Ballast Water Record Book, 6th Edition, 2025

This BWRB provides the means to record all the information necessary for compliance with the BWM Convention. All the information that features across the four sections included in this record book is in accordance with Resolution MEPC.369(80) ? ?Amendments to appendix II (Form of Ballast Water Record Book)?, Resolution MEPC.387(81) ? ?Interim guidance on the application of the BWM Convention to ships operating in challenging water quality conditions? and BWM.2/Circ.80/Rev.1 ? ?2024 Guidance on ballast water record-keeping and reporting?.

INTRODUCTION

Ship information should be entered and the table for ballast tank identification and capacity and the ballast water tank plan should be completed. Section 1 describes how to do this.

Section 2: Ballast Water Record Book (BWRB)
Section 2, intended for ship crews, explains mandatory recording of ballast water operations in the BWRB as required by the BWM Convention. These records may also assist the ship in properly implementing its ballast water management plan (BWMP) and in operating and maintaining any ballast water management system (BWMS). A record of ballast water operations can be made in the blank tables provided in Section 2.
Entries should be made in the BWRB to record the following:
(A) When ballast water is taken on board from the aquatic environment (ballasting operation).
(B) When ballast water is discharged into the aquatic environment (deballasting operation).
(C) Whenever ballast water is exchanged, treated through internal circulation or treated in tank:
1. Ballast water exchange.
2. Ballast water internal circulation for treatment or in-tank treatment.
(D) Uptake or discharge of ballast water from/to a port-based or reception facility.
(E) Accidental discharge/ingress or other exceptional uptake or discharge of ballast water.
(F) Failures and inoperabilities of the BWMS (failures and inoperabilities include malfunctions, shutdowns or
critical alarms indicating a failure of the BWMS which may indicate non-compliance with the D-2 standard
(except routine information and warnings)).
(G) Ballast tank cleaning/flushing, removal and disposal of sediments.
(H) Additional operational procedures and general remarks. For example, in ?instances when the BWMS has not operated as expected owing to CWQ and may not be treating the water successfully, such circumstances carry greater environmental risk and should be recorded in the Ballast Water Record Book, taking into account the Guidance on ballast water record-keeping and reporting? (Resolution MEPC.387(81)).

Section 3: Ballast Water Reporting Form (BWRF)
Section 3, intended for ship crews and port States, contains an example BWRF together with instructions on completion. A BWRF may be submitted prior to entry into a port State that requires specific information regarding the management of ballast water on ships bound for its ports, offshore terminals or anchorage areas. The example BWRF may be photocopied for use and stored separately, as required.

Section 4: Voluntary Tank-by-tank Log
Section 4, intended for ship crews, explains how to maintain voluntary tank-by-tank records of ballast water operations. Maintaining these records enables crew to efficiently track the status of each tank and hold containing ballast water and facilitates completion of a BWRF. It also assists the ship in documenting and demonstrating compliance with the requirements of the BWM Convention. An example voluntary tank-by-tank log is provided in Section 4, together with instructions on completion. The example may be photocopied for use and stored separately, as required.

CONTENTS LISTING

Overview
Section 1 Ship Details
Section 2 Ballast Water Record Book (BWRB)
- Recording in the Ballast Water Record Book
- Guidance for Completing the BWRB
- Record of Ballast Water Operations (Tables)
Section 3 Ballast Water Reporting Form (BWRF)
Section 4 Tank-by-tank Log
Appendix

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Witherbys titles are developed using scripts developed by technical experts that are peer reviewed within work groups. Typically, they seek to improve understanding of the regulations, recommendations and guidelines issued by Industry.

Witherbys staff have significant expertise in the fields of navigation and hazardous cargoes as well as in the presentation of complex subjects in a graphic and easy to understand manner.