BWMS commissioning test requirements enter force

The test, to be conducted in accordance with IMO guidance BWM.2/Circ.70/Rev.1, is required even if the system has been partially installed and/or commissioned before 1 June 2022.

The commissioning test is also mandatory for the additional commissioning survey required after a change, replacement or significant repair of the BWMS necessary to achieve full compliance with the D-2 standard.

The test requires ballast water samples to be taken at the discharge line after treatment and analysed by the selected service supplier. Indicative analysis methods as listed in BWM.2/Circ.42/Rev.2 may be used. Local ambient water should be used for testing regardless of the level of challenge this poses to the BWMS.

A written report should be provided to the surveyor and, if required, to the flag administration.

If the test is not successful, the possible reasons for non-compliance need to be investigated, and the commissioning test must be repeated in possibly another port.

DNV provides more information here