Ballast Water Management Convention

Ballast Water Management Convention
Convention sur la gestion des eaux de ballast

Convenio sobre la Gestion del Agua de Lastre
INTERNATIONAL
MARITIME
ORGANIZATION
London, 2005
Foreword
The harmful effects of unwanted species in ships' Ballast Water was first
reported to IMO in 1988, when Canada informed the Marine Environment
Protection Committee (MEPC) about invasive aquatic species in the Great
Lakes. In response, the MEPC adopted in 1991 the first voluntary guidelines
for preventing the introduction into the marine environment of unwanted
aquatic organisms and pathogens from ships' Ballast Waters and sediment
discharges.
Following the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED),

held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, the MEPC guidelines were reviewed and
adopted as an Assembly resolution in 1993. The twentieth session of the IMO
Assembly in 1997 adopted resolution A.868(20) "Guidelines for the control
and management of ships' ballast water to minimize the transfer of harmful
aquatic organisms and pathogens" which superseded earlier and less
comprehensive guidelines. The new resolution requested Governments to
take urgent action in applying the guidelines and to report any experience
gained in their implementation to the MEPC. The resolution further requested
the MEPC to work towards the completion of legally binding provisions on
ballast water management together with guidelines for their uniform and
effective implementation.
From 1999 onwards, the Ballast Water Working Group, established by MEPC
in 1994, focused on the preparation of a free-standing Convention on control
and management of ships' ballast water and sediments. In 2002, the World
Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg, called for action
at all levels to accelerate the development of measures to address invasive
alien species in ballast water. The introduction of harmful aquatic organisms
and pathogens to new environments has been identified as one of the four
greatest threats to the world's oceans (the other three being land-sourced
marine pollution, overexploitation of living marine resources and destruction
of habitat). Proper control and management of ships' ballast water is therefore
a major environmental challenge for IMO and the global shipping industry.
In accordance with Article 2(b) of the Convention on the International

Maritime Organization, the Council agreed in principle to convene a
diplomatic conference in 2003 to consider the adoption of the instrument.
At its eighty-ninth session in November 2002, the Council reconsidered the
matter, in view of the preparations made by MEPC, and approved the
convening of the Diplomatic Conference in early 2004. The decision of the
Council was endorsed by the twenty-third session of the Assembly in
December 2003 and the International Conference on Ballast Water
Management for Ships was held at IMO's Headquarters in London from 9
to 13 February 2004.
Foreword
The Conference adopted the International Convention for the Control and
Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (the Ballast Water
Management Convention), together with four conference resolutions.
This publication contains the texts of the Convention and the four resolutions,
aiming to provide an easy reference to administrators, shipowners, ship
operators, port officers, seafarers and any other interested parties. It should
be noted that, for legal purposes, the authentic text of the Convention should
always be consulted.
IV
Avant-propos
C'est en 1988 que les effets nuisibles des especes indesirables dans les eaux
de ballast des navires ont ete signales a I'OMI pour la premiere fois, lorsque le
Canada a informe le Comite de la protection du milieu marin (MEPC) que des
especes aquatiques envahissantes se trouvaient dans les Grands Lacs. A la
suite de cela, le MEPC a adopte en 1991 les premieres directives facultatives
visant a prevenir I'introduction dans le milieu marin d'organismes aquatiques
et d'agents pathogenes indesirables par suite des rejets d'eaux de ballast et de
sediments par les navires.
A la suite de la Conference des Nations Unies sur I'environnement et le
developpement (CNUED), tenue a Rio de Janeiro en 1992, les directives du
MEPC ont ete revisees et adoptees sous couvert d'une resolution de I'As-
semblee en 1993. A sa vingtieme session tenue en 1997, I'Assemblee de
I'OMI a adopte la resolution A.868(20), intitulee «Directives relatives au
controle et a la gestion des eaux de ballast des navires en vue de reduire au
minimum le transfer! d'organismes aquatiques nuisibles et d'agents pa-
thogenes», laquelle a annule et remplace les precedentes directives qui
etaient moins exhaustives. Cette nouvelle resolution priait les gouvernements
de prendre de toute urgence des dispositions pour appliquer les directives et
de rendre compte au MEPC de ('experience acquise dans leur application. La
resolution priait egalement le MEPC d'oeuvrer a la mise au point de dis-
positions juridiquement obligatoires sur la gestion des eaux de ballast et de
directives pour leur application uniforme et effective.
A partir de 1999, les travaux du Croupe de travail sur les eaux de ballast,
constitue par le MEPC en 1994, ont porte essentiellement sur I'elaboration
d'une convention autonome pour le controle et la gestion des eaux de ballast
et sediments des navires. En 2002, le Sommet mondial pour le developpe-
ment durable, tenu a Johannesburg, a demande des actions a tous les niveaux
pour accelerer la mise au point de mesures visant a trouver une solution au
probleme des especes allogenes dans I'eau de ballast. L'introduction d'or-
ganismes aquatiques nuisibles et d'agents pathogenes dans de nouveaux
environnements a ete identifiee comme I'une des quatre plus grandes me-
naces posees aux oceans du monde entier (les trois autres etant la pollution
marine d'origine tellurique, la surexploitation des ressources marines biolo-
giques et la destruction de I'habitat). La gestion et le controle adequats des
eaux de ballast des navires posent done un important defi ecologique a I'OMI
et au secteur mondial des transports maritimes.
Conformement a I'article 2 b) de la Convention portant creation de I'Orga-
nisation maritime internationale, le Conseil avail decide en principe de con-
voquer en 2003 une conference diplomatique chargee d'examiner ('adoption
de 1'instrument. A sa quatre-vingt-neuvieme session tenue en novembre
2002, le Conseil a reexamine la question, compte tenu des travaux pre-
paratoires effectues par le MEPC, et a decide que cette conference di-
plomatique serait convoquee au debut de 2004. L'Assemblee a enterine cette
/Want-propos
decision du Conseil a sa vingt-troisieme session, en decembre 2003, et la

Conference Internationale sur la gestion des eaux de ballast des navires s'est
tenue au Siege de I'OMI, a Londres, du 9 au 13 fevrier 2004.
La Conference a adopte la Convention internationale pour le controle et la
gestion des eaux de ballast et sediments des navires (Convention sur la ges-
tion des eaux de ballast), ainsi que quatre resolutions.
La presente publication contient le texte de la Convention et celui des
quatre resolutions, dont I'objet est de fournir des references pratiques aux
administrateurs, aux proprietaires et exploitants de navires, aux officiers de
port, aux gens de mer et a toute autre partie interessee. II convient de noter
que, a des fins juridiques, il faudrait toujours consulter le texte authentique de
la Convention.
VI
Prefacio
Los efectos perjudiciales de las especies no deseadas presentes en el agua de

lastre de los buques se senalaron por primera vez a la OMI en 1988, cuando
Canada informo al Comite de Proteccion del Medio Marino (MEPC) de las
especies acuaticas invasoras de los Grandes Lagos. La respuesta del MEPC
fue adoptar en 1991 las primeras directrices voluntarias para impedir la in-
troduccidn en el medio marino de organismos acuaticos no deseados y
agentes patdgenos procedentes de las descargas de agua de lastre y sedi-
mentos de los buques.
Tras la Conferencia de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Medio Ambiente y el
Desarrollo (CNUMAD), celebrada en Rfo de Janeiro en 1992, las directrices
del MEPC se revisaron y se adoptaron como resolucidn de la Asamblea en
1993. En 1997, la Asamblea de la OMI, reunida en su vigesimo periodo de
sesiones, adoptd la resolucion A.868(20), titulada "Directrices para el control
y la gestidn del agua de lastre de los buques a fin de reducir al mfnimo la
transferencia de organismos acuaticos perjudiciales y agentes patdgenos",
que pasd a sustituir a las directrices anteriores, menos completas. En la nueva
resolucion se pedfa a los Gobiernos que tomasen medidas urgentes para
aplicar las directrices y que comunicasen al MEPC la experiencia que ad-
quirieran mediante esa aplicacidn. En la resolucion se pedfa ademas al MEPC
que trabajase con miras a ultimar disposiciones de obligado cumplimiento
sobre la gestion del agua de lastre y directrices para la implantacidn efectiva y
uniforme de dichas disposiciones.
A partir del afio 1999, el Grupo de trabajo sobre el agua de lastre, que el
MEPC habfa establecido en 1994, se centrd en la elaboracidn de un convenio
independiente sobre el control y la gestidn del agua de lastre y los sedimentos
de los buques. En 2002, la Cumbre Mundial sobre el Desarrollo Sostenible,
celebrada en Johannesburgo, hizo un llamamiento para que se tomasen
medidas a todos los niveles para acelerar la elaboracidn de soluciones al
problema de las especies foraneas invasoras presentes en el agua de lastre. La
introduccidn de organismos acuaticos perjudiciales y agentes patdgenos en
nuevos entornos constituye una de las cuatro grandes amenazas para los
oceanos del mundo (las otras son: la contaminacidn marina de fuentes te-
rrestres, la sobreexplotacidn de los recursos vivos del mar y la destruccidn de
habitats). Por ello, el adecuado control y gestidn del agua de lastre de los
buques representa un importante reto ambiental para la OMI y para el sector
del transporte man'timo en todo el mundo.
De conformidad con lo dispuesto en el artfculo 2 b) del Convenio constitutivo
de la Organizacidn Marftima Internacional, el Consejo decidid en principio
celebrar una conferencia diplomatica en 2003 para considerar la adopcidn
del instrumento. En su 89s periodo de sesiones, celebrado en noviembre de
2002, el Consejo volvid a examinar esta cuestidn en vista de los preparatives
hechos por el MEPC y aprobd la celebracidn de la conferencia diplomatica a
principios de 2004. Esa decision del Consejo fue refrendada por la Asamblea,
VII
Prefado
reunida en vigesimo tercer periodo de sesiones, en diciembre de 2003, y la

