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assure the end user whether that be a are operated ef? ciently, safely and in The system’s Ballast Water Treat ment An encrypted recording capability elec- ship operator, BWTS manufacturer or an environmentally responsible manner. module allows shipping vessel opera- tronically captures all key data and pro- port state control of? cer that a given Bal- Integral to the system’s functionality are tors and onshore personnel to monitor vides secure archive storage onboard or last Water Treatment System is discharg- secure data recording capabilities which the operation of ballast water treatment onshore, offering proof of correct op- ing ballast water in. more than meet the stipulations set out equipment continuously without the eration and legal compliance during the for the new reporting requirements. need for intervention by the ships crew. three year period required.

Recording and Reporting of Treatment Activities

An equally critical stipulation of the new regulations is Requirement B-2, which calls for vessels to hold data in a ballast water record book. This can be in an electronic format, either stand- alone or integrated into another system.

The recorded data must include the fol- lowing key information to prove correct operation: • When ballast is taken onboard, volume, date, time and geographical location • Movement of ballast water for onboard ballast water management purposes • When ballast is discharged to sea, volume, date, time and geographical location • When ballast is discharged to a reception facility, volume, date, time and location • Accidental or other exceptional uptake or discharges of ballast water

Entries into the ballast water record book must be maintained onboard for a period of two years after the date of en- try and thereafter kept in the company’s control for a further three years.

Marine systems specialists PSM In- strumentation undertake continuous re- search and development aimed at pro- viding operators with improved control and visibility onboard vessels. The latest

BallastView system from PSM Instru- mentation, for example, is a modular solution comprising a suite of onboard and shoreside hardware and software elements, developed to ensure vessels

The Authors

Geoff Taylor has spent a large part of his career in marine engineering and is the founder of PSM, as a company dedi- cated to developing innovative techno- logical solutions to improve operations and safety on board merchant and navy ships.

Katie Davage is the Sales Manager at

CTG responsible for developing and pro- moting Chelsea’s ballast water monitor- ing capabilities. Katie is a member of the

Ballast Water Expert Group and IMarEST.

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