992, and that the transfer and introduction of
alien aquatic species with ballast water threatens the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity,
NOTING FURTHER the status of work carried out by MEPC as requested by resolution A.774(18) concerning the
development of legally binding provisions on ballast water management together with guidelines for their effective
implementation, as well as the Guidance on Safety Aspects of Ballast Water Exchange at Sea prepared by the Sub-
Committee on Ship Design and Equipment, and distributed as MEPC/Circ.329 and MSC/Circ.806, both of 30 June
1997,
RECOGNIZING that several States have taken unilateral action by adopting legally binding provisions for local,
regional or national application with a view to minimizing the risks of introducing harmful aquatic organisms and
pathogens through ships entering their ports, and also that this issue, being of worldwide concern, demands action
based on globally applicable regulation together with guidelines for their effective implementation and uniform
interpretation,

Appendix 4 IMO Resolution A.868 (20) A4
HAVING CONSIDERED the recommendation of the MEPC at its fortieth session on this issue,
1. ADOPTS the Guidelines for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water to Minimize the Transfer
of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens set out in the Annex to the present resolution;
2. REQUESTS Governments to take urgent action in applying these Guidelines, including the dissemination
thereof to the shipping industry, to use them as a basis for any measures they adopt with a view to minimizing the
risks of introducing harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens, and to report to the MEPC on any experience gained
in their implementation;
3. REQUESTS ALSO the MEPC to work towards completion of legally binding provisions on ballast water
management in the form of a new Annex to MARPOL 73/78, together with guidelines for their uniform and effective
implementation with a view to their consideration and adoption in the year 2000;
4. REQUESTS FURTHER the MSC to include in its work plan the evaluation of information received from
interested parties, particularly that relevant to 12.2 of the Guidelines adopted herewith, with a view to determining
the hazards and potential consequences for various existing ship types and operations. The MSC is also requested
to consider any other relevant issues concerning ballast water management as well as design objectives for new
ships, with a view to minimizing to the extent possible risks of introducing harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens
with ships’ ballast water and sediments;
5. REVOKES resolution A.774(18).

ANNEX
GUIDELINES FOR THE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF SHIPS’ BALLAST WATER TO

MINIMIZE THE TRANSFER OF HARMFUL AQUATIC ORGANISMS AND PATHOGENS
Contents
CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 2 - DEFINITIONS
CHAPTER 3 - APPLICATION
CHAPTER 4 - GUIDELINE OBJECTIVES AND BACKGROUND
CHAPTER 5 - DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION
CHAPTER 6 - TRAINING AND EDUCATION
CHAPTER 7 - PROCEDURES FOR SHIPS AND PORT STATES
7.1 Procedures for ships
7.2 Procedures for port States
CHAPTER 8 - RECORDING AND REPORTING PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 9 - SHIPS’ OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
9.1 Precautionary practices
.1 Minimizing uptake of harmful aquatic organisms, pathogens and sediments
.2 Removing ballast sediment on a timely basis
.3 Avoiding unnecessary discharge of ballast water
9.2 Ballast water management options
.1 Ballast water exchange
.2 Non-release or minimal release of ballast water
.3 Discharge to reception facilities
.4 Emergent and new technologies and treatments
CHAPTER 10 - PORT STATE CONSIDERATION
10.1 Highly disparate conditions between uptake and discharge ports
10.2 Ballast water age
10.3 Presence of target organisms
CHAPTER 11 - ENFORCEMENT AND MONITORING BY PORT STATES
CHAPTER 12 - FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS IN RELATION TO BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE
12.1 Research needs
12.2 Long-term evaluation of safety aspects in relation to ballast water exchange
CHAPTER 13 - BALLAST SYSTEM DESIGN
Appendix 1 - Ballast water reporting form
Appendix 2 - Guidance on safety aspects of ballast water exchange at sea

