COVID-19: Ballast Water Management (BWM)Extensions

Source: U.S. Coast Guard

Originally published on: 04/09/2020

The Coast Guard is aware that, in some instances, disruptions to supply chains and workforce availability due to the COVID-19 pandemic make it difficult for owners and operators to bring their vessels into compliance with the Coast Guard Ballast Water Management Regulations set forth in Title 33 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 151, Subparts C and D (33 C.F.R. 151 Subparts C and D). Examples of these disruptions include COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns or “Do Not Travel” orders resulting in closed country borders, closed drydocks in many parts of the world, equipment/parts being downed warehouses and unable to be shipped, minimal international flights impacting technicians’ travel to locations where ships are drydocked, limited port or drydock availability, and social distancing requirements that have impacted the work force worldwide. The Coast Guard is adjusting its extension policy, as shown below, for those vessels impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with BWTS compliance dates before 1 April 2021, recognizing the impact of public health policies and the importance of a the continued flow of commerce in our Maritime Transportation System.

Full MSIB here.