Ballast Water Management Plan and Record Book - 1st Edition (2026)

Part I constitutes the ship-specific ballast water management plan required by Regulation B-1 of the BWM Convention. The plan opens with an introduction and an overview of the regulatory framework (Section 1), followed by plans and drawings of the ship's ballast system (Section 2), and a detailed description of the ballast system, including tank data, dual-use tanks, and pump data (Section 3).
Section 4 addresses ballast water sampling arrangements, providing for the identification of representative sampling locations and safety precautions in accordance with MEPC.173(58) Guidelines for Ballast Water Sampling (G2).
Section 5 provides guidance on the operation of the ship-specific ballast water management system. It covers precautionary ballasting practices to minimise the uptake of harmful aquatic organisms and sediment.
Section 6 provides safety procedures for the ship and crew, covering chemical safety associated with BWMS operation, hazard identification for active substances, personal protective equipment requirements and training in PPE use. This addresses the Regulation B-1.1 requirement that the plan detail safety procedures associated with ballast water management.
Section 7 addresses operational and safety restrictions, including stability and structural considerations identified in the G4 Guidelines, enclosed space entry procedures for ballast tanks, and contingency measures.
Section 8 describes the methods used on board for ballast water management and sediment control, including ballast water exchange (BWE) procedures.
Section 9 covers procedures for the disposal of sediments in accordance with Regulation B-5, which requires all ships to remove and dispose of sediments from spaces designated to carry ballast water in accordance with the BWMP.
Section 10 establishes communication, duties and responsibilities, covering external reporting to port State and coastal authorities, pre-arrival reporting requirements, company and DPA reporting, and emergency reporting procedures.
Section 11 defines the duties of the designated ballast water management officer, and Section 12 sets out recording requirements for the BWM Convention. Regulation B-2 requires that each ship to which the Convention applies maintain a Ballast Water Record Book, with each ballast water operation recorded promptly.
Section 13 addresses crew training and familiarisation procedures. Regulation B-6 requires that officers and crew be familiar with the BWMP and their associated duties, and that evidence of this familiarisation be maintained on board.
Section 14 addresses exemptions, where granted by the Administration under Regulation A-4 of the BWM Convention.
Part II provides for the inclusion of supporting documentation, including BWMS manufacturer manuals, type approval certificates, system drawings, and other ship-specific reference material that supplements the management plan.
Part III constitutes the Ballast Water Record Book required by Regulation B-2 and Appendix II of the BWM Convention. The record book format follows the amended form adopted by Resolution MEPC.369(80), which entered into force on 1 February 2025, and incorporates the recording and reporting guidance provided in BWM.2/Circ.80/Rev.1.

Systematic use of this Ballast Water Management Plan and Record Book enables the Master, designated BWM officer and ship's officers to:
- Assist in demonstrating compliance with the BWM Convention and its associated guidelines during port State control inspections, flag State surveys and ISM audits
- Provide an auditable record of all ballast water operations, BWMS performance, contingency measures and sediment management.

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