How long must ballast water record book be kept?
The length of time that a ballast water record book must be kept on board a ship can vary depending on the specific regulations and requirements of the country or region where the ship operates. However, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) provides guidelines on record-keeping related to ballast water management under the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC).
Under the BWMC, the general guidance for keeping ballast water management records is as follows:
- Accessibility: The Ballast Water Record Book should be readily accessible to ship personnel and inspectors. It should be kept in a location where it can be easily retrieved and reviewed when necessary.
- Record Content: The record book should contain entries related to ballast water operations, including information about ballast water uptake, exchange, treatment, and discharge, as well as any problems or irregularities encountered during these operations. Accurate and complete records are essential for demonstrating compliance with the convention’s requirements.
- Retention Period: Ballast water management records, including the Ballast Water Record Book, should be maintained on board the ship for a minimum period of two years.
It’s important to note that specific regulations and requirements related to ballast water management and record-keeping may vary from one country to another, as individual countries may have adopted the BWMC into their national legislation with some variations. Ship operators and owners should be aware of and comply with the specific regulations of the flag state (the country where the ship is registered) and any other relevant authorities in the regions where they operate.
Since regulations and requirements can change over time, it is recommended to check with the flag state and relevant maritime authorities for the most up-to-date information regarding the content and retention period for ballast water management records and any other specific requirements related to ballast water management on board ships.