PSC Inspection under IMO BWMC requirements
Purpose
When on 8th of September 2017 the BWM Convention becomes effective, a trial period will be started where port State control can further trial the approaches in the IMO related circular to ensure they are practical and fit for purpose. The trail period will be 2 to 3 years, following entry into force of the Convention. The goal at the end of the trial period would be to have a suite of accepted procedures that can be used for sampling and analyzing ballast water in a globally way. The trial period, and the data gathered during the trial, is essential in providing a sound basis for future enforcement.
Four stage inspection
The PSCO inspection is made of four steps:
• 1st step inspection (Initial inspection)
In conducting an initial inspection, the PSCO should check both the validity of the International Ballast Water Management Certificate (IBWMC) and other documents and the overall condition of the ship, including its equipment, as well as the abilities of crew in charge. After the completion of the initial inspection, the PSCO has two options, according to its findings.
• 2nd step inspection (More detailed inspection)
When carrying out a more detailed inspection, the PSCO may utilize, but not be limited to, the following questions to ascertain the extent of compliance with the BWM Convention.
- Does the ship’s BWM match the ship’s BWMP?
- Does the BWMS and piping remain intact of any uncontrolled alteration?
- Is the BWMS operating correctly?
- Are the crewmembers in charge of operation sufficiently trained and able to perform their duty safely?
- Is sampling necessary?
• 3rd step (indicative Analysis) and 4th step inspection (Detailed Analysis)
-Indicative Analysis means a compliance test that is relatively quick, indirect or direct measurement of a representative sample of the ballast water volume of interest. The time required to conduct the indicative analysis should not unduly delay the operations, movement or departure of the ship.
-Detailed Analysis means a validated compliance test method or analysis that is a direct measurement of a representative sample quantifies viable organism concentration in a ballast water volume of interest.
The result of a detailed analysis provides an accurate and precise measurement of viable organism concentration directly comparable to the D–2 standard, using method with an adequate detection limit for the purpose for which it is being applied.
When carrying out a more detailed inspection, the PSCO may seek answers to the following questions:
• Does the ship’s BWM match the ship’s BWMP?
• Does the BWMS and piping remain intact of any uncontrolled alteration?
• Is the BWMS operating correctly?
• Are the crew members in charge of operation sufficiently trained and able to perform their duty safely?
• Is sampling necessary?
Violations and actions
- If the ship poses a threat to the environment, human health, property or resources, the Party in whose waters the ship is operating should prohibit such ship from discharging ballast water until the threat is removed;
-If a ship has violated the BWM Convention, the PSCO may take steps to warn, detain or exclude the ship or grant such a ship permission to leave to discharge ballast water elsewhere or seek repairs. The PSCO should use professional judgment to determine an unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment, human health, property or resource.