What is ship ballast water?
Ballast water is fresh or saltwater held in the ballast tanks and cargo holds of ships. It is used to provide stability and maneuverability during a voyage when ships are not carrying cargo, not carrying heavy enough cargo, or when more stability is required due to rough seas.
How do you detect biofouling?
In current practice, biofouling is mainly detected through physical measurements such as increased transmembrane pressure or reduced permeate flux through the membrane [7]. Since these parameters are manifest during the mature biofilm stage, biofouling is difficult to remedy and cleaning efficiency is limited.
What is the ballast water management plan?
“Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP)” refers to the recorded plan per specific ship for handling or treating of ballast water onboard a vessel to control the spread of harmful sediments and organisms.
Why do you need a biofouling management plan?
Vessels that are able to provide authentic and up-to-date Biofouling Management Plans or Record Books on regulator’s request will potentially reduce processing times, prevent delays and uncertainty and save money.
How to manage biofouling on a ship?
The biofouling management measures to be undertaken on a ship should be outlined in a biofouling management plan, and records of biofouling management practices kept in a biofouling record book, as outlined below.
What is the purpose of the management plan and record book?
These Management Plans and Record Books have two purposes: • To assist owners and operators manage the IMS transfer risk of their vessels. • To assist border control agencies assess whether vessels pose a potential marine biosecurity risk.
Who regulates biofouling and IMS?
Regulatory agencies around the world (e.g. The International Maritime Organisation, Australia, New Zealand and State of California) are developing biofouling and IMS requirements. Most Australian State and Territory Governments have also recently amended existing or developed new legislation to manage the unwanted spread of IMS.