engleski

BWM Convention 2004 - new challenges for MET institutions

The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM 2004) is expected to enter into force within next five years. Despite significant efforts paid meanwhile a number of measures and requirements are still not clearly defined as they should be for a proper interpretation and full implementation. The most prominent "grey areas" yet to be resolved include actions in case of "polluted" ballast water or malfunctioning treatment system discovered on board, actions in case of early warnings declared by the destination port, sampling techniques and port state control procedures, sediment management, risk assessment and intra-regional voyages, more stringent standards that may be implemented by certain countries, costs and legal responsibilities in certain cases, etc. It should be emphasized that even today ballast water management approaches are not the same in all regions. A good example is a significantly different approach in defining specific areas for ballast water exchange in the North Sea area compared to the one proposed for the Adriatic Sea. It is quite clear that for efficient ballast water management and proper implementation of new requirements ships’ crews need additional competencies. These competencies and related knowledge, understandings and proficiencies still have to be included into the STCW Convention. Moreover, it is recognized that seafarers, more than often, are not aware of risks the harmful aquatic organisms or pathogens (HAOP) and nonindigenous species (NIS) pose to environment. Consequently, study programs and associated learning modes aiming to effectively and rather quickly ensure appropriate level of knowledge and training still have to be identified. In the paper the findings, challenges and probable outlines of programs related to ballast water management are discussed. The programs considered include training for active seafarers during transition period as well as regular education for new students. Particular emphasize is paid to programs delivered at higher MET institutions. Most important findings and outcomes are based on the research and results of the Ballast water management system for Adriatic Sea protection project (BALMAS) [1-4] and GloBallast project [5-7]. BALMAS project, worth approximately 7 million Euros, is financed by the EU AdriaticIPA Cross Border Cooperation 2007-2013 program. It involves 17 different beneficiaries (ministries, governmental and scientific institutes, universities, foundations and maritime associations) from 6 partner countries (Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania). The project integrates all activities aiming to ensure sound implementation of the BWM Convention measures in the Adriatic Sea. The main objective is to establish a common cross- border system linking all Adriatic research, experts and national responsible authorities to avoid the introduction of HAOP or NIS organisms into sea, through the control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments. The Faculty of Maritime Studies Rijeka is currently involved as project external expert institution.

ballast water management; ballast water and sediments; maritime education and training; Adriatic Sea

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