Conferencia internacional sobre la gestidn del agua de lastre para buques se
celebro en la sede de la OMI, en Londres, del 9 al 13 de febrero de 2004.
La Conferencia adopto el Convenio internacional para el control y la gestidn
del agua de lastre y los sedimentos de los buques (Convenio sobre la Gestion
del Agua de Lastre) y cuatro resoluciones.
La presente publication contiene el texto del Convenio y las cuatro resolu-
ciones a fin de facilitar un instrumento de facil referencia para los adminis-
tradores, los propietarios de buques, los armadores, los oficiales de puertos,
la gente de mar y las demas partes interesadas. Cabe observar que, por
motivos jun'dicos, siempre debe consultarse el texto autentico del Convenio.
VIII
Contents
Page
International Convention for the Control and Management of

Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments
Article 1 - Definitions 2
Article 2 - General obligations 3
Article 3 - Application 4
Article 4 - Control of the transfer of Harmful Aquatic Organisms

and Pathogens through ships' Ballast Water and
Sediments 5
Article 5 - Sediment reception facilities 5
Article 6 - Scientific and technical research and monitoring 5
Article 7 - Survey and certification 6
Article 8 - Violations 6
Article 9 - Inspection of ships 7
Article 10 - Detection of violations and contol of ships 7
Article 11 - Notification of control actions 8
Article 12 - Undue delay to ships 8
Article 13 - Technical assistance, co-operation and regional

co-operation 9
Article 14 - Communication of information 9
Article 15 - Dispute settlement 10
Article 16 - Relationship of international law and other agreements 10
Article 1 7 - Signature, ratification, acceptance, approval and

accession 10
Article 18 - Entry into force 10
Article 19 - Amendments 11
Article 20 - Denunciation 13
Article 21 - Depositary 13
Article 22 - Languages 14
ix
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE CONTROL AND
MANAGEMENT OF SHIPS' BALLAST WATER AND
SEDIMENTS, 2004
THE PARTIES TO THIS CONVENTION,
RECALLING Article 196(1) of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea (UNCLOS), which provides that "States shall take all measures
necessary to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the marine environment
resulting from the use of technologies under their jurisdiction or control, or
the intentional or accidental introduction of species, alien or new, to a
particular part of the marine environment, which may cause significant and
harmful changes thereto",
NOTING the objectives of the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

and that the transfer and introduction of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and
Pathogens via ships' ballast water threatens the conservation and sustainable
use of biological diversity as well as decision IV/5 of the 1998 Conference of
the Parties (COP 4) to the CBD concerning the conservation and sustainable
use of marine and coastal ecosystems, as well as decision VI/23 of the 2002
Conference of the Parties (COP 6) to the CBD on alien species that threaten
ecosystems, habitats or species, including guiding principles on invasive
species,
NOTING FURTHER that the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment

and Development (UNCED) requested the International Maritime Organiza-
tion (the Organization) to consider the adoption of appropriate rules on
ballast water discharge,
MINDFUL of the precautionary approach set out in Principle 15 of the Rio

Declaration on Environment and Development and referred to in resolution
MEPC.67(37), adopted by the Organization's Marine Environment Protection
Committee on 15 September 1995,
ALSO MINDFUL that the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, in

paragraph 34(b) of its Plan of Implementation, calls for action at all levels to
accelerate the development of measures to address invasive alien species in
ballast water,
CONSCIOUS that the uncontrolled discharge of Ballast Water and Sediments

from ships has led to the transfer of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and
Pathogens, causing injury or damage to the environment, human health,
property and resources,
RECOGNIZING the importance placed on this issue by the Organization

through Assembly resolutions A.774(18) in 1993 and A.868(20) in 1997,
adopted for the purpose of addressing the transfer of Harmful Aquatic
Organisms and Pathogens,
1
Ballast Water Management Convent/on, 2004
RECOGNIZING FURTHER that several States have taken individual action with
a view to prevent, minimize and ultimately eliminate the risks of introduction
of 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 regulations together with guidelines for their
effective implementation and uniform interpretation,
DESIRING to continue the development of safer and more effective Ballast
Water Management options that will result in continued prevention,
minimization and ultimate elimination of the transfer of Harmful Aquatic
Organisms and Pathogens,
RESOLVED to prevent, minimize and ultimately eliminate the risks to the
environment, human health, property and resources arising from the transfer
of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens through the control and
management of ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, as well as to avoid
unwanted side-effects from that control and to encourage developments in
related knowledge and technology,
CONSIDERING that these objectives may best be achieved by the conclusion
of an International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships'
Ballast Water and Sediments,
HAVE AGREED as follows:
Article 1
Definitions
For the purpose of this Convention, unless expressly provided otherwise:
1 Administration means the Government of the State under whose

authority the ship is operating. With respect to a ship entitled to fly a flag of
any State, the Administration is the Government of that 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 purposes 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.
2 Ballast Water means water with its suspended matter taken on board a
ship to control trim, list, draught, stability or stresses of the ship.
3 Ballast Water Management 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.
4 Certificate means the Internationa] Ballast Water Management

Certificate.
5 Committee means the Marine Environment Protection Committee of

the Organization.
Article 2
6 Convention means the International Convention for the Control and

Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments.
7 Cross tonnage means 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.
8 Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens means 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.
9 Organization means the International Maritime Organization.

10 Secretary-Genera/ means the Secretary-General of the Organization.
11 Sediments means matter settled out of Ballast Water within a ship.
12 Ship means a vessel of any type whatsoever operating in the aquatic
environment and includes submersibles, floating craft, floating platforms,
FSUs and FPSOs.
Article 2
General obligations
1 Parties undertake to give full and complete effect to the provisions of
this Convention and the Annex thereto 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.
2 The Annex forms an integral part of this Convention. Unless expressly
provided otherwise, a reference to this Convention constitutes at the same
time a reference to the Annex.
3 Nothing in this Convention shall be interpreted as preventing a Party
from taking, 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.
4 Parties shall endeavour to co-operate for the purpose of effective
implementation, compliance and enforcement of this Convention.
5 Parties undertake to encourage the continued development of Ballast
Water Management and standards 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.
6 Parties taking action pursuant to this Convention shall endeavour not
to impair or damage their environment, human health, property or resources,
or those of other States.
7 Parties should ensure that Ballast Water Management practices used
to comply with this Convention do not cause greater harm than they prevent
to their environment, human health, property or resources, or those of other
States.
8 Parties shall encourage ships entitled to fly their flag, and to which this
Convention applies, to avoid, as far as practicable, the uptake of Ballast
Water with potentially Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens, as well as
Sediments that may contain such organisms, including promoting the
adequate implementation of recommendations developed by the Organiza-
tion.
9 Parties shall endeavour to co-operate under the auspices of the

Organization to address threats and risks to sensitive, vulnerable or
threatened marine ecosystems and biodiversity in areas beyond the limits
of national jurisdiction in relation to Ballast Water Management.
Article 3
Application
1 Except as expressly provided otherwise in this Convention, this
Convention shall apply to:
(a) ships entitled to fly the flag of a Party; and
(b) ships not entitled to fly the flag of a Party but which operate under
the authority of a Party.
2 This Convention shall not apply to:

(a) ships not designed or constructed to carry Ballast Water;
(b) ships of a Party which only operate in waters under the jurisdiction
of that Party, unless the Party determines that the discharge of
Ballast Water from such ships would impair or damage their
environment, h u m a n health, property or resources, or those of
adjacent or other States;
(c) ships of a Party which only operate in waters under the jurisdiction
of another Party, subject to the authorization of the latter Party for
such exclusion. No Party shall grant such authorization if doing so
would impair or damage their environment, h u m a n health,
property or resources, or those of adjacent or other States. Any
Party not granting such authorization shall notify the Administra-
tion of the ship concerned that this Convention applies to such
ship;
(d) ships which only operate in waters under the jurisdiction of one
Party and on the high seas, except for ships not granted an
authorization pursuant to subparagraph (c), unless such Party
determines that the discharge of Ballast Water from such ships
would impair or damage their environment, human health,
property or resources, or those of adjacent of other States;
(e) any warship, naval auxiliary or other ship owned or operated by a
State and used, for the time being, only on government non-
Article 6
commercial service. However, each Party shall ensure, by the

adoption of appropriate measures not impairing operations or
operational capabilities of such ships owned or operated by it,
that such ships act in a manner consistent, so far as is reasonable
and practicable, with this Convention; and
(f) permanent Ballast Water in sealed tanks on ships, that is not
subject to discharge.
3 With respect to ships of non-Parties to this Convention, Parties shall

apply the requirements of this Convention as may be necessary to ensure that
no more favourable treatment is given to such ships.
Article 4
Control of the transfer of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and
Pathogens through ships' Ballast Water and Sediments
1 Each Party shall require that ships to which this Convention applies
and which are entitled to fly its flag or operating under its authority comply
with the requirements set forth in this Convention, including the applicable
standards and requirements in the Annex, and shall take effective measures
to ensure that those ships comply with those requirements.
2 Each Party shall, with due regard to its particular conditions and
capabilities, develop national policies, strategies or programmes for Ballast
Water Management in its ports and waters under its jurisdiction that accord
with, and promote the attainment of the objectives of this Convention.
Article 5
Sediment reception facilities
1 Each Party undertakes to ensure that, in ports and terminals
designated by that Party where cleaning or repair of ballast tanks occurs,
adequate facilities are provided for the reception of Sediments, taking into
account the guidelines developed by the Organization. Such reception
facilities shall operate without causing undue delay to ships and shall provide
for the safe disposal of such Sediments that does not impair or damage their
environment, human health, property or resources or those of other States.
2 Each Party shall notify the Organization for transmission to the other
Parties concerned of all cases where the facilities provided under paragraph 1
are alleged to be inadequate.
Article 6
Scientific and technical research and monitoring
1 Parties shall endeavour, individually or jointly, to:
(a) promote and facilitate scientific and technical research on Ballast
Water Management; and
(b) monitor the effects of Ballast Water Management in waters under
their jurisdiction.
Ballast Water Management Convention, 2004
Such research and monitoring should include observation, measurement,