1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Studies carried out in several countries have shown that many species of bacteria, plants, and animals can
survive in a viable form in the ballast water and sediment carried in ships, even after journeys of several months’
duration. Subsequent discharge of ballast water or sediment into the waters of port States may result in the establishment
of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens which may pose threats to indigenous human, animal and plant life,
and the marine environment. Although other media have been identified as being responsible for transferring
organisms between geographically separated water bodies, ballast water discharge from ships appears to have been
among the most prominent.
1.2 The potential for ballast water discharge to cause harm has been recognized not only by the International
Maritime Organization but also by the World Health Organization, which is concerned about the role of ballast water
as a medium for the spreading of epidemic disease bacteria.
1.3 These Guidelines are not to be regarded as a certain solution to the problem. Rather, each part of them
should be viewed as a tool which, if correctly applied, will help to minimize the risks associated with ballast water
discharge. As scientific and technological advances are made, the Guidelines will be refined to enable the risk to be
more adequately addressed. In the interim, port States, flag States and other parties that can assist in mitigating this
problem should exercise due care and diligence in an effort to conform to the maximum extent possible with the
Guidelines.
1.4 The selection of appropriate methods of risk minimization will depend upon several factors, including the
type or types of organisms being targeted, the level of risk involved, its environmental acceptability, the economic
and ecological costs involved and the safety of ships.
2 DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of these Guidelines, the following definitions apply:
Administration means the Government of the State under whose authority the ship is operating.
Convention means MARPOL 73/78 (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships,
1973, and the Protocol of 1978 related thereto).
Member States means States that are Members of the International Maritime Organization. Organization
means the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Port State authority means any official or organization authorized by the Government of a port State to
administer guidelines or enforce standards and regulations relevant to the implementation of national and
international shipping control measures.
Treatment means a process or mechanical, physical, chemical or biological method to kill, remove or
render infertile, harmful or potentially harmful organisms within ballast water.
3 APPLICATION
The Guidelines are directed to Member States and can apply to all ships; however, a port State authority
shall determine the extent to which they do apply.
4 GUIDELINE OBJECTIVES AND BACKGROUND

4.1 The objectives of these Guidelines, developed under technical and scientific guidance, are intended to assist
Governments and appropriate authorities, ship masters, operators and owners, and port authorities, as well as other
interested parties, in minimizing the risk of introducing harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens from ships’ ballast
water and associated sediments while protecting ships’ safety.
4.2 The Guidelines allow port States to exempt ships within the area under their jurisdiction from part or all of
the relevant provisions. Notwithstanding, any administration wishing to apply restrictions to ballast water operations
should still follow these Guidelines, when developing legislation or procedures.
4.3 In order that the Guidelines may be implemented in a standard and uniform manner, all Member State
Governments, ship operators, other appropriate authorities and interested parties are requested to apply these Guidelines.

5 DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION
5.1 Administrations are encouraged to maintain and exchange information relevant to these Guidelines through
the Organization. Accordingly, administrations are encouraged to provide the Organization with the following:
.1 Information on severe outbreaks or infestations of harmful aquatic organisms which may pose a
risk;
.2 Copies of current domestic laws and regulations;
.3 Technical and research information;
.4 Education materials (such as audio and video tapes) and printed materials; and
.5 Location and terms of use of alternative exchange zones, contingency strategies, availability of
shore reception facilities, fees, etc.
5.2 Member States, applying ballast water and sediment discharge procedures, should notify the Organization
of specific requirements and provide to the Organization, for the information of other Member States and non-
governmental organizations, copies of any regulations, standards, exemptions or guidelines being applied. Verification
and detailed information concerning port State requirements should be obtained by the ship prior to arrival.
5.3 Port State authorities should provide the widest possible distribution of information on ballast water and
sediment management and treatment requirements that are being applied to shipping. Failure to do so may lead to
unnecessary delays for ships seeking entry to port States.
5.4 Shipping organizations and ships’ managers should be familiar with the requirements of port State authorities
with respect to ballast water and sediment management and treatment procedures, including information that will
be needed to obtain entry clearance.
5.5 Member States are invited to provide the Organization with details of any research and development studies
that they carry out with respect to the impact and control of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens in ships’
ballast water and sediment.
5.6 Member States should provide to the Organization details of records describing reasons why existing
requirements could not be complied with, e.g. force majeure, heavy weather, failure of equipment, or lack of information
concerning port State requirements.
6 TRAINING AND EDUCATION

