Aquatic invasive species

Monitoring of regulations

2.1 Minimize or, whenever possible, avoid uptake of ballast water in the following conditions:

• In shallow water;
• In areas close to sewage outflows;
• In areas with known epidemics or infestations;
• In areas where dredging operations are underway;
• In areas where tidal flushing is poor;
• In areas identified by regulatory authorities.

Note: These measures should include any specific regulations applicable in ports or transit areas.

2.2 Uptake only the minimum amount of ballast water required to safely depart the dock, and complete ballasting operations in deeper waters (while always ensuring the vessel’s safety and depending on vessel's type).

2.3 Develop and implement voluntary preventive measures if EU national / EU port authorities determine that a harmful species has established itself in a particular port.

2.4 Periodically inspect vessels’ hulls, including niche areas, such as sea chests, propeller thrusters, keels, rudders, and dry dock support strips.

Note: Refer to 2023 IMO Biofouling Guidelines Resolution MEPC.378(80) Section [8].

2.5 If needed, remove biofouling organisms from the hull, propellers, stern tube, sea chests, and other wetted portions of a vessel.

Note: Refer to 2023 IMO Biofouling Guidelines Resolution MEPC.378(80) Section [9].

2.6 For each vessel, keep a record book on details of all inspections and biofouling management measures undertaken on the ship.

Note: Refer to 2023 IMO Biofouling Guidelines Resolution MEPC.378(80) Sections [11].

For vessel not equipped with a BWTS due to exemption:

2.7 If feasible and safe, conduct water ballast exchange during coastal vessel trade prior to re-entering the next port.

3.1 Maintain a Ballast Water Management Plan and/or Biofouling Management Plan for each vessel which includes all applicable best practices required to achieve Level 2. Have a policy to support scientific research (3.2).

Note: Refer also to 2023 IMO Biofouling Guidelines Resolution MEPC.378(80) Sections [10].

3.2 Support scientific research on ballast water or biofouling by providing access to ships for sampling by governmental and research groups or by participating in an expert working group.

Note: It is not necessary to actively participate in the research program in order to fulfill this criterion.

For vessels not equiped with a BWTS due to exemption:

3.3 Complete and maintain an annual inventory to evaluate the amount of ballast water taken and discharged by the company's ships by origin/destination.

Note: See Annex 1-A.

For all vessels with a BWTS:

3.4 Maintain a record of any BWMS malfunction. The record shall include documentation of the nature of the malfunction, its root cause(s), and the corrective and preventive action(s) taken. This documentation must be retained for a minimum of 24 months.

Note: This log has to include any Port State Control (PSC) deficiency concerning BWMS.

For vessels with antifouling or fouling release coating:

3.5 Within dry-docking specifications, select coating with effective coating lifespan in line with the schedule for next dry-docking and anticipate operational wear, such as contact with lock walls or abrasive cleaning.

Note: The effective coating lifespan is determined by the manufacturer based on the vessel-specific application scheme (e.g., coating thickness); it is the age of an anti-fouling coating after which the coating is no longer expected to satisfactorily prevent or deter the attachment and growth of biofouling organisms.

Fulfill one of the following 2 criteria:

4.1 Actively participate in research on reducing the risk of AIS introduction and spread associated with ballast water operations and discharges. For example, partner with an academic institution, technology developer, innovation accelerator, related PhD funding, or government agency.

OR

4.2. Actively participate in research for eco-friendly biofouling paints and antifouling systems and on reducing the risk of AIS via biofouling, for example - autonomous underwater cleaning or underwater cleaning reclamation (vacuum or other control technologies).

Note: Active participation is defined as the provision of support by the company, whether through financial means, human resources or equipment and can include an experimental shipboard trial.

AND

4.3. For installed BWMS, adopt contingency measures as per MEPC 71/WP.9 Annex 4.

For the Biofouling Management Plan (BFMP), adopt a contingency action plan to include measures which are ship-specific and relevant for the monitoring parameters (Participants may use 2023 IMO Biofouling Guidelines Resolution MEPC.378(80) Section [7]).

4.4 For newbuilding ordered from 1^st of July 2025, comply with 2023 IMO Biofouling Guidelines Resolution MEPC.378(80) Sections [5 & 6.3] for vessel specifications.

5.1 For each installed BWMS, conduct a ballast water management system commissioning test for biological efficacy.

Use the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) Circular 70 (BWM.2/CIRC 70/Rev.1) as the basis for sampling and analysis.

AND fulfill one of the following 2 criteria:

5.2. Participate in a longitudinal biofouling or ballast water study, with onboard data collection over a minimum period of two operating seasons. Studies must be in collaboration with a formal research group and can include the sampling of biofouling, testing the application of in-development anti-fouling systems, marine growth prevention systems, grooming technologies, or in-water cleaning technologies.

OR

5.3 Purchase or install a compliance monitoring device and conduct annual self-monitoring of ballast water discharges for each installed BWMS.