The underlying principle of Port State Control procedures is that sampling and analysis of ballast water treated onboard a vessel will not be more stringent than what is currently required for the scope of type approval. Port State Control procedures will be globally implemented when the International Convention on Ballast Water Management becomes effective. Sampling and analysis of ballast water is a complex issue while ships’ inspections are also a matter of concern. Thus IMO recently issued revised guidelines on ballast water sampling for trial use as BWM.2/Circ.42.
Officer of the Watch 