VGP Compliance Sampling

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VGP Compliance Sampling

Is your vessel’s Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) compliant?

Mr. Marine Ballast can help.

US regulations currently call for US Coast Guard-type approved ballast water treatment systems to be installed on most vessels travelling to US ports. The current Vessel General Permit or VGP (soon to be VIDA) regulations require regular compliance testing which is enforced by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Such annual compliance testing is currently not mandatory for IMO, however, Port State inspectors are responsible for enforcing IMO regulations. Mr. Marine is your reliable partner for professional compliance testing, calibration and servicing in more than 375 ports worldwide.

What could a noncompliant BWTS mean for you?

Failing VGP ballast water compliance sampling requirements could see your ships denied entry to US ports. This would inevitably cost you many thousands in fines and lost cargoes.

Contact us for a quotation and availability using the form below. It’s fast and easy.

Ballast Water

How can Mr. Marine help?

We perform VGP compliance testing and maintenance on all ballast water treatment systems and ensure your BWTS is compliant. Mr. Marine Ballast provides a fully project-managed service, whereby samples are taken by trained specialists and tested in certified laboratories. Entrusting your VGP sampling to Mr. Marine Ballast ensures that your BWTS samples are taken from optimum locations and transported according to EPA guidelines. By following these procedures, Mr. Marine Ballast contains the risk of contamination or multiplying of bacteria which minimises the risk of a negative test.

What are the requirements for VGP water sampling?

Vessels sailing to US waters require USCG-approved ballast water treatment systems to be installed. During the first year, there is a requirement to test the water between 2 to 4 times. Once samples meet the requirements in two consecutive tests, sampling can revert to annual VGP sampling. In case of subsequent failure, vessels are required to revert to biannual testing until two consecutive tests have been achieved. Analyses should look for intestinal Enterococci and Escherichia coli (E. coli) as well as total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) load. The EPA administers compliance with VGP requirements and sets testing guidelines and chain of custody reporting. 

We are your reliable partner for Compliance Testing, serving vessels in more than 375 ports worldwide.

 

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