Exam Question
(a) Why is it necessary to treat ballast water prior to its discharge? (8)
(b) Explain the difference between, ballast water exchange and ballast water treatment. Name the standards used in each case. (12)
Class 4 (4th Engineer)
SSEP
📅 Jun 2025
Reference Answer
### Part (a): Necessity for Ballast Water Treatment (8 Marks)
It is necessary to treat ballast water prior to its discharge to prevent the transfer of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens (HAOP) between different geographical regions. This process is mandated by the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) "International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004" (BWM Convention). The primary reasons are categorized into ecological, economic, and human health impacts.
1. **Ecological and Environmental Protection:**
* **Introduction of Invasive Alien Species (IAS):** Ballast water taken up in a coastal port contains a complex community of local marine life, including plankton, bacteria, viruses, and the larvae of larger species. When discharged in a new environment, these organisms can become invasive.
It is necessary to treat ballast water prior to its discharge to prevent the transfer of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens (HAOP) between different geographical regions. This process is mandated by the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) "International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004" (BWM Convention). The primary reasons are categorized into ecological, economic, and human health impacts.
1. **Ecological and Environmental Protection:**
* **Introduction of Invasive Alien Species (IAS):** Ballast water taken up in a coastal port contains a complex community of local marine life, including plankton, bacteria, viruses, and the larvae of larger species. When discharged in a new environment, these organisms can become invasive.
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