1 Introduction

  1.1 The purpose of these Guidelines is to provide shipowners and operators with general guidance on the development of ship specific procedures for conducting ballast water exchange. Whenever possible ship owner and operators should enlist the assistance of classification societies or qualified marine surveyors in tailoring ballast exchange practices for various conditions of weather, cargo and stability. The application of processes and procedures concerning ballast water management are at the core of the solution to prevent, minimize and ultimately eliminate the introduction of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens. Ballast water exchange offers a means, when used in conjunction with good ballast water management practices, to assist in achieving this solution.

  1.2 Ballast water exchange introduces a number of safety issues, which affect both the ship and its crew. These Guidelines are intended to provide guidance on the safety and operational aspects of ballast water exchange at sea.

  1.3 Given that there are different types of ships, which may be required to undertake ballast water exchange at sea, it is impractical to provide specific guidelines for each ship type. Shipowners are cautioned that they should consider the many variables that apply to their ships. Some of these variables include type and size of ship, ballast tank configurations and associated pumping systems, trading routes and associated weather conditions, port State requirements and manning.