sampling, evaluation and analysis of the effectiveness and adverse impacts of
any technology or methodology as well as any adverse impacts caused by
such organisms and pathogens that have been identified to have been
transferred through ships' Ballast Water.
2 Each Party shall, to further the objectives of this Convention, promote
the availability of relevant information to other Parties who request it on:
(a) scientific and technology programmes and technical measures
undertaken with respect to Ballast Water Management; and
(h) the effectiveness of Ballast Water Management deduced from any
monitoring and assessment programmes.
Article 7
Survey and certification
1 Each Party shall ensure that ships flying its flag or operating under its
authority and subject to survey and certification are so surveyed and certified
in accordance with the regulations in the Annex.
2 A Party implementing measures pursuant to article 2.3 and Section C
of the Annex shall not require additional survey and certification of a ship of
another Party, nor shall the Administration of the ship be obligated to survey
and certify additional measures imposed by another Party. Verification of
such additional measures shall be the responsibility of the Party implementing
such measures and shall not cause undue delay to the ship.
Article 8
Violations
1 Any violation of the requirements of this Convention shall be
prohibited and sanctions shall be established under the law of the
Administration of the ship concerned, wherever the violation occurs. If the
Administration is informed of such a violation, it shall investigate the matter
and may request the reporting Party to furnish additional evidence of the
alleged violation. If the Administration is satisfied that sufficient evidence is
available to enable proceedings to be brought in respect of the alleged
violation, it shall cause such proceedings to be taken as soon as possible, in
accordance with its law. The Administration shall promptly inform the Party
that reported the alleged violation, as well as the Organization, of any action
taken. If the Administration has not taken any action within one year after
receiving the information, it shall so inform the Party which reported the
alleged violation.
2 Any violation of the requirements of this Convention within the
jurisdiction of any Party shall be prohibited and sanctions shall be established
under the law of that Party. Whenever such a violation occurs, that Party shall
either:
(a) cause proceedings to be taken in accordance with its law; or
Article 10
(b) furnish to the Administration of the ship such information and

evidence as may be in its possession that a violation has occurred.
3 The sanctions provided for by the laws of a Party pursuant to this

article shall be adequate in severity to discourage violations of this
Convention wherever they occur.
Article 9
Inspection of ships
1 A ship to which this Convention applies may, in any port or offshore
terminal of another Party, be subject to inspection by officers duly authorized
by that Party for the purpose of determining whether the ship is in
compliance with this Convention. Except as provided in paragraph 2 of this
article, any such inspection is limited to:
(a) verifying that there is on board a valid Certificate, which, if valid,
shall be accepted; and
(h) inspection of the Ballast Water record book, and/or
(c) a sampling of the ship's Ballast Water, carried out in accordance
with the guidelines to be developed by the Organization.
However, the time required to analyse the samples shall not be
used as a basis for unduly delaying the operation, movement or
departure of the ship.
2 Where a ship does not carry a valid Certificate or there are clear
grounds for believing that:
(a) the condition of the ship or its equipment does not correspond
substantially with the particulars of the Certificate; or
(b) the master or the crew are not familiar with essential shipboard
procedures relating to Ballast Water Management, or have not
implemented such procedures;
a detailed inspection may be carried out.
3 In the circumstances given in paragraph 2 of this article, 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.
Article 10
Detection of violations and control of ships
1 Parties shall co-operate in the detection of violations and the
enforcement of the provisions of this Convention.
2 If a ship is detected to have violated this Convention, the Party whose

flag the ship is entitled to fly, and/or the Party in whose port or offshore
terminal the ship is operating, may, in addition to any sanctions described in
article 8 or any action described in article 9, take steps to warn, detain, or
exclude the ship. The Party in whose port or offshore terminal the ship is
operating, however, may grant such a ship permission to leave the port or
7
offshore terminal for the purpose of discharging Ballast Water or proceeding

to the nearest appropriate repair yard or reception facility available, provided
doing so does not present a threat of harm to the environment, human
health, property or resources.
3 If the sampling described in article 9.1 (c) leads to a result, or supports

information received from another port or offshore terminal, indicating that
the ship poses a threat to the environment, human health, property or
resources, the Party in whose waters the ship is operating shall prohibit such
ship from discharging Ballast Water until the threat is removed.
4 A Party may also inspect a ship when it enters the ports or offshore
terminals under its jurisdiction, if a request for an investigation is received
from any Party, together with sufficient evidence that a ship is operating or
has operated in violation of a provision in this Convention. The report of such
investigation shall be sent to the Party requesting it and to the competent
authority of the Administration of the ship concerned so that appropriate
action may be taken.
Article 11
Notification of control actions
1 If an inspection conducted pursuant to article 9 or 10 indicates a

violation of this Convention, the ship shall be notified. A report shall be
forwarded to the Administration, including any evidence of the violation.
2 In the event that any action is taken pursuant to article 9.3, 10.2 or
10.3, the officer carrying out such action shall forthwith inform, in writing, the
Administration of the ship concerned, or if this is not possible, the consul or
diplomatic representative of the ship concerned, of all the circumstances in
which the action was deemed necessary. In addition, the recognized
organization responsible for the issue of Certificates shall be notified.
3 The port State authority concerned shall, in addition to parties

mentioned in paragraph 2, notify the next port of call of all relevant
information about the violation, if it is unable to take action as specified in
article 9.3, 10.2 or 10.3 or if the ship has been allowed to proceed to the next
port of call.
Article 12
Undue delay to ships
1 All possible efforts shall be made to avoid a ship being unduly

detained or delayed under article 7.2, 8, 9 or 10.
2 When a ship is unduly detained or delayed under article 7.2, 8, 9 or

10, it shall be entitled to compensation for any loss or damage suffered.
8
r Article 14
Article 13
Technical assistance, co-operation and
regional co-operation
1 Parties undertake, directly or through the Organization and other

international bodies, as appropriate, in respect of the control and manage-
ment of ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, to provide support for those
Parties which request technical assistance:
(a) to train personnel;
(b) to ensure the availability of relevant technology, equipment and
facilities;
(c) to initiate joint research and development programmes; and
(d) to undertake other action aimed at the effective implementation
of this Convention and of guidance developed by the Organiza-
tion related thereto.
2 Parties undertake to co-operate actively, subject to their national laws,

regulations and policies, in the transfer of technology in respect of the control
and management of ships' Ballast Water and Sediments.
3 In order to further the objectives of this Convention, Parties with

common interests to protect the environment, human health, property and
resources in a given geographical area, in particular, those Parties bordering
enclosed and semi-enclosed seas, shall endeavour, taking into account
characteristic regional features, to enhance regional co-operation, including
through the conclusion of regional agreements consistent with this
Convention. Parties shall seek to co-operate with the Parties to regional
agreements to develop harmonized procedures.
Article 14
Communication of information
1 Each Party shall report to the Organization and, where appropriate,

make available to other Parties the following information:
(a) any requirements and procedures relating to Ballast Water
Management, including its laws, regulations, and guidelines for
implementation of this Convention;
(b) the availability and location of any reception facilities for the
environmentally safe disposal of Ballast Water and Sediments; and
(c) any requirements for information from a ship which is unable to
comply with the provisions of this Convention for reasons
specified in regulations A-3 and B-4 of the Annex.
2 The Organization shall notify Parties of the receipt of any commu-

nications under the present article and circulate to all Parties any information
communicated to it under subparagraphs 1(b) and (c) of this article.
Article 15
Dispute settlement
Parties shall settle any dispute between them concerning the interpretation or
application of this Convention by negotiation, enquiry, mediation, concilia-
tion, arbitration, judicial settlement, resort to regional agencies or arrange-
ments or other peaceful means of their own choice.
Article 16
Relationship to international law and other agreements
Nothing in this Convention shall prejudice the rights and obligations of any
State under customary international law as reflected in the United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Article 17
Signature, ratification, acceptance, approval and
accession
1 This Convention shall be open for signature by any State at the
Headquarters of the Organization from 1 June 2004 to 31 May 2005 and
shall thereafter remain open for accession by any State.
2 States may become Parties to the Convention by:

(a) signature not subject to ratification, acceptance, or approval; or
(b) signature subject to ratification, acceptance, or approval,
followed by ratification, acceptance or approval; or
(c) accession.
3 Ratification, acceptance, approval or accession shall be effected by

the deposit of an instrument to that effect with the Secretary-General.
4 If a State comprises two or more territorial units in which different

systems of law are applicable in relation to matters dealt with in this
Convention, it may at the time of signature, ratification, acceptance,
approval, or accession declare that this Convention shall extend to all its
territorial units or only to one or more of them and may modify this
declaration by submitting another declaration at any time.
5 Any such declaration shall be notified to the Depositary in writing and

shall state expressly the territorial unit or units to which this Convention
applies.
Article 18
Entry into force
1 This Convention shall enter into force twelve months after the date on
which not less than thirty States, the combined merchant fleets of which
constitute not less than thirty-five percent of the gross tonnage of the world's
10
Article 19
merchant shipping, have either signed it without reservation as to ratification,

acceptance or approval, or have deposited the requisite instrument of
ratification, acceptance, approval or accession in accordance with article 1 7.
2 For States which have deposited an instrument of ratification,

acceptance, approval or accession in respect of this Convention after the
requirements for entry into force thereof have been met, but prior to the date
of entry into force, the ratification, acceptance, approval or accession shall
take effect on the date of entry into force of this Convention or three months
after the date of deposit of instrument, whichever is the later date.
3 Any instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession

deposited after the date on which this Convention enters into force shall take
effect three months after the date of deposit.
4 After the date on which an amendment to this Convention is deemed

to have been accepted under article 19, any instrument of ratification,
acceptance, approval or accession deposited shall apply to this Convention
as amended.
Article 19
/Amendments
1 This Convention may be amended by either of the procedures
specified in the following paragraphs.
2 Amendments after consideration within the Organization:

