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26th September 2017

BIMCO launches practical guide to support BWM Convention entry into force

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BIMCO, the world's largest international shipping association, has launched a practical guide for shipmasters managing new ballast water management systems. It coincides with the entry into force of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention.

BIMCO’s new Shipmaster’s Ballast Water Manual provides clear, accessible information for seafarers dealing with practicalities of daily ballast water management. The manual covers all aspects of the Convention including regulatory implementation, inspections by port state control and charterers and the latest guidance issued by the IMO.

The BWM Convention came into force on 8 September 2017. To prevent the transfer of potentially invasive species, ballast water must now be treated before it is unloaded into a new location, so that any micro-organisms or small marine species are destroyed.  There are currently numerous ballast water management systems that have been approved by the IMO but IMO member states and most seafarers are still unfamiliar with their operations.

Lars Robert Pedersen, Deputy Secretary General at BIMCO said:

Implementation of the BWM Convention has been just around the corner for a long time, but there is still a great deal of confusion over the actual realities of the operational requirements, each ships’ ballast water management plan and the associated record keeping to demonstrate compliance.

“This new guide has been written with seafarers in mind, in a practical and easily accessible way, to be used onboard at sea, helping the crew to manage the new obligations safely and effectively”.

BIMCO’s Shipmaster’s Ballast Water Manual links to the already established safety management system (SMS) covering the company and the ship, which includes proper plans for shipboard operations. The SMS requires crew and officers to be familiar with applicable onboard instructions and procedures, including ballast water management.

The manual reflects latest guidance from the IMO and can be ordered online on the following link: http://www.witherbyseamanship.com/shipmasters-ballast-water-manual.html  or by emailing info@witherbys.com.  The Shipmaster’s Ballast Water Manual is priced €150, or €85 for BIMCO members.  

About BIMCO

BIMCO is the world’s largest international shipping association, with 2,100 members in more than 120 countries. Our global membership includes shipowners, operators, managers, brokers and agents.

Our vision is to be the chosen partner trusted to provide leadership to the global industry.
Our mission is to provide expert knowledge and practical advice to safeguard and add value to our members businesses.

BIMCOs four core service areas provide value and trusted support to our members:
1. Our products include BIMCOs world leading standard contracts and clauses for the shipping industry and our contract editor IDEA. We also run the BIMCO Shipping KPI System which can be used to benchmark ships operational performance.
2. Regulation: BIMCO takes an active role on behalf of shipowners during discussions and decisions with global and regional regulators. We work towards a level playing field for shipping – including fair trade and open access to markets.
3. Information and advice: we deal with 10,000 member queries every year on many issues and see over three million page views on our website each year. Our staff share their expert knowledge with members, giving practical advice to safeguard and add value to their businesses.
4. Our training activities include face-to-face courses, eLearning, webinars and tailor-made courses for companies.

 

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