Marina implements random ship inspection

Marina implements random ship inspection
Genivi Factao February 3, 2021 https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/02/03/business/maritime-business/marina...

The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) said periodic ship inspections will be enforced to ensure compliance with the ballast water management (BWM) for marine environmental protection.

Marina issued Circular No. SR-2020-05 which set the rules and regulations for the control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments. All ships plying Philippine waters were required to carry the International Ballast Water Management Certificate (IBWMC) for ships plying the flag of countries party to the Convention. The ships will be required to have an approved Ballast Water Management Plan and a Ballast Record Book on board.

All Philippine Registered Ships plying in the international trade, as well as international ships plying Philippine waters need to comply with the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM Convention).

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted the BWM Convention in 2004 to prescribe regulations on the proper management and treatment of ballast water and sediment discharge. The said convention entered into force in 2017. The BWM Convention was ratified by the Philippines in 2018.

Marina said the IBWM Certificate will be issued after the administration conducted a BWM survey for newly constructed ships or when there is a request for an exemption from the circular. BWM surveys will also be conducted for existing vessels that are installing a ballast water treatment system or ballast water management system.

The BWM certificate has a five-year validity from the date of issuance and will continue to be valid only when it has undergone an annual endorsement by the Marina or its recognized organizations. A new certificate will have to be issued if a BMW certificate has not been endorsed after three months of the anniversary date.

Marina promotes sustainable and responsible shipping operations, and issue rules and regulations on ballast water management to implement effective measures to minimize the uptake and subsequent discharge of sediments and organisms, which may be invasive and eventually destroy indigenous marine ecosystems.

The regulation of ballast water is vital to the effectiveness and safety of shipping operations, as it reduces stress on a vessel’s hull and decreases the vibrations that can be felt by the crew aboard. Ballast water has significant adverse effects on human health and the marine environment.