6.1 In accordance with article 9 of the Convention,
a Party may sample the ship’s ballast water for the purpose
of determining whether the ship is in compliance with the Convention
in accordance with these Guidelines.
6.2 Any sampling protocol for testing of compliance
with the Convention should observe the following principles to help
ensure consistency of approach between Parties and to provide certainty
to the shipping industry:
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.1 the sampling protocol should be in line with
these Guidelines;
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.2 the sampling protocol should result in samples
that are representative of the whole discharge of ballast water from
any single tank or any combination of tanks being discharged;
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.3 the sampling protocol should take account of
the potential for a suspended sediment load in the discharge to affect
sample results;
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.4 the sampling protocol should provide for samples
to be taken at appropriate discharge points;
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.5 the quantity and quality of samples taken should
be sufficient to demonstrate whether the ballast water being discharged
meets with the relevant standard;
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.6 sampling should be undertaken in a safe and
practical manner;
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.7 samples should be concentrated to a manageable
size;
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.8 samples should be taken, sealed and stored
to ensure that they can be used to test for compliance with the Convention;
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.9 samples should be fully analysed within test
method holding time limit using an accredited laboratory; and
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.10 samples should be transported, handled and
stored with the consideration of the chain of custody.
6.3 Prior to testing for compliance with the D-2
standard, it is recommended that, as a first step, an indicative analysis
of ballast water discharge may be undertaken to establish whether
a ship is potentially compliant or non-compliant. Such a test could
help the Party identify immediate mitigation measures, within their
existing powers, to avoid any additional impact from a possible non-compliant
ballast water discharge from the ship.
6.4 In emergency or epidemic situations, port
States may use alternative sampling methods which may need to be introduced
at short notice and should endeavour to communicate these to ships
entering ports under their jurisdiction. Although in such situations
they may not necessarily notify the Organization, such notification
could be beneficial for other Parties.
6.5 Alternative sampling measures instigated as
a result of paragraph 6.4 should give due cognizance to the requirements
of article 12 of the Convention.
6.6 Given the complexity in ballast water sampling
and analysis, it is likely that new approaches will be developed for
ballast sampling and analyses of the composition, concentration, and
viability of organisms. Administrations are encouraged to share information
concerning methods for the analysis of ballast water samples, using
existing scientific reports, and papers distributed through the Organization.
6.7 The Organization should make available, through
any appropriate means, information communicated to it regarding ballast
water sampling and analysis.
6.8 Further guidance on the interpretation of
the results arising from sample analysis will be developed by the
Organization in due course.