Marine Advisory: 21/2025 - Paris and Tokyo MoUs 2025 Concentrated Inspection Campaign on Ballast Water Management
11 August 2025
Marine Advisory 21/2025
SUBJECT: Paris and Tokyo MoUs 2025 Concentrated Inspection Campaign on Ballast Water Management
Dear Shipowner/Operator/Master/Recognized Organizations:
The Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU have announced a joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Ballast Water Management (BWM), commencing 1 September 2025 and running through 30 November 2025. The purpose is to verify ships’ compliance with the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM Convention).
Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) will focus on the implementation of Ballast Water Management, including certification, system operation, recordkeeping, and crew familiarization. Ships and their equipment should always be maintained to ensure safe and compliant ballast water operations.
Areas of Focus and Guidance
Below are the 10 key CIC questions and guidance for preparation:
- Is a valid International Ballast Water Management Certificate (IBWMC) on board?
- Ensure the IBWMC is issued and valid under the BWM Convention, including any required endorsements.
- Verify that any surveys (initial, intermediate, renewal) are up-to-date.
- Verify that the method of ballast water management implemented according to the BWMP is correctly recorded on the IBWMC.
- Is the approved Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP) on board?
- The BWMP must be approved by the Administration or the authorized RO.
- Ensure the approved BWMP is available onboard.
- Is the BWMP up to date?
- Confirm that the plan reflects the method(s) of ballast water management implemented, and operational procedures, including contingency measures and operating in ports with challenging water quality, as applicable.
- Review against POL-005 to ensure compliance.
- Are officers and crew familiar with BWMP implementation?
• Conduct training and drills to ensure crew can demonstrate knowledge of:
- Method(s) of ballast water management
- Sediment management
- Contingency measures in case of BWMS failure and if applicable, procedures for operating in ports with challenging water quality.
- Is the Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) approved?
- Verify that the BWMS is type-approved under the (G8) Guidelines or IMO BWMS Code, as applicable.
- Maintain type-approval documentation onboard for inspection.
- Is the BWMS operational?
- Perform functionality tests prior to port calls.
- Ensure sensors, filters, self-monitoring system and treatment units are in working condition and operational records are available.
- Was ballast water managed according to the BWMP?
- Verify that ballast water is managed in accordance with the approved BWMP. Any deviations such as exemptions, contingency measures and operating in ports with challenging water quality must be recorded in the BWRB.
- Conduct self-audits to confirm no deviations.
- Is the Ballast Water Record Book (BWRB) properly filled?
- Entries must include ballast operations, exchanges, treatments, and exemptions.
- Ensure the Master reviews and signs the BWRB as required.
- Is the crew managing ballast water sediments according to the BWMP?
- Follow sediment removal procedures in accordance with the approved BWMP.
- Maintain proof of sediment disposal, where applicable.
- If an exemption has been granted, are the conditions implemented?
- Ensure exemption documentation is onboard and recorded in the BWRB.
- Verify compliance with any geographic or operational restrictions.
Recommendations
- Conduct internal inspections and mock CICs before entering Paris or Tokyo MoU ports.
- Review POL-014: Implementation, Survey and Certification under the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship’s Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM Convention)
- Review POL-005: Ballast Water Management Plans (BWMP)
- Contact LISCR Fleet Prevention Department for assistance or clarification before the CIC inspection period.
