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International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships Ballast Water and Sediments (the Convention)

The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships Ballast Water and Sediments (the Convention) was adopted by consensus at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London on February 13, 2004.

The goal of the convention is to, “ultimately eliminate the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens through the control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments.” Individual countries/parties may produce more stringent measures to prevent the introduction of non-native species through ballast water and sediments.

This Ministry which is responsible for shipping and shipping related matters has initiated preparatory work with a view of ratifying the “International Convention for the control and management of ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004”.

Develop a National Strategy Plan for the control and management of ballast water.
Implement the current IMO Ballast water guidelines.
Prepare for the implementation of the IMO ballast water Convention when it comes into force.
Develop and adopt new legal instrument on ballast water in accordance with IMO Convention/guidelines.
Raise awareness about invasive marine species, the ballast water problem and IMO ballast water activities among key stakeholders in Mauritius.
Arrange for record keeping and dissemination of data on status of invasive marine species and arrangement for ballast water management.
Set up the machinery for implementation and coordination of local activities.
Secure financial resources to address the problem of invasive aquatic species in ballast water management arrangements.
Identify and plan some practical projects for potential funding, that will catalyse concerted action to improve the management of ballast water.
Ensure capacity building so as to provide expert advice, assistance, training and coordination in Mauritius.
Monitor and review on an ongoing basis how effectively the National Strategy is being implemented and introduce changes as necessary.
Ensure the ongoing liaison and cooperation of all key stakeholders on a national and regional basis.
Participate in international and regional matters relating to Ballast Water Management.

To help achieve these tasks, a National Task Force on Ballast Water (NTF) comprising all concerned stakeholders has been established.

A national seminar on the Management of Ballast Water was organised in collaboration with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) from 23 to 25 January 2008 at the Mauritius Maritime Training Academy, Royal Road, Pointe aux Sables.

The purpose of the seminar was to create awareness among all stakeholders of the shipping industry and to facilitate a better understanding of the technical implications of the convention on the control and management of ships’ Ballast Water and sediments.

The resource persons were Dr. José Matheical, Chief Technical Adviser, Global Ballast Water Management, International Maritime Organisation and Dr. Rob Hillard from Australia.

The opening ceremony was performed by Dr. the Hon. A. R. Beebeejaun, GCSK, Deputy Prime Minister. Stakeholders from various institutions participated therein. They included inter-alia, Ministry of Environment and National Development Unit, Mauritius Oceanography Institute, University of Mauritius, Beach Authority, Mauritius Ports Authority, Mauritius Shipping Corporation Ltd, National Coast Guard, etc…

At the seminar, a number of recommendations was made. Subsequently, a proposed National Road Map has been worked out. The following activities are being undertaken:-

(a) Setting up of a Ballast Water reporting system in the Port of Port Louis. In this connection, a marine notice will be issued to ship owners, operators, agents and masters.

(b) Management of data for reporting system is being established.

(c) A sub-committee for Ballast Water education and awareness has been set up.

Progress regarding the implementation of Ballast Water Management Convention

This Ministry has secured funding for the purchase of equipment to conduct the port baseline survey and the awareness campaign. A list of detailed activities is being worked out on the awareness campaign.

A Marine Notice regarding the ballast water reporting from Port Louis has already been issued together with the ballast reporting form.

Following the implementation under Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code, a mission from IMO was in Mauritius during the period 22 to 26 September 2008 to carry out an assessment of the implementation of the obligations under SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code.

Mr. Nicolas Charalambous, Deputy Director, sub-division for Maritime Security and Facilitation, Maritime Safety Division.

Mr. Richard Davey

Mr. James Murray and

Mr. Chris Dougherty.

The purpose of the IMO Mission was also to carry out an External Audit of the ship and port security assessment put in place in Mauritius.

The Mission has made a series of recommendations to facilitate and comply with the provisions of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code.

(a) specific obligations of a Contracting Government as a flag state;

(b) specific obligations of a Contracting Government as a coastal state; and

(c) specific obligations of a Contracting Government as a Port State.

(d) Port security matters.