Security Levels


 

  National Threat Level: Elevated

Aquatic Nuisance Species

 

 

Overview:Zebra Mussel

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. 

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.Overboard Discharge

Mandatory Practices:

 

For all vessels with ballast tanks on all waters of the United States, regardless of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Entry:

Reference: (33 CFR 151.2035(a)) 

For all vessels transiting to U.S. waters with ballast water that was taken on within 200 NM of any coast after operating beyond the U.S. EEZ

 
 Reference: (33 CFR 151.2035(b)) 

 

Safety:

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.

ReportingReporting and Recordkeeping 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.

 

Penalties for Failure to Comply with Mandatory BWM Requirements:

  • Maximum fine of $27,500 per day

  • Willful violations = Class C Felony

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    Vessels Exempt from Mandatory BWM Requirements

  • Crude oil tankers engaged in coastwise trade;

  • Vessels of the Department of Defense, Coast Guard, or any of the Armed Services as defined within 33 USC 1322 (a) and (n);

  • Vessels that operate exclusively within one COTP zone.

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    Contact the Environmental Standards Division:

     

    Environmental Standards Division (CG-5224)
    U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters 
    2100 Second Street SW
    Washington, DC 20593

    Tel: 202-372-1402

    E-mail:  environmental_standards@uscg.mil

    Listserv:  http://cgls.uscg.mil/mailman/listinfo/environmentalstds

    Web:  www.uscg.mil/environmental_standards/

     

    Last Modified 5/21/2009