Section 1 Introduction
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Clasifications Register Guidance Information - Guidance on Ballast Water Management System Commissioning Testing, December 2020 - Chapter 1 Guidance on Ballast Water Management System Commissioning Testing - Section 1 Introduction

Section 1 Introduction

Parent topic: Chapter 1 Guidance on Ballast Water Management System Commissioning Testing

1.1 Introduction

1.1.1 This guidance is provided for the benefit of shipowners and service suppliers engaged with commissioning testing of Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS). Statutory requirements for commissioning testing of BWMS can be found in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) BWM.2/Circ.70, rev1 - Guidance for the commissioning testing of ballast water management systems, as amended. There may also be additional Flag Administration requirements that must be complied with.

1.1.2 Amendments to Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention Regulation E-1 were adopted at MEPC 75 and are coming into force on 1st June 2022. These amendments mandate the commissioning testing of BWMS during installation surveys. Flag Administrations are likely to be encouraged to enforce early implementation. Some already mandate commissioning testing, such as Australia, Cyprus and Singapore.

1.1.3 The purpose of this commissioning testing is to validate the installation of the BWMS by demonstrating its mechanical, physical, chemical and biological processes are working correctly. The process is to first obtain an ambient sample to characterise the ballast uptake water. Following treatment, the corresponding ballast discharge operation is then to be sampled in accordance with the IMO Guidelines for Ballast Water Sampling (G2). Self-monitoring parameters of the BWMS will also be assessed to confirm correct operation.

1.1.4 Whilst there is no specified challenge condition (see IMO BWM.2/Circ.70, rev1) for the ambient uptake water, should the water condition not be appropriate for the operation of BWMS, then testing will be evaluated to the satisfaction of the Flag Administration.

1.1.5 The commissioning testing is to be conducted by an entity independent from the BWMS manufacturer or supplier that is approved by Lloyd’s Register (LR) or the Flag Administration for commissioning testing of BWMS. The approved service supplier is to have relevant accreditation for the task performed, such as International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/ International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 17025, or equivalent as applicable.
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