6.1 Training for ships’ masters and crew as appropriate should include instructions on the application of ballast
water and sediment management and treatment procedures, based upon the information contained in these Guidelines.
Instruction should also be provided on the maintenance of appropriate records and logs. Governments should
ensure that their marine training organizations include this in the contents of their syllabus.
6.2 The application of processes and procedures concerning ballast water management are currently at the core
of the solution to minimize the introduction of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens.
6.3 Governments are encouraged to include knowledge of duties regarding the control of pollution of the sea
by harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens in their training requirements for certificates.
7 PROCEDURES FOR SHIPS AND PORT STATES

7.1.1 Every ship that carries ballast water should be provided with a ballast water management plan to assist in
the minimization of transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens. The intent of the plan should be to provide
safe and effective procedures for ballast water management.
7.1.2 The ballast water management plan should be specific to each ship.

7.1.3 The ballast water management plan should be included in the ship’s operational documentation. Such a
plan should address, inter alia:
- relevant parts of these Guidelines;
- approval documentation relevant to treatment equipment;
- an indication of records required; and
- the location of possible sampling points.

7.2.1 Reception and treatment facilities should be made available for the environmentally safe disposal of ballast
tank sediments.
7.2.2 Discharge of ship’s ballast water into port reception and/or treatment facilities may provide an acceptable
means of control. Port State authorities wishing to utilize this strategy should ensure that the facilities are adequate.
8 RECORDING AND REPORTING PROCEDURES

8.1.1 Where a port State authority requires that specific ballast water procedures and/or treatment option(s) be
undertaken, and due to weather, sea conditions or operational impracticability such action cannot be taken, the master
should report this fact to the port State authority as soon as possible and, where appropriate, prior to entering seas
under its jurisdiction.
8.1.2 To facilitate the administration of ballast water management and treatment procedures onboard each ship, a
responsible officer should be appointed to maintain appropriate records and to ensure that ballast water management
and/or treatment procedures are followed and recorded.
8.1.3 When taking on or discharging ballast water, as a minimum, the dates, geographical locations, ship’s tank(s)
and cargo holds, ballast water temperature and salinity as well as the amount of ballast water loaded or discharged
should be recorded. A suitable format is shown in appendix 1. The record should be made available to the port
State authority.
8.1.4 The location and suitable access points for sampling ballast or sediment should be described in the ship’s
ballast water management plan. This will allow crew members to provide maximum assistance when officers of the
port State authority require a sample of the ballast water or sediment.

8.2.1 Consistent with 5.2 above, port States should provide ships with the following information:
- details of their requirements concerning ballast water management;
- location and terms of use of alternative exchange zones;
- any other port contingency arrangements; and
- the availability, location, capacities of and applicable fees relevant to reception facilities that are
being provided for the environmentally safe disposal of ballast water and associated sediment.
8.2.2 To assist ships in applying the precautionary practices described in 9.1.1 below, port States should inform
local agents and/or the ship of areas and situations where the uptake of ballast water should be minimized, such as:
- areas with outbreaks, infestations or known populations of harmful organisms and pathogens;
- areas with current phytoplankton blooms (algal blooms, such as red tides); nearby sewage outfalls;
- nearby dredging operations;
- when a tidal stream is known to be the more turbid; and
- areas where tidal flushing is known to be poor.

