PHOENIX REGISTER OF SHIPPING
Guidance on Amendment to Panama Flag MMC 345 (Ballast Water Management Convention 2004)
Please be informed about the recent amendments to MERCHANT MARINE CIRCULAR MMC-345. These amendments include important guidelines that need to be adhered to by all vessels subject to the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention.
Please take note of the following key points of MMC-345 and incorporate them into your vessel operations and Ballast Water Management Plans (BWMP) accordingly:
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6.11. Under special circumstances where vessels encounter challenging water quality, it is recommended that the BWMP incorporates guidelines from MEPC.387(81), which provides interim guidance on the application of the BWM Convention for ships operating in such conditions. The increasing number of ports enforcing environmental regulations highlights the importance of adhering to these guidelines. Should the vessel face challenges related to muddy or other adverse water conditions, the Master must promptly notify this Administration and local authorities to ensure compliance and operational safety.
6.12. When vessels are required to use ballast tanks temporarily for treated sewage and/or grey water, it is advisable to include BWM.2/Circ.82 guidance within the BWMP. This circular supports the safe management and temporary storage of these waters in ballast tanks, accommodating the stricter regulations imposed at various ports. If such storage becomes necessary, the Master is obligated to inform this Administration and relevant local authorities, documenting each instance to maintain full transparency and compliance.
6.13. In cases where the BWMP requires the inclusion of Resolution MEPC.387(81) or BWM.2/Circ.82, it must be promptly updated to incorporate these guidelines. This update is not considered a significant or regular amendment, so no additional charges will apply. Once updated, please submit the revised BWMP via email to bwmp@segumar.com to ensure our system records are accurately updated.
Additionally, a Non-Applicability Statement of Fact must be issued by the Recognized Organizations delegated to conduct the necessary survey under the BWMC for ships that are not subject to the applicability of the convention, as specified in Article 3.2(a) and (f). This Non-Applicability Statement of Fact should be reported to the Administration by sending an email to ibwmc@segumar.com and bwmp@segumar.com. This provision will be also included in the MMC 345, which will be published soon.
If the BWMP requires updating, you may submit the revised plan to a PhRS office for further review and verification. Once approved, it should be forwarded to PMA for their records update.
For vessels not subject to the applicability of the BWM Convention as outlined in Article 3.2(a) and (f), a Non-Applicability Statement of Fact must be issued by the Recognized Organization conducting the vessel’s relevant BWM survey. This statement should then be submitted by the RO to the Administration.
We strongly encourage all shipowners and operators to review the updated MMC 345 and promptly make any necessary adjustments to their Ballast Water Management Plans. Adhering to these updated guidelines is essential for ensuring the continued safe and legal operation of your vessels.
Thank you for your ongoing collaboration and commitment to environmental and regulatory standards.
If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding these amendments, please feel free to contact us.
