Vessels with Ballast Systems Classification and Documentation

The inadvertent transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens in the ballast water of ships has been scientifically proven to have caused a significant adverse impact to many of the world’s coastal regions. The international maritime community, under the auspices of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has developed several documents, including the International Conventions for the Control and Management of Ship’s Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004, (Ballast Water Management Convention), which are aimed at preventing the introduction of unwanted aquatic organisms and pathogens through the discharge of ballast water and sediments. The Ballast Water Management Convention applies to vessels registered in a country which is party to the Convention and to those vessels registered in other countries when operating in the waters of a country which is party to the Convention.