9 SHIPS’ OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
9.1 Precautionary practices
9.1.1 Minimizing uptake of harmful aquatic organisms, pathogens and sediments

When loading ballast, every effort should be made to avoid the uptake of potentially harmful aquatic organisms,
pathogens and sediment that may contain such organisms. The uptake of ballast water should be minimized or, where
practicable, avoided in areas and situations such as:
- areas identified by the port State in connection with advice relating to 8.2.2 above;
- in darkness when bottom-dwelling organisms may rise up in the water column; in very shallow water;
or
- where propellers may stir up sediment.
9.1.2 Removing ballast sediment on a timely basis

Where practicable, routine cleaning of the ballast tank to remove sediments should be carried out in mid-
ocean or under controlled arrangements in port or dry dock, in accordance with the provisions of the ship’s ballast
water management plan.
9.1.3 Avoiding unnecessary discharge of ballast water

If it is necessary to take on and discharge ballast water in the same port to facilitate safe cargo operations,
care should be taken to avoid unnecessary discharge of ballast water that has been taken up in another port.
9.2 Ballast water management options
9.2.1 Ballast water exchange

Near-coastal (including port and estuarine) organisms released in mid-ocean, and oceanic organisms released
in coastal waters, do not generally survive.
When exchanging ballast at sea, guidance on safety aspects of ballast water exchange as set out in appendix 2
should be taken into account. Furthermore, the following practices are recommended:
- where practicable, ships should conduct ballast exchange in deep water, in open ocean and as far
as possible from shore. Where this is not possible, requirements developed within regional agreements
may be in operation, particularly in areas within 200 nautical miles from shore. Consistent with
9.1.2 above, all of the ballast water should be discharged until suction is lost, and stripping pumps
or eductors should be used if possible;
- where the flow-through method is employed in open ocean by pumping ballast water into the tank
or hold and allowing the water to overflow, at least three times the tank volume should be pumped
through the tank;
- where neither form of open ocean exchange is practicable, ballast exchange may be accepted by
the port State in designated areas; and
- other ballast exchange options approved by the port State.
9.2.2 Non-release or minimal release of ballast water

In cases where ballast exchange or other treatment options are not possible, ballast water may be retained
in tanks or holds. Should this not be possible, the ship should only discharge the minimum essential amount of
ballast water in accordance with port States’ contingency strategies.
9.2.3 Discharge to reception facilities

If reception facilities for ballast water and/or sediments are provided by a port State, they should, where
appropriate, be utilized.

9.2.4 Emergent and new technologies and treatments

9.2.4.1 If suitable new and emergent treatments and technologies prove viable, these may substitute for, or be used
in conjunction with, current options. Such treatments could include thermal methods, filtration, disinfection including
ultraviolet light, and other such means acceptable to the port State.
9.2.4.2 Results concerning the application and effectiveness of new ballast water management technologies and
associated control equipment should be notified to the Organization with a view to evaluation and incorporation, as
appropriate, into these Guidelines.
10 PORT STATE CONSIDERATIONS

The following is provided for the guidance of port State authorities in the implementation of their ballast
water management program, and to assess risks in relation to the ballast water containing harmful aquatic organisms
and pathogens.
10.1 Highly disparate conditions between uptake and discharge ports

Significantly different conditions may exist between port(s) of origin and the port in which ballast water is
discharged. Examples include freshwater ballast being released into highly saline ports. There may be organisms
capable of surviving such extreme transfers; however, there is a lower probability of species establishment under
such transport events.
10.2 Ballast water age

The length of time during which ballast water is within an enclosed ballast tank may also be a factor in
determining the number of surviving organisms, because of the absence of light, decreasing nutrients and oxygen,
changes of salinity and other factors. However, the maximum length of survival of organisms in ballast water varies,
and in many cases is not known. Water of an age of 100 days should be considered the minimum for applying this
consideration. Ballast water and sediments may contain dinoflagellate cysts and other organisms capable of surviving
for a much longer length of time.
10.3 Presence of target organisms

10.3.1 Under certain circumstances it may be possible to determine if one or more target species are present in the
water of a specific port and have been ballasted in a ship. In these circumstances, the receiving port State authority
may invoke management measures accordingly. Even if such target species are not present, however, it should be
noted that the ship may still be carrying many untargeted species which, if released in new waters, could be potentially
harmful.
10.3.2 Port States are encouraged to carry out biological baseline surveys in their ports and to disseminate the
results of their investigations.
11 ENFORCEMENT AND MONITORING BY PORT STATES

