Addendum 1 to DGS Circular No. 32 of 2020: Ballast Water Convention

**Executive Summary** This document is DGS Circular No. 16 of 2022, serving as Addendum 1 to DGS Circular No. 32 of 2020, and concerns the implementation of the Ballast Water Convention. It outlines the conditions under which the Directorate can permit Recognized Organizations to issue Statements of Compliance (SOC) and grant dispensations to ships operating on the Indian coast regarding Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS). The circular is effective from August 3, 2022. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Statement of Compliance (SOC)** * Recognized Organizations (ROs) can issue SOC to ships operating on the Indian coast intending to fit BWMS, prior to India acceding to the BWM Convention. * The vessel must meet all other requirements of the BWM Convention, including discharging ballast water and meeting Regulation D1 of the Convention. * After satisfactory survey, the ROs may issue SOC to ships required to be fitted with BWMS, meeting Regulation D2, as per renewal survey intervals. * A declaration must be submitted stating that the vessel will remain on the Indian coast. * The SOC validity is five (5) years or less, aligning with the timing of India's ratification of the Convention and any associated BWTS requirements. * The SOC issued to any Indian ship engaged in international voyages must include the condition: "The Vessel shall along the Indian Coast only." * **Dispensation for Foreign Flagged Ships** * Foreign flagged ships operating along the Indian coast or ports or anchorages with the license granted by the Directorate may be granted dispensation from Ballast Water Management System meeting Regulation D2 of the BWM Convention for the period of license. * Dispensation is provided when: * The Recognized Organization has confirmed that all ballast water and sediments are removed prior to taking in or discharging Ballast Water along the Indian coast. * Such a dispensation is granted by the Flag state of the concerned foreign flagged ship and informed to IMO on GISIS as per BWM Convention requirements. **Impact Analysis** **Key Stakeholders**: Indian Ships, Foreign Flagged Ships, Recognized Organizations (ROs), Directorate General of Shipping (DGS). **Impact: Indian Ships** * Permitted to obtain SOC from ROs before India accedes to the BWM Convention. **Action Required**: * Comply with all BWM Convention requirements. * Submit a declaration to RO that the vessel will remain on the Indian coast. **Impact: Foreign Flagged Ships** * Possibility of obtaining dispensation from BWMS requirements, subject to meeting stipulated conditions. **Action Required**: * Ensure RO confirms all ballast water and sediments are removed prior to taking in or discharging Ballast Water along the Indian coast. * Dispensation is granted by the Flag state of the concerned foreign flagged ship and informed to IMO on GISIS as per BWM Convention requirements. **Impact: Recognized Organizations (ROs)** * Authorized to issue SOCs to Indian ships and assess foreign flagged ships in accordance with the circular. **Action Required**: * Conduct surveys and issue SOCs to qualifying ships. * Ensure ships meet all relevant BWM Convention requirements. * Ensure the ships submit a declaration that the vessel will remain on the Indian coast **Impact: Directorate General of Shipping (DGS)** * Responsible for overseeing the implementation of the circular. **Action Required**: * Ensure Recognized Organizations (ROs) comply with the circular's provisions. * Grant license for the foreign flagged ships operating along the Indian coast or ports or anchorages. * Oversee the dispensation granted from Ballast Water Management System.

Key Entities Referenced