scope:

Objective/Scope

The objective of this Guide is to provide supplementary requirements regarding ballast water exchange at sea that generally are not addressed by other ABS Rules or Guides. Ballast water exchange at sea presents numerous challenges related to the operation of vessels, specifically vessel structure, stability and machinery systems. Owners/operators that have elected to conduct ballast water exchange at sea as a means to control and manage ballast water pending the implementation of the IMO regulations mandating the installation of an approved ballast water management system, may experience increased structural and mechanical equipment failures unless the vessel's design, construction and operation have considered the potential hazards associated with ballast water exchange at sea.

It is recognized that vessels conducting ballast water exchange may have unique operating characteristics for which the requirements in this Guide may not be applicable. For such cases, ABS is prepared to consider alternative arrangements, provided that substantiating information and/or a risk analysis is submitted for review.

As indicated in 1-1/3 FIGURE 1, BWE is one of the accepted ballast water management methodologies provided for within the Convention which is available for selection by the owner until the vessel's regulation B-3 date as amended by resolution MEPC.297(72) and resolution MEPC.298(72). Additionally, after the vessel's regulation B-3 date (as amended), BWE may be an important component of the vessel's contingency measures referring to BWM.2/Circ.62 and resolution MEPC.306(73).