(a) Any Party may propose an amendment to this Convention. A
proposed amendment shall be submitted to the Secretary-
General, who shall then circulate it to the Parties and Members
of the Organization at least six months prior to its consideration.
(b) An amendment proposed and circulated as above shall be
referred to the Committee for consideration. Parties, whether or
not Members of the Organization, shall be entitled to participate
in the proceedings of the Committee for consideration and
adoption of the amendment.
(c) Amendments shall be adopted by a two-thirds majority of the
Parties present and voting in the Committee, on condition that at
least one third of the Parties shall be present at the time of voting.
(d) Amendments adopted in accordance with subparagraph (c) shall
be communicated by the Secretary-General to the Parties for
acceptance.
(e) An amendment shall be deemed to have been accepted in the
following circumstances:
(i) An amendment to an article of this Convention shall be
deemed to have been accepted on the date on which two
thirds of the Parties have notified the Secretary-General of
their acceptance of it.
11
Ballast Water Management Convent/on, 2004
(ii) An amendment to the Annex shall be deemed to have been

accepted at the end of twelve months after the date of
adoption or such other date as determined by the Committee.
However, if by that date more than one third of the Parties
notify the Secretary-General that they object to the amend-
ment, it shall be deemed not to have been accepted.
(f) An amendment shall enter into force under the following
conditions:
(i) An amendment to an article of this Convention shall enter
into force for those Parties that have declared that they have
accepted it six months after the date on which it is deemed to
have been accepted in accordance with subparagraph (e)(i).
(ii) An amendment to the Annex shall enter into force with
respect to all Parties six months after the date on which it is
deemed to have been accepted, except for any Party that has:
(1) notified its objection to the amendment in accordance
with subparagraph (e)(ii) and that has not withdrawn
such objection; or
(2) notified the Secretary-General, prior to the entry into
force of such amendment, that the amendment shall
enter into force for it only after a subsequent notification
of its acceptance.
(9) ("0 A Party that has notified an objection under subparagraph
(f)(ii)(1) may subsequently notify the Secretary-General that it
accepts the amendment. Such amendment shall enter into
force for such Party six months after the date of its notification
of acceptance, or the date on which the amendment enters
into force, whichever is the later date.
(ii) If a Party that has made a notification referred to in
subparagraph (f)(ii)(2) notifies the Secretary-General of its
acceptance with respect to an amendment, such amendment
shall enter into force for such Party six months after the date
of its notification of acceptance, or the date on which the
amendment enters into force, whichever is the later date.
Amendment by a Conference:
(a) Upon the request of a Party concurred in by at least one third of
the Parties, the Organization shall convene a Conference of
Parties to consider amendments to this Convention.
(b) An amendment adopted by such a Conference by a two-thirds
majority of the Parties present and voting shall be communicated
by the Secretary-General to all Parties for acceptance.
(c) Unless the Conference decides otherwise, the amendment shall
be deemed to have been accepted and shall enter into force in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraphs 2(e) and
(f) respectively.
12
Article 21
4 Any Party that has declined to accept an amendment to the Annex

shall be treated as a non-Party only for the purpose of application of that
amendment.
5 Any notification under this article shall be made in writing to the

Secretary-General.
6 The Secretary-General shall inform the Parties and Members of the

Organization of:
(a) any amendment that enters into force and the date of its entry into
force generally and for each Party; and
(b) any notification made under this article.
Article 20
Denunciation
1 This Convention may be denounced by any Party at any time after the
expiry of two years from the date on which this Convention enters into force
for that Party.
2 Denunciation shall be effected by written notification to the

Depositary, to take effect one year after receipt or such longer period as
may be specified in that notification.
Article 21
Depositary
1 This Convention shall be deposited with the Secretary-General, who
shall transmit certified copies of this Convention to all States which have
signed this Convention or acceded thereto.
2 In addition to the functions specified elsewhere in this Convention, the

Secretary-General shall:
(a) inform all States that have signed this Convention, or acceded
thereto, of:
(i) each new signature or deposit of an instrument of ratification,
acceptance, approval or accession, together with the date
thereof;
(ii) the date of entry into force of this Convention; and
(iii) the deposit of any instrument of denunciation from the
Convention, together with the date on which it was received
and the date on which the denunciation takes effect; and
(b) as soon as this Convention enters into force, transmit the text
thereof to the Secretariat of the United Nations for registration
and publication in accordance with Article 102 of the Charter of
the United Nations.
13
Article 22
Languages
This Convention is established in a single original in the Arabic, Chinese,
English, French, Russian and Spanish languages, each text being equally
authentic.
DONE AT LONDON this thirteenth day of February, two thousand and four.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned* being duly authorized by their
respective Governments for that purpose, have signed this Convention.
* Signatures omitted.
14
Annex
Annex
Regulations for the control and management of
ships' Ballast Water and Sediments
SECTION A - GENERAL PROVISIONS
Regulation A-1
Definitions
For the purposes of this Annex:
1 Anniversary date means the day and the month of each year
corresponding to the date of expiry of the Certificate.
2 Ballast Water Capacity means the total volumetric capacity of any

tanks, spaces or compartments on a ship used for carrying, loading or
discharging Ballast Water, including any multi-use tank, space or compart-
ment designed to allow carriage of Ballast Water.
3 Company means the owner of the ship or any other organization or

person such as the manager, or the bareboat charterer, who has assumed the
responsibility for operation of the ship from the owner of the ship and who on
assuming such responsibility has agreed to take over all the duties and
responsibilities imposed by the International Safety Management Code.*
4 Constructed in respect of a ship means a stage of construction where:

.1 the keel is laid; or
.2 construction identifiable with the specific ship begins; or
.3 assembly of the ship has commenced comprising at least 50
tonnes or 1 percent of the estimated mass of all structural
material, whichever is less; or
.4 the ship undergoes a major conversion.
5 Major conversion means a conversion of a ship:

.1 which changes its ballast water carrying capacity by 15 percent or
greater, or
.2 which changes the ship type, or
.3 which, in the opinion of the Administration, is projected to
prolong its life by ten years or more, or
.4 which results in modifications to its ballast water system other
than component replacement-in-kind. Conversion of a ship to
Refer to the ISM Code adopted by the Organization by resolution A.741 (18), as amended.
15
meet the provisions of regulation D-l shall not be deemed to
constitute a major conversion for the purpose of this Annex.
6 From the nearest land means from the baseline from which the
territorial sea of the territory in question is established in accordance with
international law except that, for the purposes of the Convention, from the
nearest land off the north-eastern coast of Australia shall mean from a line
drawn from a point on the coast of Australia in
latitude 1TOO' S, longitude 142°08' E
to a point in latitude 10°35' S, longitude 141 °55' E
thence to a point latitude 10°00' S, longitude 142°00' E
thence to a point latitude 9° 10' S, longitude 143°52' E
thence to a point latitude 10°4T S, longitude 145°00' E
thence to a point on the coast of Australia
in latitude 24°42' S, longitude 153°15' E.
1 Active Substance means a substance or organism, including a virus or
a fungus, that has a general or specific action on or against Harmful Aquatic
Organisms and Pathogens.
Regulation A-2
Genera/ 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.
Regulation A-3
Exceptions
The requirements of regulation B-3, or any measures adopted by a Party
pursuant to article 2.3 and section C, shall not apply to:
1 the uptake or discharge of Ballast Water and Sediments necessary
for the purpose of ensuring the safety of a ship in emergency
situations or saving life at sea; or
2 the accidental discharge or ingress of Ballast Water and
Sediments resulting from damage to a ship or its equipment:
.1 provided that all reasonable precautions have been taken
before and after the occurrence of the damage or discovery
of the damage or discharge for the purpose of preventing or
minimizing the discharge; and
.2 unless the owner, Company or officer in charge wilfully or
recklessly caused damage; or
16
Regulation A-5
3 the uptake and discharge of Ballast Water and Sediments when

being used for the purpose of avoiding or minimizing pollution
incidents from the ship; or
4 the uptake and subsequent discharge on the high seas of the same
Ballast Water and Sediments; or
5 the discharge of Ballast Water and Sediments from a ship at the
same location where the whole of that Ballast Water and those
Sediments originated and provided that no mixing with un-
managed Ballast Water and Sediments from other areas has
occurred. If mixing has occurred, the Ballast Water taken from
other areas is subject to Ballast Water Management in accor-
dance with this Annex.
Regulation A-4
Exemptions
1 A Party or Parties, in waters under their jurisdiction, may grant
exemptions to any requirements to apply regulations B-3 or C-1, in addition
to those exemptions contained elsewhere in this Convention, but only when
they are:
.1 granted to a ship or ships on a voyage or voyages between
specified ports or locations; or to a ship which operates
exclusively between specified ports or locations;
.2 effective for a period of no more than five years subject to
intermediate review;
.3 granted to ships that do not mix Ballast Water or Sediments other
than between the ports or locations specified in paragraph 1.1;
and
.4 granted based on the guidelines on risk assessment developed by
the Organization.
2 Exemptions granted pursuant to paragraph 1 shall not be effective

until after communication to the Organization and circulation of relevant
information to the Parties.
3 Any exemptions granted under this regulation shall not impair or

damage the environment, human health, property or resources of adjacent or
other States. Any State that the Party determines may be adversely affected
shall be consulted, with a view to resolving any identified concerns.
4 Any exemptions granted under this regulation shall be recorded in the

Ballast Water record book.
Regulation A-5
Equivalent compliance
Equivalent compliance with this Annex for pleasure craft used solely for
recreation or competition or craft used primarily for search and rescue, less
than 50 metres in length overall, and with a maximum Ballast Water Capacity
17
of 8 cubic metres, shall be determined by the Administration, taking into

account guidelines developed by the Organization.
SECTION B - MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL

REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPS
Regulation B-1
Ballast Water Management plan
Each ship shall have on board and implement a Ballast Water Management
plan. Such a plan shall be approved by the Administration taking into account
guidelines developed by the Organization. The Ballast Water Management
plan shall be specific to each ship and shall at least:
.1 detail safety procedures for the ship and the crew associated with
Ballast Water Management as required by this Convention;
.2 provide a detailed description of the actions to be taken to
implement the Ballast Water Management requirements and
supplemental Ballast Water Management practices as set forth in
this Convention;
.3 detail the procedures for the disposal of Sediments:
.1 at sea; and
.2 to shore;
.4 include the procedures for coordinating shipboard Ballast Water
Management that involves discharge to the sea with the
authorities of the State into whose waters such discharge will
take place;
.5 designate the officer on board in charge of ensuring that the plan
is properly implemented;
.6 contain the reporting requirements for ships provided for under
this Convention; and
.7 be written in the working language of the ship. If the language
used is not English, French or Spanish, a translation into one of
these languages shall be included.
Regulation B-2
Ballast Water record book
1 Each ship shall have on board a Ballast Water record book that may be
an electronic record system, or that may be integrated into another record
book or system and which shall at least contain the information specified in
appendix II.
2 Ballast Water record book entries shall be maintained on board the

ship for a minimum period of two years after the last entry has been made
and thereafter in the Company's control for a minimum period of three years.
18
r Regulation B-3
3 In the event of the discharge of Ballast Water pursuant to regulations

A-3, A-4 or B-3.6 or in the event of other accidental or exceptional discharge
of Ballast Water not otherwise exempted by this Convention, an entry shall
be made in the Ballast Water record book describing the circumstances of,
and the reason for, the discharge.
4 The Ballast Water record book shall be kept readily available for
inspection at all reasonable times and, in the case of an unmanned ship under
tow, may be kept on the towing ship.
5 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 a working language of the ship. If that language is not English,
French or Spanish the entries shall contain a translation into one of those
languages. When entries in an official national language of the State whose
flag the ship is entitled to fly are also used, these shall prevail in case of a
dispute or discrepancy.
6 Officers duly authorized by a Party may inspect the Ballast Water
record book on board any ship to which this regulation applies while the ship
is in its port or offshore terminal, and may make a copy of any entry, and
require the master to certify that the copy is a true copy. Any copy so certified
shall be admissible in any judicial proceeding as evidence of the facts stated
in the entry. The inspection of a Ballast Water record book and the taking of a
certified copy shall be performed as expeditiously as possible without causing
the ship to be unduly delayed.
Regulation B-3
Ballast Water Management for ships
1 A ship constructed before 2009:
.1 with a Ballast Water Capacity of between 1,500 and 5,000 cubic
metres, inclusive, shall conduct Ballast Water Management that at
least meets the standard described in regulation D-1 or regulation
D-2 until 2014, after which time it shall at least meet the standard
described in regulation D-2;
.2 with a Ballast Water Capacity of less than 1,500 or greater than
5,000 cubic metres shall conduct Ballast Water Management that
at least meets the standard described in regulation D-1 or
regulation D-2 until 2016, after which time it shall at least meet
the standard described in regulation D-2.
2 A ship to which paragraph 1 applies shall comply with paragraph 1 not
later than the first intermediate or renewal survey, whichever occurs first,
after the anniversary date of delivery of the ship in the year of compliance
with the standard applicable to the ship.
3 A ship constructed in or after 2009 with a Ballast Water Capacity of
less than 5,000 cubic metres shall conduct Ballast Water Management that at
least meets the standard described in regulation D-2.
19
4 A ship constructed in or after 2009, but before 2012, with a Ballast

Water Capacity of 5,000 cubic metres or more shall conduct Ballast Water
Management in accordance with paragraph 1.2.
5 A ship constructed in or after 2012 with a Ballast Water Capacity of
5,000 cubic metres or more shall conduct Ballast Water Management that at
least meets the standard described in regulation D-2.
6 The requirements of this regulation do not apply to ships that
discharge Ballast Water to a reception facility designed taking into account
the guidelines developed by the Organization for such facilities.
7 Other methods of Ballast Water Management may also be accepted
as alternatives to the requirements described in paragraphs 1 to 5, 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 the Committee.
Regulation B-4
Ballast Water exchange
1 A ship conducting Ballast Water exchange to meet the standard in
regulation D-1 shall:
.1 whenever possible, conduct such Ballast Water exchange at least
200 nautical miles from the nearest land and in water at least 200
metres in depth, taking into account the guidelines developed by
the Organization;
.2 in cases where the ship is unable to conduct Ballast Water
exchange in accordance with paragraph 1.1, such Ballast Water
exchange shall be conducted taking into account the guidelines
described in paragraph 1.1 and 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.
2 In sea areas where the distance from the nearest land or the depth
does not meet the parameters described in paragraph 1.1 or 1.2, the port
State may designate areas, in consultation with adjacent or other States, as
appropriate, where a ship may conduct Ballast Water exchange, taking into
account the guidelines described in paragraph 1.1.
3 A ship shall not be required to deviate from its intended voyage, or
delay the voyage, in order to comply with any particular requirement of
paragraph 1.
4 A ship conducting Ballast Water exchange shall not be required to
comply with paragraphs 1 or 2, as appropriate, if the master reasonably
decides that such exchange would threaten the safety or stability of the ship,
its crew, or its passengers because of adverse weather, ship design or stress,
equipment failure, or any other extraordinary condition.
5 When a ship is required to conduct Ballast Water exchange and does
not do so in accordance with this regulation, the reasons shall be entered in
the Ballast Water record book.
20
Regulation C-1
Regulation B-5
Sediment management for ships
1 All ships shall remove and dispose of Sediments from spaces
designated to carry Ballast Water in accordance with the provisions of the
ship's Ballast Water Management plan.
2 Ships described in regulation B-3.3 to B-3.5 should, without

compromising safety or operational efficiency, be designed and constructed
with a view to minimize the uptake and undesirable entrapment of
Sediments, facilitate removal of Sediments, and provide safe access to allow
for Sediment removal and sampling, taking into account guidelines
developed by the Organization. Ships described in regulation B-3.1 should,
to the extent practicable, comply with this paragraph.
Regulation B-6
Duties of officers and crew
Officers and crew shall be familiar with their duties in the implementation of
Ballast Water Management particular to the ship on which they serve and
shall, appropriate to their duties, be familiar with the ship's Ballast Water
Management plan.
SECTION C - SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

IN CERTAIN AREAS
Regulation C-1
Additional measures
1 If a Party, individually or jointly with other Parties, determines that
measures in addition to those in Section B are necessary to prevent, reduce,
or eliminate the transfer of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens
through ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, such Party or Parties may,
consistent with international law, require ships to meet a specified standard
or requirement.
2 Prior to establishing standards or requirements under paragraph 1, a

Party or Parties should consult with adjacent or other States that may be
affected by such standards or requirements.
3 A Party or Parties intending to introduce additional measures in

accordance with paragraph 1 shall:
.1 take into account the guidelines developed by the Organization.
.2 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). Such communication shall include:
.1 the precise co-ordinates where additional measure(s) is/are
applicable;
21
.2 the need and reasoning for the application of the additional

measure(s), including, whenever possible, benefits;
.3 a description of the additional measure(s); and
.4 any arrangements that may be provided to facilitate ships'
compliance with the additional measure(s).
.3 to the extent required by customary international law as reflected
in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as
appropriate, obtain the approval of the Organization.
4 A Party or Parties, in introducing such additional measures, shall

endeavour to make available all appropriate services, which may include but
are not limited to notification to mariners of areas, available and alternative
routes or ports, as far as practicable, in order to ease the burden on the ship.
5 Any additional measures adopted by a Party or Parties shall not

compromise the safety and security of the ship and in any circumstances not
conflict with any other convention with which the ship must comply.
6 A Party or Parties introducing additional measures may waive these

measures for a period of time or in specific circumstances as they deem fit.
Regulation C-2
Warnings concerning Ballast Water uptake in certain
areas and related flag State measures
1 A Party shall endeavour to notify mariners of areas under their
jurisdiction where ships should not uptake Ballast Water due to known
conditions. The Party shall include in such notices the precise co-ordinates of
the area or areas, and, where possible, the location of any alternative area or
areas for the uptake of Ballast Water. Warnings may be issued for areas:
.1 known to contain outbreaks, infestations, or populations of
Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens (e.g., toxic algal
blooms) which are likely to be of relevance to Ballast Water
uptake or discharge;
.2 near sewage outfalls; or
.3 where tidal flushing is poor or times during which a tidal stream is
known to be more turbid.
2 In addition to notifying mariners of areas in accordance with the

provisions of paragraph 1, a Party shall notify the Organization and any
potentially affected coastal States of any areas identified in paragraph 1 and
the time period such warning is likely to be in effect. The notice to the
Organization and any potentially affected coastal States shall include the
precise coordinates of the area or areas, and, where possible, the location of
any alternative area or areas for the uptake of Ballast Water. The notice shall
include advice to ships needing to uptake Ballast Water in the area,
describing arrangements made for alternative supplies. The Party shall also
notify mariners, the Organization, and any potentially affected coastal States
when a given warning is no longer applicable.
22
Regulation D-3
Regulation C-3
Communication of information
The Organization shall make available, through any appropriate means,
information communicated to it under regulations C-1 and C-2.
SECTION D - STANDARDS FOR BALLAST WATER

MANAGEMENT
Regulation D-1
Ballast Water exchange standard
1 Ships performing Ballast Water exchange in accordance with this
regulation shall do so with an efficiency of at least 95 percent volumetric
exchange of Ballast Water.
2 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 in paragraph 1. 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
1 Ships conducting Ballast Water Management in accordance with this
regulation shall discharge less than 10 viable organisms per cubic metre
greater than or equal to 50 micrometres in minimum dimension and less than
10 viable organisms per millilitre less than 50 micrometres in minimum
dimension and greater than or equal to 10 micrometres in minimum
dimension; and discharge of the indicator microbes shall not exceed the
specified concentrations described in paragraph 2.
2 Indicator microbes, as a human health standard, shall include:

.1 Toxicogenic Vibrio cholerae (O1 and O139) with less than
1 colony-forming unit (cfu) per 100 millilitres or less than 1 cfu per
1 gram (wet weight) zooplankton samples;
.2 Escherichia coll less than 250 cfu per 100 millilitres;
.3 Intestinal Enterococci less than 100 cfu per 100 millilitres.
Regulation D-3
Approval requirements for Ballast Water Management
systems
1 Except as specified in paragraph 2, Ballast Water Management
systems used to comply with this Convention must be approved by the
Administration taking into account guidelines developed by the Organiza-
tion.
23
2 Ballast Water Management systems which make use of Active

