Starting September to November 2025, the authorities under the Tokyo and Paris Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control are set to carry out a joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) focusing on Ballast Water Management (BWM). This initiative aims to verify whether vessels comply with the mandatory provisions of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments. The campaign intends to ensure uniform and effective enforcement of the convention’s requirements across the maritime industry.
In this blog post, we will answer the most important questions related to this campaign so that you and your crew are ready in case an Inspection takes place on board your vessel.
FAQ BWM Concentrated Inspection Campaign
What is the purpose of the 2025 Ballast Water Management Concentrated Inspection Campaign?
The purpose of the 2025 Ballast Water Management Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) is to verify that ships are complying with the mandatory requirements of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM Convention).
Who is organizing the joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign on Ballast Water Management?
The joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Ballast Water Management is being organized by the member authorities of the Tokyo Memorandum of Understanding (Tokyo MoU) and the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (Paris MoU) on Port State Control.
When will the Ballast Water Management inspection campaign take place?
The 2025 Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Ballast Water Management (BWM), organized jointly by the Tokyo MoU and Paris MoU, will run from September 1, 2025 through November 30, 2025. During this three-month window, Port State Control officers will use a predefined questionnaire to inspect whether vessels meet the mandatory requirements of the BWM Convention. Each vessel will be subject to only one inspection under this campaign.
What specific areas will be verified during the inspections?
During the 2025 Ballast Water Management Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC), Port State Control officers will conduct inspections guided by a pre-defined questionnaire.
The questions cover the following subjects:
- Valid Certification of the BWM
- Approved and updated Ballast Water Management Plan
- Crew familiarization of the BWMP
- Approved Ballast Water Management System and if it is operational
- Records of Ballast Water Record Book (BWRB);
- Ballast water sediment management;
- Exemptions Handling
What documents are required to prove compliance with the Ballast Water Management Convention?
To prove compliance with the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention, ships are required to carry and maintain several key documents on board. These documents are the main focus during Port State Control (PSC) inspections and the 2025 Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC).
Required Documents for Compliance:
- International Ballast Water Management Certificate (IBWMC)
- Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP)
- Ballast Water Record Book (BWRB)
- Type Approval Certificate for the Ballast Water Management System (BWMS)
- Crew Training / Familiarization Records
- Sediment Management Records
- Exemption Certificates (if applicable)
How will non-compliance be handled during the inspections?
During the 2025 Concentrated Inspection Campaign on Ballast Water Management, non-compliance will be addressed according to its seriousness. Minor issues, such as incomplete records, will be noted and must be corrected within a set timeframe, while serious deficiencies—like missing certificates, non-operational treatment systems, or untrained crew—may lead to vessel detention or restrictions on ballast water discharge.
Will a ship be inspected more than once during the campaign period?
No, under the 2025 Concentrated Inspection Campaign on Ballast Water Management, each ship will only be subject to one inspection during the campaign period.
Where will the results of the inspection campaign be published?
The results of the 2025 Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Ballast Water Management will be compiled and published jointly by the Tokyo MoU and Paris MoU Secretariats after the campaign concludes. Once the inspections are completed and data is analyzed, the findings are usually released in the form of an official report on the Tokyo MoU website and the Paris MoU website. These reports provide statistics on the number of ships inspected, the most common deficiencies, detention rates, and an overall assessment of global compliance with the BWM Convention.
Mr. Marine – Your Trusted Partner for the BWM Concentrated Inspection Campaign
Mr. Marine is your trusted partner in the Ballast Water Management Concentrated Inspection Campaign. With our team of multi-brand technicians, we ensure your BWTS remains safe, compliant, and fully operational. We provide tailored solutions to your needs:
- VGP Water Testing to ensure the ballast water discharges meet the mandatory limits
- Annual Calibration and Certification to keep the system in line with operational requirements
- Crew Familiarization to prepare the crew to effectively implement the BWMP and respond to PSC inspections
Wherever your vessel sails, Mr. Marine keeps you safe and compliant worldwide!
