Bermuda: Extension of MARPOL Annex VI and BWM Convention

The Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority announces the extension of MARPOL Annex VI and the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention to Bermuda by the UK, effective May 8, 2024. This extension is relevant to Ship Owners, Managers, Masters of Bermuda-registered ships, and Bermuda Recognised Organisations. It replaces a previous notice issued on May 16, 2024.

MARPOL Annex VI is part of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships and focuses on preventing air pollution. The BWM Convention is an international agreement aimed at controlling and managing ships’ ballast water and sediments to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens.

To ensure compliance, surveys required by these conventions on Bermuda-registered ships are fully delegated to six Recognised Organisations: Lloyd’s Register (LR), Det Norske Veritas (DNV), Bureau Veritas (BV), American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Class NK, and RINA.

Previously, Recognised Organisations issued Statements of Compliance for International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) and Ballast Water Management upon completing the necessary surveys. Moving forward, these will be replaced by Certificates. EIAPP (Engine International Air Pollution Prevention) documents will remain as Statements of Compliance at the time of issuance, which are valid for the lifetime of the engine. However, Ship Managers may request their reissuance as Certificates. If any modifications or upgrades are made to an engine after May 8, 2024, Recognised Organisations will issue EIAPP Certificates instead of Statements of Compliance.

This update clarifies the documentation requirements and ensures that Bermuda-registered ships adhere to international standards for environmental protection.