Substances or preparations containing one or more Active Substances to
comply with this Convention shall be approved by the Organization, based
on a procedure developed by the Organization. This procedure shall
describe the approval and withdrawal of approval of Active Substances and
their proposed manner of application. At withdrawal of approval, the use of
the relevant Active Substance or Substances shall be prohibited within 1 year
after the date of such withdrawal.
3 Ballast Water Management systems used to comply with this

Convention must be safe in terms of the ship, its equipment and the crew.
Regulation D-4
Prototype Ballast Water treatment technologies
1 For any ship that, prior to the date that the standard in regulation D-2
would otherwise become effective for it, participates in a programme
approved by the Administration to test and evaluate promising Ballast Water
treatment technologies, the standard in regulation D-2 shall not apply to that
ship until five years from the date on which the ship would otherwise be
required to comply with such standard.
2 For any ship that, after the date on which the standard in regulation
D-2 has become effective for it, participates in a programme approved by the
Administration, taking into account guidelines developed by the Organiza-
tion, to test and evaluate promising Ballast Water technologies with the
potential to result in treatment technologies achieving a standard higher than
that in regulation D-2, the standard in regulation D-2 shall cease to apply to
that ship for five years from the date of installation of such technology.
3 In establishing and carrying out any programme to test and evaluate

promising Ballast Water technologies, Parties shall:
.1 take into account guidelines developed by the Organization, and
.2 allow participation only by the minimum number of ships
necessary to effectively test such technologies.
4 Throughout the test and evaluation period, the treatment system must
be operated consistently and as designed.
Regulation D-5
Review of standards by the Organization
1 At a meeting of the Committee held no later than three years before
the earliest effective date of the standard set forth in regulation D-2, the
Committee shall undertake a review which includes a determination of
whether appropriate technologies are available to achieve the standard, an
assessment of the criteria in paragraph 2, and an assessment of the socio-
economic effect(s) specifically in relation to the developmental needs of
developing countries, particularly small island developing States. The
Committee shall also undertake periodic reviews, as appropriate, to examine
24
Regulation E-l
the applicable requirements for ships described in regulation B-3.1 as well as

any other aspect of Ballast Water Management addressed in this Annex,
including any guidelines developed by the Organization.
2 Such reviews of appropriate technologies shall also take into account:

.1 safety considerations relating to the ship and the crew;
.2 environmental acceptability, i.e., not causing more or greater
environmental impacts than they solve;
practicability, i.e., compatibility with ship design and operations;
cost effectiveness, i.e., economics; and
biological effectiveness in terms of removing, or otherwise
rendering not viable, Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens
in Ballast Water.
3 The Committee may form a group or groups to conduct the review(s)

described in paragraph 1. The Committee shall determine the composition,
terms of reference and specific issues to be addressed by any such group
formed. Such groups may develop and recommend proposals for amend-
ment of this Annex for consideration by the Parties. Only Parties may
participate in the formulation of recommendations and amendment
decisions taken by the Committee.
4 If, based on the reviews described in this regulation, the Parties decide
to adopt amendments to this Annex, such amendments shall be adopted and
enter into force in accordance with the procedures contained in article 19 of
this Convention.
SECTION E - SURVEY AND CERTIFICATION

REQUIREMENTS FOR BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT
Regulation E-1
Surveys
1 Ships of 400 gross tonnage and above to which this Convention
applies, excluding floating platforms, FSUs and FPSOs, shall be subject to
surveys specified below:
.1 An initial survey before the ship is put in service or before the
Certificate required under regulation E-2 or E-3 is issued for the
first time. This survey shall verify that the Ballast Water Manage-
ment plan required by regulation B-1 and any associated
structure, equipment, systems, fitting, arrangements and material
or processes comply fully with the requirements of this Conven-
tion.
.2 A renewal survey at intervals specified by the Administration, but
not exceeding five years, except where regulation E-5.2, E-5.5, E-
5.6, or E-5.7 is applicable. This survey shall verify that the Ballast
Water Management plan required by regulation B-1 and any
associated structure, equipment, systems, fitting, arrangements
25
and material or processes comply fully with the applicable

requirements of this Convention.
.3 An intermediate survey within three months before or after the
second anniversary date or within three months before or after
the third anniversary date of the Certificate, which shall take the
place of one of the annual surveys specified in paragraph 1.4. The
intermediate surveys shall ensure that the equipment, associated
systems and processes for Ballast Water Management fully
comply with the applicable requirements of this Annex and are
in good working order. Such intermediate surveys shall be
endorsed on the certificate issued under regulation E-2 or E-3.
.4 An annual survey within three months before or after each
anniversary date, including a general inspection of the structure,
any equipment, systems, fittings, arrangements and material or
processes associated with the Ballast Water Management plan
required by regulation B-1 to ensure that they have been
maintained in accordance with paragraph 9 and remain satisfac-
tory for the service for which the ship is intended. Such annual
surveys shall be endorsed on the Certificate issued under
regulation E-2 or E-3.
.5 An additional survey, either general or partial, according to the
circumstances, shall be made after a change, replacement, or
significant repair of the structure, equipment, systems, fittings,
arrangements and material necessary to achieve full compliance
with this Convention. The survey shall be such as to ensure that
any such change, replacement, or significant repair has been
effectively made, so that the ship complies with the requirements
of this Convention. Such surveys shall be endorsed on the
Certificate issued under regulation E-2 or E-3.
2 The Administration shall establish appropriate measures for ships that

are not subject to the provisions of paragraph 1 in order to ensure that the
applicable provisions of this Convention are complied with.
3 Surveys of ships for the purpose of enforcement of the provisions of

this Convention shall be carried out by officers of the Administration. The
Administration may, however, entrust the surveys either to surveyors
nominated for the purpose or to organizations recognized by it.
4 An Administration nominating surveyors or recognizing organizations

to conduct surveys, as described in paragraph 3 shall, as a minimum,
empower such nominated surveyors or recognized organizations* to:
.1 require a ship that they survey to comply with the provisions of
this Convention; and
.2 carry out surveys and inspections if requested by the appropriate
authorities of a port State that is a Party.
Refer to the guidelines adopted by the Organization by resolution A.739(18), as may be

amended by the Organization, and the specifications adopted by the Organization by
resolution A.789(19), as may be amended by the Organization.
26
Regulation E-1
5 The Administration shall notify the Organization of the specific

responsibilities and conditions of the authority delegated to the nominated
surveyors or recognized organizations, for circulation to Parties for the
information of their officers.
6 When the Administration, a nominated surveyor, or a recognized

organization determines that the ship's Ballast Water Management does not
conform to the particulars of the Certificate required under regulation E-2 or
E-3 or is such that the ship is not fit to proceed to sea without presenting a
threat of harm to the environment, human health, property or resources, such
surveyor or organization shall immediately ensure that corrective action is
taken to bring the ship into compliance. A surveyor or organization shall be
notified immediately, and it shall ensure that the Certificate is not issued or is
withdrawn as appropriate. If the ship is in the port of another Party, the
appropriate authorities of the port State shall be notified immediately. When
an officer of the Administration, a nominated surveyor, or a recognized
organization has notified the appropriate authorities of the port State, the
Government of the port State concerned shall give such officer, surveyor or
organization any necessary assistance to carry out their obligations under this
regulation, including any action described in article 9.
7 Whenever an accident occurs to a ship or a defect is discovered which

substantially affects the ability of the ship to conduct Ballast Water
Management in accordance with this Convention, the owner, operator or
other person in charge of the ship shall report at the earliest opportunity to
the Administration, the recognized organization or the nominated surveyor
responsible for issuing the relevant Certificate, who shall cause investigations
to be initiated to determine whether a survey as required by paragraph 1 is
necessary. If the ship is in a port of another Party, the owner, operator or
other person in charge shall also report immediately to the appropriate
authorities of the port State and the nominated surveyor or recognized
organization shall ascertain that such report has been made.
8 In every case, the Administration concerned shall fully guarantee the

completeness and efficiency of the survey and shall undertake to ensure the
necessary arrangements to satisfy this obligation.
9 The condition of the ship and its equipment, systems and processes
shall be maintained to conform with the provisions of this Convention to
ensure that the ship in all respects will remain fit to proceed to sea without
presenting a threat of harm to the environment, human health, property or
resources.
10 After any survey of the ship under paragraph 1 has been completed,
no change shall be made in the structure, any equipment, fittings,
arrangements or material associated with the Ballast Water Management
plan required by regulation B-1 and covered by the survey without the
sanction of the Administration, except the direct replacement of such
equipment or fittings.
27
Regulation E-2
Issuance or endorsement of a Certificate
1 The Administration shall ensure that a ship to which regulation E-1
applies is issued a Certificate after successful completion of a survey
conducted in accordance with regulation E-1. A Certificate issued under the
authority of a Party shall be accepted by the other Parties and regarded for all
purposes covered by this Convention as having the same validity as a
Certificate issued by them.
2 Certificates shall be issued or endorsed either by the Administration or
by any person or organization duly authorized by it. In every case, the
Administration assumes full responsibility for the Certificate.
Regulation E-3
Issuance or endorsement of a Certificate
by another Party
1 At the request of the Administration, another Party may cause a ship
to be surveyed and, if satisfied that the provisions of this Convention are
complied with, shall issue or authorize the issuance of a Certificate to the
ship, and where appropriate, endorse or authorize the endorsement of that
Certificate on the ship, in accordance with this Annex.
2 A copy of the Certificate and a copy of the survey report shall be

transmitted as soon as possible to the requesting Administration.
3 A Certificate so issued shall contain a statement to the effect that it has

been issued at the request of the Administration and it shall have the same
force and receive the same recognition as a Certificate issued by the
Administration.
4 No Certificate shall be issued to a ship entitled to fly the flag of a State

which is not a Party.
Regulation E-4
Form of the Certificate
The Certificate shall be drawn up in the official language of the issuing Party,
in the form set forth in appendix I. If the language used is neither English,
French nor Spanish, the text shall include a translation into one of these
languages.
Regulation E-5
Duration and validity of the Certificate
1 A Certificate shall be issued for a period specified by the Administra-
tion that shall not exceed five years.
2 For renewal surveys:

