In continuation of our previous post ,

The revised US Coast Guard (USCG) regulations on ballast water management entered into force 21 June 2012. A specific ballast water management (BWM) plan is required for each vessel and shall include inter alia; procedures for detailed fouling maintenance.

The requirements in USCG 33 CFR §151.2050 (g) is seen as US approach to implement biofouling requirements. USCG has also indicated that carrying a Biofouling Management Plan in accordance with the guidelines in MEPC.207(62) is one way of fulfilling the requirements in USCG paragraph (g). However USCG does not require an approved Biofouling Management Plan, it requires the ship to adequately address biofouling management in its shipboard procedures. USCG requires “how” to be documented in the BWM Plan.

MEPC.207(62) gives the following guidelines on what a Biofouling Management Plan should include:

1. Ship specific procedures.

2. Description of the operating profile.

3. Details of the anti-fouling systems and operational treatments used.

4. Mapping of hull locations susceptible to biofouling.

5. Schedule of planned inspections, repairs, maintenance and renewal of anti-fouling systems.

6. Procedures for the disposal of biological waste generated by treatment or cleaning processes (by the crew).

7. A Biofouling Record Book, wherein details of all inspections and biofouling management measures undertaken on the ship are recorded.Altho the above US legislation does not require a biofouling record book it is recommended to maintain a record of activities regarding removal of sediments as recommended in MEPC 207_62

8. A Biofouling Management Plan does not need to be approved by USCG.

It is recommended shipowners to establish a Biofouling Management Plan for each ship in accordance with MEPC.207(62), and include a reference to this plan in the ballast water management plan.