California is warning ship-owners of new ballast water reporting requirements that come into force on July 1.
The US state has issued a notice warning that these new rules apply to any vessels of 300 gross tons or more with intention to ballast or with the capability to ballast whilst in one of its ports.
Vessels are, amongst other things, required to submit a US Coast Guard ballast water management report at least 24 hours before arrival, and in the case where the voyage is less than a day in length, prior to leaving the previous port.
Vessels moving from one California port to another are required to file a separate ballast water report for each port of arrival. Each report must list all ballast water activities.
The state lists 19 separate ports in California.
California is also considering new regulations to reduce the risk of invasive species through hull biofouling- a consultation period recently closed and a draft ruling is currently under the process of being adopted
More details on the States ballast water and biofouling rules can be found on the California State Lands Commission’s website
Fathom-News
editor@fathom-mi.com
