- The Government has notified the Merchant Shipping (Control and Management of Vessels’ Ballast Water and Sediments) Rules, 2026 under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025.
- The Rules implement requirements of the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention, 2004.
- Every applicable vessel must maintain an approved Ballast Water Management Plan and Ballast Water Record Book.
- Vessels must comply with prescribed Ballast Water Exchange (D-1) or Ballast Water Performance (D-2) standards.
- Applicable vessels must have an approved Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) where required.
- Indian vessels of 400 GT and above are subject to initial, annual, intermediate, renewal and additional surveys.
- International Ballast Water Management Certificates and Indian Ballast Water Management Certificates will be issued following successful surveys.
- Ports/terminals undertaking ballast tank cleaning or repair must provide adequate sediment reception facilities.
- Authorities may inspect vessels, examine records and sample ballast water. Non-compliant vessels may be prohibited from discharging ballast water.
- Contraventions may attract penalties of up to ₹50,000, plus up to ₹5,000 per day for continuing violations where no specific penalty applies.
- Effective date: The Rules will come into force on the date of India’s accession to the 2004 Ballast Water Management Convention.
Action Required: Shipowners, operators and ship managers should review their BWMS, Ballast Water Management Plan, record-keeping, surveys and certification to ensure readiness before the Rules become effective.
