Marine Engineering Study Materials

What are the training requirements as per Ballast Water Management Plan on Ships?

It is essential that the Master, vessel’s officer and crew have an understanding of the need for ballast water management. If crew members understand the reasons for the treatment of ballast water and associated sediments, they are more likely to ensure that it is carried out effectively and efficiently.

Owners, managers, operators and others involved in officer and crew training for ballast water management should consider, training for vessels’ Masters and crews as appropriate should include instructions on the requirements of the BWM Convention, the ballast water and sediment management procedures and the ballast water record book, drawing particular attention to matters of vessel safety, maintenance of records and reporting requirements in accordance with the BWM Convention.

Provisions for crew training and familiarization include the following:

• General requirements for ballast water management;
• Training and information on ballast water management practices;
• Ballast water treatment systems installed on board;
• General safety considerations;
• The ballast water record book and maintenance of records;
• Safety aspects associated with the particular systems and procedures used on board the vessel which affect the safety or human health of crew and passengers and/or the safety of the vessel;
• Precautions for entering tanks for sediment removal;
• Procedures for the safe handling and packaging of sediment; and
• Storage of sediment

What are the record keeping requirements as per Ballast Water Management Plan on Ships?

• The ballast water management officer is to ensure that the Ballast Water Record Book and any other necessary documentation and forms are kept up-to-date.
• The Ballast Water Record Book may be an electronic record system or may be integrated into another record book or system.
• The Ballast Water Record Book entries shall be maintained on board the vessel for a minimum period of two years after the last entry has been made.
• The control equipment of the ballast water treatment system is able to store data for at least 24 months.
• The requirements for type approval are that the control equipment should be able to display or print a record for official inspections as required. In the event the control equipment is replaced, means should be provided to ensure the data recorded prior to replacement remains available on board for 24 months.
• A statement that any malfunction and use of any contingency measures shall be recorded in the Ballast Water Record Book.

---

Reference: Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP)

---