9.2.1Ballast water exchangeNear-coastal (including port and estuarine) organisms released in mid-ocean, and oceanic organisms
released in coastal waters, do not generally survive.
When exchanging ballast at sea, guidance on safety aspects of ballast water exchange as set out in
appendix 2 should be taken into account. Furthermore, the following practices are recommended:
- where practicable, ships should conduct ballast exchange in deep water, in open ocean and as
far as possible from shore. Where this is not possible, requirements developed within
regional agreements may be in operation, particularly in areas within 200 nautical miles
from shore. Consistent with 9.1.2 above, all of the ballast water should be discharged until
suction is lost, and stripping pumps or eductors should be used if possible;
- where the flow-through method is employed in open ocean by pumping ballast water into the
tank or hold and allowing the water to overflow, at least three times the tank volume
should be pumped through the tank;
- where neither form of open ocean exchange is practicable, ballast exchange may be accepted
by the port State in designated areas; and
- other ballast exchange options approved by the port State.
9.2.2 Non-release or minimal release of ballast water
In cases where ballast exchange or other treatment options are not possible, ballast water may be
retained in tanks or holds. Should this not be possible, the ship should only discharge the
minimum essential amount of ballast water in accordance with port States' contingency strategies.
9.2.3 Discharge to reception facilities
If reception facilities for ballast water and/or sediments are provided by a port State, they should,
where appropriate, be utilized.
9.2.4Emergent and new technologies and treatments9.2.4.1 If suitable new and emergent treatments and technologies prove viable, these may substitute
for, or be used in conjunction with, current options. Such treatments could include thermal
methods, filtration, disinfection including ultraviolet light, and other such means acceptable to the
port State.
9.2.4.2 Results concerning the application and effectiveness of new ballast water management
technologies and associated control equipment should be notified to the Organization with a view
to evaluation and incorporation, as appropriate, into these Guidelines.