Shipowners Urged to Prepare for Ballast Water Inspections
BIO-UV Group is calling on shipowners to brace for rigorous Port State Control inspections following the launch of a Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) focused on Ballast Water Management. This initiative, which began on September 1, 2025, will run until the end of November and aims to ensure compliance with the Ballast Water Convention through a standardized ten-point checklist for every inspected vessel. This campaign represents the most extensive global enforcement effort since the D-2 discharge standard became mandatory in September 2024.
Key Compliance Requirements Under Scrutiny
During the three-month campaign, inspectors will closely examine whether ships possess a valid International Ballast Water Management Certificate, an approved and current Ballast Water Management (BWM) plan, and a type-approved treatment system that is operational and utilized according to the established plan. Inspectors will also assess crew familiarity with procedures and scrutinize record books for accuracy. Additionally, they will check sediment management practices and any exemptions that may have been granted.
Charlène Ceresola, BWT Project Manager at BIO-UV Group, emphasized the importance of readiness: “The concentrated inspection campaign is now underway. The message to the industry is very clear: the BWM Convention is fully in force, and Port State Control expects every vessel to comply with its requirements without excuses. Shipowners cannot wait until an inspector arrives; they must be prepared.”
Authorities have expressed frustration over persistent non-compliance issues during inspections, often attributed to inadequate documentation, inconsistent maintenance, and insufficient crew training. BIO-UV Group warns that shipowners who fail to address these issues risk facing detentions, delays, and damage to their reputations. Jean-Philippe Picard de Muller, BIO-SEA Sales Director, noted that compliance failures frequently arise from crew members not knowing how to operate systems correctly or from incomplete records. To combat this, the company emphasizes the importance of training and equipping operators with the confidence to demonstrate compliance during inspections.
Proactive Measures for Shipowners
BIO-UV Group advises shipowners to take immediate action by verifying their certificates, updating their BWM plans, training their crews, and conducting compliance audits before inspections occur. “Be prepared,” Ceresola reiterated. “Review your documentation, operate your systems, train your crews, and reach out to our service team if you need assistance. This PSC campaign serves as a reminder that compliance is not optional; it is essential for safe, efficient, and sustainable ship operations.”
BIO-UV Group’s BIO-SEA ballast water treatment systems are type-approved by both the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United States Coast Guard. These systems utilize a combination of UV treatment and filtration to ensure effective compliance. The company offers global support for installation, commissioning, training, and after-sales service, helping operators maintain system reliability under challenging operational conditions.
Shipowners seeking compliance checks or crew training can contact BIO-SEA’s service team at [email protected]. Founded in 2000, BIO-UV Group is recognized as a pioneer in ultraviolet, ozone, and salt electrolysis water treatment technologies across various applications, providing advisory leadership to the maritime industry and supporting shipowners in meeting international standards.