11.1 Consistent with the precautionary approach to environmental protection, these Guidelines can apply to all
ships unless specifically exempted by a port State authority within its jurisdiction. In accordance with 5.2 above,
port State authorities should inform the Organization on how the Guidelines are being applied.
11.2 Member States have the right to manage ballast water by national legislation. However, any ballast discharge
restrictions should be notified to the Organization.
11.3 In all cases, a port State authority should consider the overall effect of ballast water and sediment discharge
procedures on the safety of ships and those onboard. Guidelines will be ineffective if compliance is dependent upon
the acceptance of operational measures that put a ship or its crew at risk. Port States should not require any action
of the master which imperils the lives of seafarers or the safety of the ship.
11.4 It is essential that ballast water and sediment management procedures be effective as well as environmentally
safe, practicable, designed to minimize costs and delays to the ship, and based upon these Guidelines whenever possible.
11.5 Any instructions or requirements of a ship should be provided in a timely manner and be clear and concise.

11.6 Port States should on request provide a visiting ship with any requested information relative to ballast water
management and its potential effects with respect to harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens.
11.7 Any enforcement or monitoring activities should be undertaken in a fair, uniform and nationally consistent
manner at all ports within the port State. Where there are compelling reasons whereby nationally consistent procedures
cannot be followed, then deviations should be reported to the Organization.
11.8 Compliance monitoring should be undertaken by port State authorities by, for example, taking and analyzing
ballast water and sediment samples to test for the continued survival of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens.
11.9 Where ballast water or sediment sampling for compliance or effectiveness monitoring is being undertaken,
port State authorities should minimize delays to ships when taking such samples.
11.10 When sampling for research or compliance monitoring, the port State authority should give as much notice
as possible to the ship that sampling will occur, to assist in planning staffing and operational resources.
11.11 The master has a general obligation to provide reasonable assistance for the above monitoring which may
include provision of officers or crew, provision of the ship’s plans, records pertaining to ballast arrangements and
details concerning the location of sampling points.
11.12 Sampling methods for research and monitoring is the responsibility of the individual port State. The
Organization welcomes information on new or innovative methods of sampling and/or analysis, and any relevant
information should be provided to it.
11.13 Port State authorities should indicate to the master or responsible officer the purpose for which a sample is
taken (i.e., monitoring, research or enforcement). Results of analyses of samples should be made available to ship’s
operators on request.
11.14 Port State authorities may sample or require samples to analyse ballast water and sediment, before permitting
a ship to proceed to discharge its ballast water in environmentally sensitive locations. In the event that harmful
aquatic organisms or pathogens are found to be present in the samples, a port State’s contingency strategy may be
applied.
12 FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS IN RELATION TO BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE
12.1 Research Needs

Operational measures such as ballast water exchange may be appropriate in the short term; however, there
is a clear need for further research. These Guidelines should be revised and adjusted in the light of results concerning
new ballast water management options.
12.2 Long-term evaluation of safety aspects in relation to ballast water exchange

Recognizing the need to evaluate the hazards and potential consequences for various types of ships and
operations, interested parties should carry out detailed studies and provide information relevant to:
- experience gained from carrying out ballast water exchange at sea, including any samples/model
procedures;
- operational precautions and procedures implemented to avoid potential hazards and consequences
that may arise during the ballast water exchange at sea;
- an evaluation of the safety margins between the actual metacentric height and stresses versus the
allowable seagoing limits specified in the approved trim and stability booklet and loading manual,
relevant to different types of ships and loading conditions;
- any hazards which may arise due to human element issues relative to the responsible execution of
ballast water exchange at sea in a manner which may not be fully prudent;
- operational procedures carried out prior to initiating the ballast water exchange at sea and check
points during the exchange;
- the extent of training and management necessary to ensure that the process of ballast water exchange
at sea is effectively monitored and controlled onboard;

- plan of action to incorporate any unique procedures should an emergency occur which may affect
the exchange of ballast water at sea; and
- the decision-making process, taking into account relevant safety matters, including ship’s position,
weather conditions, machinery performance, ballast system inspection and maintenance, crew safety
and availability.
13 BALLAST SYSTEM DESIGN

Builders, owners and classification societies should take these Guidelines into consideration when designing
new ships or modifying existing ships.