.1 Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph 1, when the
renewal survey is completed within three months before the
28
Regulation E-5
expiry date of the existing Certificate, the new Certificate shall be

valid from the date of completion of the renewal survey to a date
not exceeding five years from the date of expiry of the existing
Certificate.
.2 When the renewal survey is completed after the expiry date of the
existing Certificate, the new Certificate shall be valid from the date
of completion of the renewal survey to a date not exceeding five
5 a
years from the date of expiry of the existing Certificate.
.3 When the renewal survey is completed more than three months
before the expiry date of the existing Certificate, the new
Certificate shall be valid from the date of completion of the
renewal survey to a date not exceeding five years from the date of
completion of the renewal survey.
3 If a Certificate is issued for a period of less than five years, the
Administration may extend the validity of the Certificate beyond the expiry
date to the maximum period specified in paragraph 1, provided that the
surveys referred to in regulation E-1.1.3 applicable when a Certificate is
issued for a period of five years are carried out as appropriate.
4 If a renewal survey has been completed and a new Certificate cannot
be issued or placed on board the ship before the expiry date of the existing
Certificate, the person or organization authorized by the Administration may
endorse the existing Certificate and such a Certificate shall be accepted as
valid for a further period which shall not exceed five months from the expiry
date.
5 If a ship at the time when the Certificate expires is not in a port in
which it is to be surveyed, the Administration may extend the period of
validity of the Certificate, but this extension shall be granted only for the
purpose of allowing the ship to complete its voyage to the port in which it is
to be surveyed, and then only in cases where it appears proper and
reasonable to do so. No Certificate shall be extended for a period longer than
three months, and a ship to which such extension is granted shall not, on its
arrival in the port in which it is to be surveyed, be entitled by virtue of such
extension to leave that port without having a new Certificate. When the
renewal survey is completed, the new Certificate shall be valid to a date not
exceeding five years from the date of expiry of the existing Certificate before
the extension was granted.
6 A Certificate issued to a ship engaged on short voyages which has not
been extended under the foregoing provisions of this regulation may be
extended by the Administration for a period of grace of up to one month
from the date of expiry stated on it. When the renewal survey is completed,
the new Certificate shall be valid to a date not exceeding five years from the
date of expiry of the existing Certificate before the extension was granted.
7 In special circumstances, as determined by the Administration, a new
Certificate need not be dated from the date of expiry of the existing
Certificate as required by paragraph 2.2, 5 or 6 of this regulation. In these
special circumstances, the new Certificate shall be valid to a date not
exceeding five years from the date of completion of the renewal survey.
29
8 If an annual survey is completed before the period specified in

regulation E-1, then:
.1 the Anniversary date shown on the Certificate shall be amended
by endorsement to a date which shall not be more than three
months later than the date on which the survey was completed;
.2 the subsequent annual or intermediate survey required by
regulation E-1 shall be completed at the intervals prescribed by
that regulation using the new Anniversary date;
.3 the expiry date may remain unchanged provided one or more
annual surveys, as appropriate, are carried out so that the
maximum intervals between the surveys prescribed by regulation
E-1 are not exceeded.
9 A Certificate issued under regulation E-2 or E-3 shall cease to be valid
in any of the following cases:
.1 if the structure, equipment, systems, fittings, arrangements and
material necessary to comply fully with this Convention is
changed, replaced or significantly repaired and the Certificate is
not endorsed in accordance with this Annex;
.2 upon transfer of the ship to the flag of another State. A new
Certificate shall only be issued when the Party issuing the new
Certificate is fully satisfied that the ship is in compliance with the
requirements of regulation E-1. In the case of a transfer between
Parties, if requested within three months after the transfer has
taken place, the Party whose flag the ship was formerly entitled to
fly shall, as soon as possible, transmit to the Administration copies
of the Certificates carried by the ship before the transfer and, if
available, copies of the relevant survey reports;
.3 if the relevant surveys are not completed within the periods
specified under regulation E-1.1; or
.4 if the Certificate is not endorsed in accordance with regula-
tion E-1.1.
30
Appendix I
Appendix I
Form of International Ballast Water Management Certificate
INTERNATIONAL BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE
Issued under the provisions of the International Convention for the Control and
Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (hereinafter referred to as "the
Convention") under the authority of the Government of
(full designation of the country)
by
(full designation of the competent person or organization authorized under the
provisions of the Convention)
Particulars of ship*
Name of ship
Distinctive number or letters
Port of registry
Gross tonnage
IMO number1'
Date of Construction
Ballast Water Capacity (in cubic metres)
Details of Ballast Water Management method(s) used
Method of Ballast Water Management used
Date installed (if applicable)
Name of manufacturer (if applicable)
* Alternatively, the particulars of the ship may be placed horizontally in boxes.

f
IMO Ship Identification Number Scheme adopted by the Organization by resolu-
tion A.600(15).
31
The principal Ballast Water Management method(s) employed on this ship is/are:
G in accordance with regulation D-1
D in accordance with regulation D-2

(describe)
G the ship is subject to regulation D-4
THIS IS TO CERTIFY:
1 That the ship has been surveyed in accordance with regulation E-1 of the
Annex to the Convention; and
2 That the survey shows that Ballast Water Management on the ship complies
with the Annex to the Convention.
This Certificate is valid until subject to surveys in accordance

with regulation E-1 of the Annex to the Convention.
Completion date of the survey on which this Certificate is based: dd/mm/yyyy
Issued at
(Place of issue of Certificate)
(Date of issue) (Signature of authorized official issuing the Certifi-

cate)
(Seal or stamp of the authority, as appropriate)
32
Appendix I
ENDORSEMENT FOR ANNUAL AND INTERMEDIATE SURVEY(S)
THIS IS TO CERTIFY that at a survey required by regulation E-1 of the Annex to the
Convention the ship was found to comply with the relevant provisions of the
Convention:
Annual survey: Signed

(Signature of duly authorized official)
Place
Date
Annual/Intermediate survey*: Signed

Place
Date
Annual/Intermediate survey*: Signed

Place
Date
Annual survey: Signed

Place
Date
' Delete as appropriate.
33
\ ANNUAL/INTERMEDIATE SURVEY
IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATION E-5.8.3
THIS IS TO CERTIFY that, at an annual/intermediate* survey in accordance with

regulation E-5.8.3 of the Annex to the Convention, the ship was found to comply with
the relevant provisions of the Convention:
Signed
Place
Date
ENDORSEMENT TO EXTEND THE CERTIFICATE IF VALID

FOR LESS THAN 5 YEARS WHERE REGULATION E-5.3 APPLIES
The ship complies with the relevant provisions of the Convention, and this Certificate
shall, in accordance with regulation E-5.3 of the Annex to the Convention, be
accepted as valid until
Signed
Place
Date
ENDORSEMENT WHERE THE RENEWAL SURVEY HAS BEEN

COMPLETED AND REGULATION E-5.4 APPLIES
The ship complies with the relevant provisions of the Convention and this Certificate
shall, in accordance with regulation E-5.4 of the Annex to the Convention, be
accepted as valid until
Signed
Place
Date
Delete as appropriate.
34
Appendix 1
ENDORSEMENT TO EXTEND THE VALIDITY OF THE CERTIFICATE UNTIL

REACHING THE PORT OF SURVEY OR FOR A PERIOD OF GRACE
WHERE REGULATION E-5.5 OR E-5.6 APPLIES
This Certificate shall, in accordance with regulation E-5.5 or E-5.6* of the Annex to the
Convention, be accepted as valid until
Signed
Place
Date
ENDORSEMENT FOR ADVANCEMENT OF ANNIVERSARY DATE

WHERE REGULATION E-5.8 APPLIES
In accordance with regulation E-5.8 of the Annex to the Convention the new
Anniversary date is
Signed
Place
Date
In accordance with regulation E-5.8 of the Annex to the Convention the new
Anniversary date is
Signed
Place
Date
Delete as appropriate.
35
En
oc
Appendix II 3.
Form of Ballast Water record book
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE CONTROL AND

MANAGEMENT OF SHIPS' BALLAST WATER AND SEDIMENTS
3.;
pu
Period From: To:
Name of Ship
IMO number
Gross tonnage
Flag
Total Ballast Water Capacity (in cubic metres)
The ship is provided with a Ballast Water Management plan
Diagram of ship indicating ballast tanks:
1 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
3.5
facilities.
2 Ballast Water and Ballast Water Management

Ballast Water means water with its suspended matter taken on board a ship to control
trim, list, draught, stability, or stresses of a ship. Management of Ballast Water shall be
in accordance with an approved Ballast Water Management plan and taking into
account guidelines* developed by the Organization.
* Refer to the Guidelines for the control and management of ships' ballast water to minimize
the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens adopted by the Organization by
resolution A.868(20). 3.6
36
Appendix II
3 Entries in the Ballast Water record book

Entries in the Ballast Water record book shall be made on each of the following
occasions:
3.1 When Ballast Water is taken on board:
.1 Date, time and location of port or facility of uptake (port or lat/long),
depth if outside port
.2 Estimated volume of uptake in cubic metres
.3 Signature of the officer in charge of the operation.
3.2 Whenever Ballast Water is circulated or treated for Ballast Water Management
purposes:
.1 Date and time of operation
.2 Estimated volume circulated or treated (in cubic metres)
.3 Whether conducted in accordance with the Ballast Water Management
plan
.4 Signature of the officer in charge of the operation
3.3 When Ballast Water is discharged into the sea:
.1 Date, time and location of port or facility of discharge (port or lat/long)
.2 Estimated volume discharged in cubic metres plus remaining volume in
cubic metres
.3 Whether approved Ballast Water Management plan had been imple-
mented prior to discharge
.4 Signature of the officer in charge of the operation.
3.4 When Ballast Water is discharged to a reception facility:
.1 Date, time, and location of uptake
.2 Date, time, and location of discharge
.3 Port or facility
.4 Estimated volume discharged or taken up, in cubic metres
.6 Signature of officer in charge of the operation.
3.5 Accidental or other exceptional uptake or discharges of Ballast Water:
.1 Date and time of occurrence
.2 Port or position of the ship at time of occurrence
.3 Estimated volume of Ballast Water discharged
.4 Circumstances of uptake, discharge, escape or loss, the reason therefor
and general remarks
.6 Signature of officer in charge of the operation.
3.6 Additional operational procedure and general remarks
37
4 Volume of Ballast Water

