5 Risk Assessment Principles

  5.1 Risk assessment is a logical process for assigning the likelihood and consequences of specific events, such as the entry, establishment, or spread of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens. Risk assessments can be qualitative or quantitative, and can be a valuable decision aid if completed in a systematic and rigorous manner.

  5.2 The following key principles define the nature and performance of risk assessment:

• .1 Effectiveness - That risk assessments accurately measures the risks to the extent necessary to achieve an appropriate level of protection.

• .2 Transparency - That the reasoning and evidence supporting the action recommended by risk assessments, and areas of uncertainty (and their possible consequences to those recommendations), are clearly documented and made available to decision-makers.

• .3 Consistency - That risk assessments achieve a uniform high level of performance, using a common process and methodology.

• .4 Comprehensiveness - That the full range of values, including economic, environmental, social and cultural, are considered when assessing risks and making recommendations.

• .5 Risk Management - That low risk scenarios may exist, but zero risk is not obtainable, and as such risk should be managed by determining the acceptable level of risk in each instance.

• .6 Precautionary - That risk assessments incorporate a level of precaution when making assumptions, and making recommendations, to account for uncertainty, unreliability, and inadequacy of information. The absence of, or uncertainty in, any information should therefore be considered an indicator of potential risk.

• .7 Science based - That risk assessments are based on the best available information that has been collected and analysed using scientific methods.

• .8 Continuous improvement - Any risk model should be periodically reviewed and updated to account for improved understanding.

  5.3 In undertaking risk assessment when considering granting an exemption, the risk assessment principles should be carefully applied. The lack of full scientific certainty should be carefully considered in the decision making process. This is especially important under these Guidelines, as any decision to grant an exemption will allow for the discharge of ballast water that does not meet the standards of regulation D-1 or D-2.