Isle of Man: 2025 Ballast Water Record Book updates

Eda Zenic -

The Isle of Man Ship Registry has issued Technical Advisory Notice 001-25, dated January 10, 2025, detailing updated requirements for Ballast Water Record Books (BWRB). These updates align with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) resolutions MEPC.369(80) and MEPC.383(81) under the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention. The changes mandate new formatting and electronic record book standards to ensure compliance with international regulations.

Key Changes and Requirements

  1. New Ballast Water Record Book Format
    A revised format for the BWRB has been introduced as part of amendments to Annex II of the BWM Convention. This format must be implemented by February 1, 2025, and applies to all vessels required to maintain a BWRB under the Convention. In situations where operators face delays in obtaining new-format BWRBs, the Isle of Man Ship Registry allows for temporary conversion of old-format record books. To convert:
    • The new format standardizes the data recorded, including details of ballast water uptake, discharge, treatment, and exceptional operations.
    • Entries must comply with the specifications outlined in MEPC.369(80) and utilize the prescribed codes and formats.
    • Close the existing record book by marking unused pages with a cross.
    • Use a new record book and attach this notice along with relevant introductory pages from MEPC.369(80).
    • Complete entries using the codes and formats specified in the updated guidelines.
  2. Electronic Ballast Water Record Books
    The use of electronic BWRBs is now supported, subject to specific requirements established under MEPC.383(81). Operators opting for electronic record books must ensure compliance by October 1, 2025. Operators are also advised to consult MEPC.372(80) for detailed guidelines on electronic record book standards, including electronic signatures, data storage, and offline functionality.
    • Electronic systems must be approved by an Isle of Man authorized Recognized Organization (RO) or a Red Ensign Group (REG) member.
    • The ship’s RO must verify that the system is correctly installed, including backups, and issue a Declaration of Compliance.
    • This Declaration must be kept onboard to validate the electronic record book during inspections. Failure to present this document may result in non-acceptance of the electronic records.
  3. Operational Requirements for Entries
    The updated BWRB format requires detailed records for the following ballast water operations:
    • Uptake and Discharge: Includes start and completion times, locations, affected tanks, and volumes.
    • Treatment and Exchange: Includes methods, times, locations, distances from shore, and affected tanks.
    • Exceptional Events: Covers accidental discharges, system failures, and sediment disposal.
    • System Failures: Requires detailed descriptions, including alarms or other issues, and records of corrective actions.
  4. Deadlines for Compliance
    • All vessels must adopt the new BWRB format by February 1, 2025.
    • Electronic BWRBs must meet MEPC.383(81) standards by October 1, 2025.