International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 and US Ballast Water Management (BWM) Regulations (5.542)

London P&I sets out the main requirements of the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention and the separate US and California rules that affect ships operating in US waters.

The circular explains the Convention’s entry into force, the IMO approval process for ballast water management systems, the different compliance options under US Coast Guard regulations, and the additional reporting requirements in California. It also confirms the position on P&I cover for related liabilities and fines.