The US Coast Guard has issued a revised Policy Letter 13-01 to provide updated guidance to vessel owners and operators regarding Ballast Water Management methods.
The Policy Letter streamlines the application process for vessel owners and operators to obtain extended compliance dates for implementing BWM methods, principally the installation of treatment systems.
Notable updates include removing the five-year limit on cumulative extensions, clarifying “batch” and supplemental applications, deleting the requirement to submit vessel Ballast Water Management Plans with extension requests, and allowing extensions to vessels that choose to install Alternate Management Systems accepted by the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard has also provided template application forms and recommendations regarding applying for extensions.
