Ballast Water Separation and Treatment Systems

Ballast water management systems utilising mechanical separation are required to comply with the provisions outlined in this chapter. The maximum pressure loss across the ballast water management system during normal operating conditions must not prevent or impair the ability of the ballast system to supply the most hydraulically remote ballast tank at an acceptable flow rate identified in the ballast water management system operation manual. The arrangements for backwashing, including the flow rate, pressure differential, sizing and routing of the overboard discharge piping, etc., are to be designed such that all wastes are adequately removed from the system when taking account of the maximum static head imposed when the vessel is at its maximum draft. The system arrangements (e.g., controls, procedures, etc.) are to be designed such that the separation system and associated piping are backwashed and flushed clean upon completion of each ballasting operation (a) before the vessel departs the ballasting port, and, if applicable, (b) before the vessel departs the de-ballasting port. The backwash must not have an adverse impact on the local marine environment upon discharge when located downstream of an additional treatment measure, unless such arrangements have been approved by the IMO Member State in the Type Approval of the system.