Australia

Discharge of ballast water

With effect from July 2001, new ballast water discharge regulations are implemented by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS).

The ballast Water Decision Support System (DSS) will assess the risk. DSS is a computer programme. A vessel may gain access to DSS via the internet or inmarsat-C. The vessel must provide information to DSS which will be evaluated for unwanted and harmful aquatic organisms. The information should be provided at vessel's previous port and prior to entry to Australian waters. DSS will calculate whether the vessel is 'high' or 'low' risk. If the risk is high, one of the following procedures must be carried out prior arrival in Australia.

a) Full ballast water exchange at sea.
b) Tank to tank transfer.
c) Retention of ballast on board.

In addition AQIS requires the vessel to use the AQIS ballast Water Reporting Form. Tests may be carried out by the authorities to ensure the vessel has accurately reported. It is also necessary for the vessel to provide access to a safe ballast water and/or ballast sediment sampling point on board. Sediment removed from a ballast tank must be disposed of in a manner approved by AQIS.