Ballast water contingency measures

Background

New Zealand is party to the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments 2004 (BWM Convention).

Marine Protection Rules Part 300: Ballast (Marine Protection Rules Part 300) gives effect to this convention and sets rules for the control and management of ships’ ballast water. Marine Protection Rules Part 300 aims to prevent harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens entering New Zealand’s marine environment. If harmful aquatic organisms become established, they can severely harm the marine environment. Pathogens in ballast water can also present a risk to human health and marine ecosystems.

When entering New Zealand, you need to comply with both:

• Marine Protection Rules Part 300, administered by Maritime NZ
• the Biosecurity Act 1993, administered by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

The D-2 standard is a performance standard that involves treating ballast water before discharge to kill or reduce the number of viable organisms, or the concentration of pathogens.

The information below gives guidance on notification requirements in relation to Marine Protection Rules Part 300.

Non-compliant ballast water

If you cannot manage your ballast water to meet the D-2 standard in line with your ballast water management plan, Maritime NZ expects you to follow guidance developed by the International Maritime Organisation in BWM.2/Circ.62.

As part of this, you need to notify Maritime NZ, where possible before you enter New Zealand territorial waters. See how to notify below.