APPENDIX 1

APPENDIX 2
GUIDANCE ON SAFETY ASPECTS OF BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE AT SEA
1 Introduction
1.1 This document is intended to provide guidance on the safety aspects of ballast water exchange at sea. The
different types of ships which may be required to undertake ballast water exchange at sea make it presently impractical to
provide specific guidelines for each ship type. Shipowners are cautioned that they should consider the many variables
that apply to their ships. Some of these variables include type and size of ship, ballast tank configurations and
associated pumping systems, trading routes and associated weather conditions, port State requirements and manning.
1.2 Ballast water exchange at sea procedures contained in relevant management plans should be individually
assessed for their effectiveness from the environmental protection point of view as well as from the point of view of
their acceptability in terms of structural strength and stability.
1.3 In the absence of a more scientifically based means of control, exchange of ballast water in deep ocean
areas or open seas currently offers a means of limiting the probability that fresh water or coastal aquatic species
will be transferred in ballast water. Two methods of carrying out ballast water exchange at sea have been identified:
.1 the sequential method, in which ballast tanks are pumped out and refilled with clean water; and/or
.2 the flow-through method, in which ballast tanks are simultaneously filled and discharged by pumping
in clean water.
2 Safety precautions
2.1 Ships engaged in ballast water exchange at sea should be provided with procedures which account for the
following, as applicable:
.1 avoidance of over and under-pressurization of ballast tanks;
.2 free surface effects on stability and sloshing loads in tanks that may be slack at any one time;
.3 admissible weather conditions;
.4 weather routing in areas seasonably affected by cyclones, typhoons, hurricanes, or heavy icing
conditions;
.5 maintenance of adequate intact stability in accordance with an approved trim and stability booklet;
.6 permissible seagoing strength limits of shear forces and bending moments in accordance with an
approved loading manual;
.7 torsional forces, where relevant;
.8 minimum/maximum forward and aft draughts;
.9 wave-induced hull vibration;
.10 documented records of ballasting and/or de-ballasting;
.11 contingency procedures for situations which may affect the ballast water exchange at sea, including
deteriorating weather conditions, pump failure, loss of power, etc.;
.12 time to complete the ballast water exchange or an appropriate sequence thereof, taking into account
that the ballast water may represent 50 % of the total cargo capacity for some ships; and
.13 monitoring and controlling the amount of ballast water.

2.2 If the flow through method is used, caution should be exercised, since:
.1 air pipes are not designed for continuous ballast water overflow;
.2 current research indicates that pumping of at least three full volumes of the tank capacity could be
needed to be effective when filling clean water from the bottom and overflowing from the top; and
.3 certain watertight and weathertight closures (e.g. manholes) which may be opened during ballast
exchange, should be re-secured.
2.3 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 with their means of control, and the accretion of
ice on deck.
2.4 Some ships may need the fitting of a loading instrument to perform calculations of shear forces and bending
moments induced by ballast water exchange at sea and to compare with the permissible strength limits.
2.5 An evaluation should be made of the safety margins for stability and strength contained in allowable seagoing
conditions specified in the approved trim and stability booklet and the loading manual, relevant to individual types
of ships and loading conditions. In this regard particular account should be taken of the following requirements:
.1 stability to be maintained at all times to values not less than those recommended by the Organization
(or required by the Administration);
.2 longitudinal stress values not to exceed those permitted by the ship’s classification society with
regard to prevailing sea conditions; and
.3 exchange of ballast in tanks or holds where significant structural loads may be generated by sloshing
action in the partially filled tank or hold to be carried out in favorable sea and swell conditions so
that the risk of structural damage is minimized.
2.6 The ballast water management plan should include a list of circumstances in which ballast water exchange
should not be undertaken. These circumstances may result from critical situations of an exceptional nature, force
majeure due to stress of weather, or any other circumstances in which human life or safety of the ship is threatened.
3 Crew training and familiarization