The volume of Ballast Water on board should be estimated in cubic metres. The
Ballast Water record book contains many references to estimated volume of Ballast
Water. It is recognized that the accuracy of estimating volumes of ballast is left to
interpretation.
RECORD OF BALLAST WATER OPERATIONS
SAMPLE BALLAST WATER RECORD BOOK PAGE
Name of Ship:
Distinctive number or letters .
Date Item Record of operations/signature of officers in charge

(number)
Signature of master . . .
38
Resolutions adopted by the Conference
ATTACHMENT
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE CONFERENCE
Resolution 1
Future work by the Organization pertaining to the
International Convention for the Control and Management
of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments
THE CONFERENCE,
HAVING ADOPTED the International Convention for the Control and

Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (Convention),
NOTING that articles 5 and 9 and regulations A-4, A-5, B-1, B-3, B-4, B-5, C-1,
D-3 and D-4 of the Annex to the Convention refer to guidelines or procedures
to be developed by the Organization for the specific purposes identified
therein,
RECOGNIZING the need for the development of these guidelines in order to
ensure global and uniform application of the relevant requirements of the
Convention,
INVITES the Organization to develop as a matter of urgency:
.1 Guidelines for sediment reception facilities under article 5 and
regulation B-5;
.2 Guidelines for sampling of ballast water under article 9;
.3 Guidelines on ballast water management equivalent compliance
for pleasure and search and rescue craft under regulation A-5;
.4 Ballast water management plan guidelines under regulation B-1;
.5 Guidelines for ballast water reception facilities under regulation
B-3;
.6 Guidelines for ballast water exchange under regulation B-4;
.7 Guidelines for additional measures under regulation C-1 and for
risk assessment under regulation A-4;
.8 Guidelines for approval of ballast water management systems
under regulation D-3.1;
.9 Procedure for approval of active substances under regulation
D-3.2; and
.10 Guidelines for prototype ballast water treatment technologies
under regulation D-4,
and adopt them, as soon as practicable, and in any case before the entry into
force of the Convention with a view to facilitating global and uniform
implementation of the Convention.
39
Resolution 2
The use of decision-making tools when reviewing
the standards pursuant to regulation D-5
THE CONFERENCE,

NOTING that regulation D-5 of the Convention requires that, at a meeting of
the Marine Environment Protection Committee held no later than three years
before the earliest effective date of the standard set forth in regulation D-2,
the Committee shall undertake a review which includes a determination of
whether appropriate technologies are available to achieve the standard, an
assessment of the criteria in paragraph 2 of regulation D-5, and an assessment
of the socio-economic effect(s) specifically in relation to the developmental
needs of developing countries, particularly small island developing States,
RECOGNIZING the value of decision-making tools when preparing complex
assessments,
RECOMMENDS the Organization to apply suitable decision-making tools
when conducting the review of standards in accordance with regulation D-5
of the Convention; and
INVITES the Member States to advise the Organization on any relevant, robust
decision-making tools to assist it in the conduct of such review.
40
Resolution 3
Promotion of technical co-operation and assistance
THE CONFERENCE,
and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (Convention),
BEING AWARE that Parties to the Convention will be called upon to give full
and complete effect to its provisions, 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,
NOTING that the Convention provides in articles 13.1 and 13.2 for Parties,
inter alia, to provide support for those Parties that request technical assistance
in respect of the control and management of ships' ballast water and
sediments,
RECOGNIZING the valuable technical co-operation activities undertaken in

partnership with developing countries on Ballast Water Management issues
under the GEF/UNDP/IMO Global Ballast Water Management Programme
(GloBallast) since 2000,
BEING CONVINCED that the promotion of technical co-operation will expedite

the acceptance, uniform interpretation and enforcement of the Convention
by States,
NOTING WITH APPRECIATION that, through the adoption of resolution

A.901 (21), the Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO):
(a) affirmed that IMO's work in developing global maritime standards
and in providing technical co-operation for their effective
implementation and enforcement can and does contribute to
sustainable development; and
(b) decided that IMO's mission statement, in relation to technical co-
operation in the 2000s, is to help developing countries improve
their ability to comply with international rules and standards
relating to maritime safety and the prevention and control of
marine pollution, giving priority to technical assistance pro-
grammes that focus on human resource development, particularly
through training, and institutional capacity building;
1 REQUESTS Member States, in co-operation with IMO, other interested

States and international bodies, competent international or regional
organizations, and industry programmes, to promote and provide directly,
or through IMO, support to States that request technical assistance for:
(a) the assessment of the implications of ratifying, accepting,
approving, or acceding to, as well as implementing and enforcing
the Convention;
41
(b) the development of national legislation and institutional arrange-

ments to give effect to the Convention;
(c) the training of scientific and technical personnel for research,
monitoring and enforcement (e.g., ballast water risk assessments,
invasive marine species surveys, monitoring and early warning
systems, ballast water sampling and analysis), including as
appropriate the supply of necessary equipment and facilities,
with a view to strengthening national capabilities;
(d) exchange of information and technical co-operation relating to
minimization of risks to the environment and human health from
transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens through the
control and management of ships' ballast water and sediments;
(e) research and development of improved ballast water manage-
ment and treatment methods; and
(f) establishment of special requirements in certain areas in
accordance with Section C of the regulations of the Convention;
2 REQUESTS FURTHER international development agencies and organiza-

tions to support, including through the provision of necessary resources,
technical co-operation programmes in the field of ballast water control and
management, consistent with the Convention;
3 INVITES the Technical Co-operation Committee of IMO to continue

providing for capacity-building activities on the control and management of
ships' ballast water and sediments, within the Organization's Integrated
Technical Co-operation Programme, in order to support the effective
implementation and enforcement of the Convention by developing countries;
and
4 URGES all States to initiate action in connection with the above-
mentioned technical co-operation measures without awaiting the entry into
force of the Convention.
42
r
Resolution 4
Review of the Annex to the
International Convention for the Control and Management
of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments
THE CONFERENCE,

RECOGNIZING that review of the Annex to the Convention, and in particular
but not restricted to regulations A-4, A-5, B-1, B-3, B-4, C-1, D-1, D-2, D-3 and
D-5, may have to be considered prior to entry into force of the Convention,
for instance, because of perceived impediments to entry into force or to
address the standards set forth in regulation D-2 of the Annex to the
Convention,
RECOMMENDS that the Marine Environment Protection Committee review
the regulations of the Annex to the Convention as it considers appropriate,
but not later than three years before the earliest effective date of the
standards set forth in regulation D-2 of the Annex to the Convention,
i.e., 2006.
43

Ballast Water Management Convention

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Ballast Water Management Convention

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Ballast Water Management Convention

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Ballast Water Management Convention

Convention sur la gestion des eaux de ballast

Following the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED),

In accordance with Article 2(b) of the Convention on the International

decision du Conseil a sa vingt-troisieme session, en decembre 2003, et la

Los efectos perjudiciales de las especies no deseadas presentes en el agua de

reunida en vigesimo tercer periodo de sesiones, en diciembre de 2003, y la

International Convention for the Control and Management of

Article 2 - General obligations 3

Article 4 - Control of the transfer of Harmful Aquatic Organisms

Article 5 - Sediment reception facilities 5

Article 6 - Scientific and technical research and monitoring 5

Article 7 - Survey and certification 6

Article 9 - Inspection of ships 7

Article 10 - Detection of violations and contol of ships 7

Article 11 - Notification of control actions 8

Article 12 - Undue delay to ships 8

Article 13 - Technical assistance, co-operation and regional

Article 14 - Communication of information 9

Article 15 - Dispute settlement 10

Article 16 - Relationship of international law and other agreements 10

Article 1 7 - Signature, ratification, acceptance, approval and

Article 18 - Entry into force 10

THE PARTIES TO THIS CONVENTION,

NOTING the objectives of the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

NOTING FURTHER that the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment

MINDFUL of the precautionary approach set out in Principle 15 of the Rio

ALSO MINDFUL that the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, in

CONSCIOUS that the uncontrolled discharge of Ballast Water and Sediments

RECOGNIZING the importance placed on this issue by the Organization

1 Administration means the Government of the State under whose

3 Ballast Water Management means mechanical, physical, chemical, and

4 Certificate means the Internationa] Ballast Water Management

5 Committee means the Marine Environment Protection Committee of

6 Convention means the International Convention for the Control and

8 Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens means aquatic organisms

9 Organization means the International Maritime Organization.

9 Parties shall endeavour to co-operate under the auspices of the

2 This Convention shall not apply to:

commercial service. However, each Party shall ensure, by the

3 With respect to ships of non-Parties to this Convention, Parties shall

Such research and monitoring should include observation, measurement,

(b) furnish to the Administration of the ship such information and

3 The sanctions provided for by the laws of a Party pursuant to this

a detailed inspection may be carried out.

3 In the circumstances given in paragraph 2 of this article, the Party

2 If a ship is detected to have violated this Convention, the Party whose

offshore terminal for the purpose of discharging Ballast Water or proceeding

3 If the sampling described in article 9.1 (c) leads to a result, or supports

1 If an inspection conducted pursuant to article 9 or 10 indicates a

3 The port State authority concerned shall, in addition to parties

1 All possible efforts shall be made to avoid a ship being unduly

2 When a ship is unduly detained or delayed under article 7.2, 8, 9 or

1 Parties undertake, directly or through the Organization and other

2 Parties undertake to co-operate actively, subject to their national laws,

3 In order to further the objectives of this Convention, Parties with

1 Each Party shall report to the Organization and, where appropriate,

2 The Organization shall notify Parties of the receipt of any commu-

2 States may become Parties to the Convention by:

3 Ratification, acceptance, approval or accession shall be effected by