The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for the introduction of the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Bill, 2015, in line with a global convention, to protect environment and human health from ballast water and sediments used in ships.

The convention requires all new ships to implement an approved ballast water and sediments management plan. All new ships will also have to carry a ballast water record book and follow ballast water management procedures to a given standard. Existing ships will be required to do the same but after a phase-in period. Ships are required to be surveyed and certified and may also be inspected by port state control officers who can verify that the ship has a valid certificate.

The merchant shipping amendment bill incorporates into the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 the enabling provisions required for implementing the Convention.

Indian ships of 400 Gross Tonnage (GT) and above on international voyages are required to possess an international ballast water management certificate. Indian ships below 400 GT plying within the territorial waters of India shall be issued an Indian ballast water management certificate. Ships which are not designed/constructed to carry ballast water, warships, naval auxiliary or other government-owned non-commercial ships are exempted.

Ships fill their ballast tanks with water to stabilise vessels at sea for maintaining safe operating conditions throughout a voyage. Ballast water reduces stress on the hull, provides transverse stability, improves propulsion and maneuverability and compensates for weight. However, ballast water poses serious ecological, economic and health problems due to the multitude of marine species being carried in the process, including harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens.

Port authorities will be statutorily obliged to provide ballast water sediment reception facilities. If a ship complies with the convention but is still detained or delayed for inspection without any reasonable cause, it will be eligible for compensation/ damages. The proposed Bill also provides for penalty on violation.