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Ballast Water Management
Ballast water is carried in ships to provide stability. It is taken on board at the port before the voyage begins and tiny stowaways, in the form of marine organisms, are taken on board with it. During a voyage, temperature changes in the ballast water and lack of food and light kill many, but not all, of these organisms. At the ships' destination, ballast water is often pumped out, with its surviving stowaway organisms. Some of these organisms then establish populations in the surrounding waters. Over 100 species of marine organisms are known to have been introduced by ballast water. While some appear benign, others have become pests, threatening biodiversity, fisheries and aquaculture.
Ballast water carriage and discharges are now regulated by multiple agencies including the USCG, EPA and various states. Vessels must carry ballast water management plans meeting specific applicable requirements, be permitted, and submit reports when transiting. iWorkWise prepares ballast water management plans specific to individual vessels or fleets including necessary forms and instructions to comply with all the various agencies in the vessels’ areas of operations. These plans are designed to be specific, concise, compliant and easy to use. We also provide ongoing support and assistance with questions and vessel ballast management issues.
