KVH company Videotel has announced a revised ballast water management (BWM) training package to be available immediately, which aims to help shipping to comply with upcoming maritime regulations.
A global treaty was signed recently which places restrictions on BWM and its environmental impact, the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention has put restrictions into place to prevent the contamination of invasive aquatic species in foreign ecosystems.
Coming into effect on September 8, 2017, the new restrictions will mean shipping companies will need a ballast water management plan to remove or neutralize harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens; an International Ballast Water Management Certificate; and, an on-board record book to prove compliance.
Videotel’s training package, Ballast Water Management, Edition 2, available immediately, covers BWM plan implementation including proper record keeping and the need for operator training on a compliant on-board system to treat ballast water and eliminate unwanted organisms.
The Videotel programme also describes various approved ballast water management systems that are appropriate for different types of vessels.
Nigel Cleave, CEO of Videotel said: “I am really pleased that Videotel is ahead of the game with our updated programme in readiness for the entry into force of this Convention.
“I urge all ship owners and ship managers to take advantage of our programme now and not wait until the ratification due date, as it may leave insufficient time for them to choose which system is suitable for their vessels and ensure their crews are properly trained to ensure compliance.”
With the Paris Agreement now having the signed support of over 50 nations, COP21 has been a historically successful U.N climate negotiation, but soon-to-be renewed environmental legislation may impose further restrictions on shipping.
