The US Coast Guard has proposed to update the current ballast water report so it includes only data that is essential to understanding and analyzing ballast water management practices.

The proposed rule will allow most vessels to submit ballast water reports after arrival to the port or place of destination, providing them more flexibility in fulfilling the reporting requirements.

The Coast Guard will also require vessels with ballast tanks operating solely on voyages between ports or places within a single Captain of the Port (COTP) Zone to submit an annual summary report of their ballasting practices. This new requirement is anticipated to be in effect for only three years.

This rulemaking is being carried out under the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (NANPCA), as reauthorized and amended by the National Invasive Species Act of 1996 (NISA).

These statutes authorize the Coast Guard to request reports and records in order to understand the ballast water management activities of ships operating in the waters of the United States.