BWM Convention implementation amended
The International Maritime Organisation IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee at its 71 session (MEPC 71) has accepted an amended implementation scheme for ships to comply with the D-2 standard (treatment) under the Ballast Water Management Convention, BWMC.
The scheme will be circulated to member states for adoption during MEPC 72, scheduled to be held from 9 to 13 April, 2018.
However, the same Committee recommended the Administrations an immediate application of the new scheme, with a view to avoiding the creation of a dual treaty regime during the time between the entry into force of the Convention and of the new amendment.
Under the proposal: New ships (constructed on or after 8 September 2017) are to comply with the D-2 standard (treatment) on or after 8 September, 2017, while existing ship (constructed before 8 September 2017)
having the renewal of the International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate, IOPP certificate between 8 September 2017 and 8 September 2019 (excluded) are to comply with the D-2 standard (treatment) at the following IOPP certificate renewal survey, i.e. at the second renewal survey after the entry into force date of the Convention.
Ships having the renewal of the IOPP certificate starting from 8 September, 2019, are to comply with the D-2 standard (treatment) at this renewal survey, i.e. at the first renewal survey after the entry into force date of the Convention.
A clause has also been inserted in order to avoid ships falling into this last category to anticipate the IOPP certificate renewal between September 8, 2017 and September 8 , 2019.
Also, existing ships, constructed before 8 September, 2017, which are not subject to the MARPOL IOPP renewal survey, are to comply with the D-2 standard not later than September 8, 2024.