3.1 The ballast water management plan should include the nomination of key shipboard control personnel
undertaking ballast water exchange at sea.
3.2 Ships’ officers and ratings engaged in ballast water exchange at sea should be trained in and familiarized
with the following:
.1 the ship’s pumping plan, which should show ballast pumping arrangements, with positions of
associated air and sounding pipes, positions of all compartment and tank suctions and pipelines
connecting them to ship’s ballast pumps and, in the case of use of the flow through method of
ballast water exchange, the openings used for release of water from the top of the tank together
with overboard 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 undertake the various ballast water exchange operations;
.4 the methods in use for ballast water exchange at sea if applicable with particular reference to required
safety precautions; and
.5 the method of on-board ballast water record keeping, reporting and recording of routine soundings.
[The end of Resolution A. 868(20)]

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Guide for Ballast Water Exchange

BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE

JULY 2010 (Updated May 2018 – see next page)

American Bureau of Shipping

 2010-2018 American Bureau of Shipping. All rights reserved.

May 2018 consolidation includes:

February 2016 consolidation includes:

October 2010 consolidation includes:

ABS GUIDE FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE . 2010 iii

iv ABS GUIDE FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE . 2010

BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE

CHAPTER 2 Ballast Water Exchange Requirements ................................................ 9

CHAPTER 3 Ballast Water Management Plan ......................................................... 23

ABS GUIDE FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE . 2010 v

APPENDIX 1 Ballast Water Reporting Form ............................................................. 54

APPENDIX 2 Ballast Water Record ........................................................................... 58

APPENDIX 3 International Convention for the Control and Management of

APPENDIX 4 IMO Resolution A.868 (20) ................................................................... 66

vi ABS GUIDE FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE . 2010

FIGURE 1 Scope of this Guide ................................................................... 3

SECTION 3 Basis of Notation .................................................................................... 5

SECTION 4 Classification Symbol and Notation ..................................................... 6

SECTION 5 Classification Procedures ..................................................................... 7

ABS GUIDE FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE . 2010 1

2 ABS GUIDE FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE . 2010

BWM Recording Training &

Flow- Mechanical/ Reception Return to

ABS GUIDE FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE . 2010 3

4 ABS GUIDE FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE . 2010

SECTION 3 Basis of Notation

ABS GUIDE FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE . 2010 5

SECTION 4 Classification Symbol and Notation

1 Systems Built under Survey

3 Systems Not Built under Survey

6 ABS GUIDE FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE . 2010

SECTION 5 Classification Procedures

5 Surveys After Construction

ABS GUIDE FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE . 2010 7

8 ABS GUIDE FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE . 2010

CHAPTER 2 Ballast Water Exchange Requirements

TABLE 1 Summary of Convention B-3 Compliance Schedule............... 11

SECTION 2 Ballast Water Exchange Methods ....................................................... 12

TABLE 1 Log of Ballast Water Exchange Method(s) ............................. 12

SECTION 3 Ballast Water Exchange System Design and Construction ............. 20

ABS GUIDE FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE . 2010 9

CHAPTER 2 Ballast Water Exchange Requirements

SECTION 1 Ballast Water Exchange Standard and

1 Ballast Water Exchange Standard

3 Where Ballast Water Exchange is to be Conducted

10 ABS GUIDE FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE . 2010

5 Ballast Water Management Implementation Schedule

ABS GUIDE FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE . 2010 11

CHAPTER 2 Ballast Water Exchange Requirements

SECTION 2 Ballast Water Exchange Methods

12 ABS GUIDE FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE . 2010

3.3 Longitudinal Strength

ABS GUIDE FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE . 2010 13

14 ABS GUIDE FOR BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE . 2010

3.7 Wave-induced Hull Vibrations