The course on Ballast Water Management (BWM) convention was conducted between 25 and 28 November in a synchronous online modality as a joint training for the two SAFEMED beneficiaries. With a focus on the practical implementation of the BWM Convention, it centred on the procedures for flag and port State supervision required under the Convention while highlighting the links with other related maritime legislation.

In addition to standard enforcement practices such as inspecting both own and foreign-flagged ships, reviewing relevant certificates and records, scrutinising equipment on board, and exercising compliance measures where appropriate, the course content included the approval of ballast water management systems and the role of flag States therein. Importantly, the use of risk assessment in the BWM Convention, as well as IMO and EMSA sampling guidelines and procedures were covered by the training.

Like other treaties dealing with the protection of the marine environment, the BWM Convention is included in the Project’s “green” portfolio and related technical assistance is provided to the beneficiaries upon request.