Every day, large quantities of ballast
water from all over the world are discharged into United States waters.
Carried in this water are plants, animals, bacteria, and pathogens. These
organisms range in size from microscopic to large plants and free-swimming
fish. These organisms have the potential to become aquatic nuisance species
(ANS). ANS may displace native species, degrade native habitats, spread
disease, and disrupt human social and economic activities that depend on
water resources. Any ship carrying ballast water is a potential invasion
source.
In recent years there has been
increased international focus on Ballast Water Management (BWM) due to the
ecological, economic, and potential health threats caused by the spread of
ANS from ballast water. The United States Coast Guard is responding to these
concerns through a comprehensive national BWM program. This program applies
to all vessels equipped with ballast water tanks that operate in U.S. waters
and are bound for ports or places in the U.S. Highlights of the program
are: (1) requires mandatory ballast water management practices for all
vessels that operate in U.S. waters; (2) establishes additional practices
for vessels entering U.S. waters after operating beyond the EEZ; and (3)
requires the reporting and recordkeeping of ballasting operations by
all vessels. More information on the BWM program regulations maybe found in
33 CFR Part 151 Subparts C and D.
Additional information can be found on the ANS Task Force web site.
Reference: (33 CFR 151.2035(a))
BWM practices shall not jeopardize the safety of a vessel, its crew, or its passengers. Therefore, the master of a vessel will not be prohibited from discharging unexchanged ballast, in areas other than the Great Lakes and the Hudson River, if the master decides the practices would be a threat to safety, stability, or security due to adverse weather, vessel design, equipment failure, or any other extraordinary condition. All vessels, however, must discharge only the minimal amount of ballast water operationally necessary and ensure ballast water records accurately reflect any reasons for not complying with the mandatory requirements.
The master, owner, operator, person in charge, or vessel agent of any vessel equipped with ballast water tanks that is bound for ports or places of the United States, must ensure complete and accurate Ballast Water Reporting Forms are submitted in accordance with 33 CFR 151.2041, and signed ballast water records the kept on board the vessel for a minimum of two years in accordance with 33 CFR 151.2045.
202-372-1402
Environmental Standards Division (CG-5224)
U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters
(Room 1210)
2100 Second Street, SW
Washington, DC 20593
202-372-1401
environmentalstandards@comdt.uscg.mil