News

China joined the International Convention for the
Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention)
on 22 October, 2018. To implement the obligations under the Convention, China
maritime authority has been taking steps to incorporate the main contents of
the Convention into the Chinese legal system.

Recently, a new regulation published by China MSA (China
Maritime Safety Administration) confirms that all ocean going vessels operating
in Chinese waters are required to carry a ballast water record book and an
international ballast water management certificate. All vessels should conduct
ballast water exchange at least 200 nautical miles from the nearest land and in
water at least 200 metres in depth, unless China has alternative agreement with
the relevant neighboring country.

The ballast water performance standard provided in
this regulation is also in line with the requirements of the Convention as to
the number and size of viable organisms per cubic metre and mililitre of
ballast water.

Ships should also report to the local maritime
administrations 12 hours before conducting ballast water exchange using the
"Ballast Water report" annexed to the Regulation in order to ensure
requirements are being met.

The Regulation will enter into force on 22 January
2019.

Any queries on the implementation of BWM Convention in
China, please do not hesitate to contact Ms Rhea Li or BUDD China by email : budd.china@budd-pni.com.