4 August 2025
Who does this notice affect?
Stakeholders in the shipping industry including ship masters and shipping agents
What has changed?
Resolution MEPC.369(80) came into effect on 1 February 2025. The Resolution outlines amendments to Appendix II (Form of Ballast Water Record Book) of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments. Ships are now required to use the new format to record ballast water operations in the ship’s ballast water record book (BWRB), including the use of specific codes to describe ballasting operations and scenarios more clearly. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved guidance which is available to ships in BWM.2 Circ.80/Rev.1. This explains the new format and gives scenarios for each of the new codes. There is no change to the inspection process for ships visiting Australian ports. Records in the BWRB will be cross-referenced to the ballast water report submitted into MARS and verified against logs from the ballast water management system (If applicable). Whilst not mandatory under the amendments it is recommended to record the ballast operations tank-by-tank to assist inspectors match the records to the ballast water report.
Further information
Ballast Water Unit, 02 5156 5202, pestsmarine@aff.gov.au
Please also see the Australian Ballast Water Management Requirements v8 for more information on complying with Australian requirements.