BWM convention, first adopted on 13 February 2004, will enter into force on 08 September 2017 and shall apply to all existing & new ships of all types with following characteristics: GT > 400, Carrying ballast water & Operating in International waters. On or before 8 September 2017, vessels to which BWM convention applies are required to have:

1. Approved Ballast Water management plan, ballast water record book and carry International Ballast Water Management (IBWM) certificate on-board as per regulation D-1 of the convention. 

2. Install ballast water treatment system (BWTS) onboard as per regulation D-2 standards of the convention no later than the first IOPP renewal survey (MARPOL Annex I) after 08 September 2017.

To comply with point 1, all the vessels must have a Ballast water management plan onboard after 8th Sept, 2017 which should at least comply with ballast water exchange procedure.  In view of proximity of the date of the implementation, it is advisable that all ship owners should make plan for preparation and submission of BWMP to classification society as soon as possible  to ensure smooth operation of their vessels. Recently we did quite a  few projects for BWMP preparation for OSVs and PSVs and we could obtain class approvals in time.  Good understanding of applicable rules and regulations and close coordination with classification society also ensured that all approvals could be obtained with minimum hassle for the shipowners. 

comply with point 1, all the vessels must have a Ballast water management plan onboard after 8th Sept, 2017 which should at least comply with ballast water exchange procedure.  In view of proximity of the date of the implementation, it is advisable that all ship owners should make plan for preparation and submission of BWMP to classification society as soon as possible  to ensure smooth operation of their vessels. Recently we did quite a  few projects for BWMP preparation for OSVs and PSVs and we could obtain class approvals in time.  Good understanding of applicable rules and regulations and close coordination with classification society also ensured that all approvals could be obtained with minimum hassle for the shipowners.