Transport Malta, the competent authority in Malta to regulate shipping and ports, has issued a Merchant Shipping Notice concerning the implementation of the Ballast Water Management Convention. Known as the Ballast Convention, the treaty was transposed through regulations issued in 2017.
The Merchant Shipping notice addresses owners, operators, masters, of ships, owners’ representatives and recognised organisations. It brings to attention the coming into force of the Convention.
The Convention came into force on the 8th September 2017. The implementing regulations in Malta came into force on the same date.
Ballast water is carried in ballast tanks and is used to stablise or lower the ship on unloaded voyages. The rules have been changed to make sure that ballast water is carried in these special, segregated tanks only. Further, water taken in for ballast has to be changed several times during a voyage. This will make sure marine organisms are not carried too far from their natural habitat.
As from this date, all Maltese ships engaged under international voyages to which the Convention applies, must be compliant. The convention and regulations set standards standards for the management of ballast water and sediments. The requirements include drawing up and maintenance of a Ballast Water Management Plan (BWM Plan).
The convention grants a transition period of up to three months from the date of entry into force. This time will allow owners to make the necessary arrangements for compliance. Ships must also maintain Ballast Water Record Book is also to be maintained.
The Regulations may be downloaded from here.