International Ballast Water Guidelines

International Maritime Organization Resolution A.868(20) “GUIDELINES FOR THE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF SHIP’S BALLAST WATER TO MINIMIZE THE TRANSFER OF HARMFUL AQUATIC ORGANISMS AND PATHOGENS” was adopted on November 27, 1997.

The objectives of these guidelines, developed under technical and scientific guidance, are to assist governments and appropriate authorities, shipmasters, operators and owners, and port authorities, as well as other interested parties, in minimizing the risk of introducing harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens from ship ballast water and sediments while maintaining ship safety.

These guidelines include:

• Dissemination of information.
• Training and education.
• Procedures for ships and Port States.
• Recording and reporting procedures.
• Ships' operational procedures.
• Port State considerations.
• Enforcement and monitoring by Port States.
• Future considerations in relation to ballast water exchange, and guidance on safety aspects of ballast water exchange at sea.

These guidelines are available from the International Maritime Organization. Information on ordering or distributors of IMO publications can be found at http://www.imo.org/.

Slowing the Spread of the Zebra Mussel Contents

Ballast Water Regulations and Guidelines