Aquatic Alien Invasive Species

Require Certification of Technology to Achieve the Standard

The Commission concurs with provisions in the International Maritime Organization Convention and proposed United States domestic legislation that requires certification of ballast water treatment systems by the country in which a ship is registered (e.g. by flag state). New ballast water treatment technology must be inspected to ensure that it is properly maintained and continues to operate within design specifications. Likewise, treatment methods must be tested and certified as environmentally safe, posing no danger to the ship and its crew. Research and development of rapid, effective sampling technology must be fully supported by the International Maritime Organization member states to provide inspectors with the tools they need to properly enforce newly established discharge regulations. Member states should also be required to provide relevant information needed to assist shipping companies in meeting ship certification requirements as set out in the Convention.