Classification society RINA has updated its guidance on Ballast Water Management (BWM), saying it is “almost certain” to enter into force in 2016.

The document takes into account both the requirements of the IMO’s BWM Convention and the expected requirements of the US Coast Guard (USCG) regime when its type-approval process is finalised, also expected in the coming year.

The Convention teeters on the brink of entry into force after gaining several signatures in the last month, drawing it closer to the required 35% of world tonnage.

“The IMO Ballast Water Convention is almost certainly going to come into force in 2016,” said RINA director of technical services Dino Cervetto. “Following the recent ratifications if the IMO confirms that the trigger point has been reached, the BWM Convention will enter into force on 24 November 2016.”

The bulletin comprises considerations when selecting, procuring and installing a BWM system in order to ensure compliance with the applicable rules and interpretations. “Owners need to make themselves aware of major impending changes to ballast water regulation and RINA’s guidance will help them with that,” concluded Cervetto.