Ballast water management system – Australia

The ballast water management system for ships visiting ports in the Australian state of Victoria after calls at other Australian ports is now in effect.

The initiative is designed to prevent the spread of existing marine pests and to prevent new invasions. The Victorian Environment Protection Authority has finalised a protocol dealing with the ballast water management policy, the appendix to which includes a guide for masters and ship agents in relation to completing the forms necessary to comply with the policy.

(Middletons, Melbourne)