Shipowners are being urged to prepare for intensified Port State Control (PSC) inspections following the launch of a Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Ballast Water Management (BWM) on 1 September 2025.
The campaign, led by the Paris and Tokyo MoUs and running through November, uses a ten-point checklist to verify that vessels meet the Ballast Water Convention’s requirements. It is the most rigorous global enforcement effort since the D-2 discharge standard became mandatory in September 2024.
Inspectors will check for a valid International Ballast Water Management Certificate, an up-to-date BWM plan, and a properly operating, type-approved treatment system. Crew knowledge, record-keeping, sediment management, and any exemptions will also be scrutinized.
Charlène Ceresola, BWT Project Manager at BIO-UV Group, said, “The message is clear: BWM compliance is mandatory, and PSC will expect every vessel to meet the requirements. Shipowners cannot wait until an inspector boards—they need to act now.”
BIO-UV Group notes that most compliance failures stem not from faulty equipment, but from incomplete documentation, irregular maintenance, and lack of crew training. Jean-Philippe Picard de Muller, BIO-SEA Sales Director, emphasized, “Even with proven technology, operators must know how to use systems and keep accurate records to avoid detentions or delays.”
The company recommends checking certificates, updating plans, training crews, and performing internal compliance audits immediately. BIO-UV Group’s BIO-SEA systems, approved by both IMO and the US Coast Guard, provide UV treatment and filtration, backed by global support for installation, training, and maintenance.
“Be prepared,” Ceresola added. “Operate your systems, train your crews, and ensure your documentation is accurate. Compliance is not optional—it’s essential for safe and efficient shipping.”
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