Duties of the Ballast Water Management Officer

Duties of the Ballast Water Management Officer

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Who is Ballast Water Management Officer?

The ballast water management officer is the responsible person for implementing the procedures of the ballast water management plan (BWMP) on ships.

What are the duties of the Ballast Water Management Officer?

  • Ensure the safety of the vessel and crew.
  • Ensure that ballast water management and/or treatment procedures are followed and recorded.
  • Ensure adequate personnel and equipment are available for the execution of the planned ballast water management operations.
  • Ensure all required ballast water management records are maintained and up to date, including the ballast water record book.
  • Where required, prepare the appropriate national or port ballast water declaration forms prior to arrival.
  • Assist the port state control or quarantine officers for any sampling that may need to be taken.
  • Undertake familiarization and training of crew in ballast water management requirements and applicable shipboard systems and procedures.
  • Other duties, as specified by the company.
  • For contingency measures where ballast exchange is required, ensure that the steps of the ballast exchange sequence are followed in the prepared order and according to the approved D-1 BWMP.
  • For contingency measures ensure that the manholes of the specific tanks are opened prior to commencement of the flow-through method or instead, for tanks with no direct access to open deck the vent heads are removed. It is the responsibility of the Ballast Water Management Officer to ensure that these are re-secured after completion of the operation.

What is the role of Master in confirming compliance with ballast water management plan (BWMP) on ships?

  • The Master must ensure that the ballast water management plan is clearly understood by the appointed officer and by any other vessel staff that may need to be involved.
  • The ballast water management officer must keep the Master advised on the progress of the ballast water management operations and any envisaged deviations from the agreed plan.
  • Should there be any doubt or if the management plan is not in line with the schedule, the Master shall be advised accordingly.

Reference: Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP)

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