7.1 Depending upon the nature of the seas surrounding the port State, it may be considered appropriate for single or multiple ballast water exchange areas to be identified.
7.2 The following considerations should be taken into account when identifying potential sea area(s) for undertaking ballast water exchange:
Legal aspects
7.2.1 Any national or international legal requirements or obligations should be considered in identifying potential sea areas for designation under Regulation B-4.2.
7.2.2 Sea areas beyond the jurisdiction of a port State may provide the most practical and appropriate area for ballast water exchange. A Party should not designate ballast water exchange areas in waters under the jurisdiction of another State, without its agreement and consultation with adjacent and other States. Consultation should be initiated as soon as possible in the process to facilitate exchange of information and agreement for the designation of the ballast water exchange area (see section 6).
Important resources and protected areas
7.2.3 In the designation of ballast water exchange area, Parties should consider and avoid, to the extent practicable, potential adverse impact in aquatic areas protected under national or international law, as well as other important aquatic resources including those of economic and ecological importance.
Navigational constraints
7.2.4 Any designation of ballast water exchange areas should take into account navigation impacts, including the desirability of minimizing delays, as appropriate, taking into consideration the following:
- the area should be on existing routes if possible,
- if the area cannot be on existing routes, it should be as close as possible to them.
7.2.5 Constraints to safe navigation must be considered when selecting the location and size of the ballast water exchange area. Such considerations should include, but are not limited to:
- increased shipping traffic congestion;
- proximity to other vessel traffic (small craft, offshore platforms, etc.);
- adequate aids to navigation;
- security of the area; and
- shipping lanes/routeing systems.