IMO Resolution MEPC.325(75) amendments to the BWM Convention that say commissioning testing is mandatory came into force today
Classification society DNV has issued a timely reminder that on and after 1 June 2022, vessel owners and yards are required to undertake mandatory commissioning testing at the initial ballast water management system’s commissioning survey.
DNV’s update states, “This test is required even if the system has been partially installed /or commissioned before 1 June 2022. The commissioning test is also mandatory for the additional commissioning survey required after a change, replacement or significant repair of the BWMS necessary to achieve full compliance with the D-2 standard.”
The test requires ballast water samples to be taken at the discharge line after treatment by the BWMS and analysed by the selected service supplier.
The collection and analysis of the representative samples should be independent of the BWMS manufacturer or supplier and to the satisfaction of the flag administration.
Assuming there are no further amendments at MEPC 78 or afterwards, the next major ballast water deadline is 8 September 2024 – IMO’s Ballast Water Performance Standard.
