What to know about California ballast water reporting requirements

Following the news that the amendments in California’s Marine Invasive Species Program would come into force in 1st January, the North Club provides more information in regards to the new report submission requirements.

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Ballast | 05/01/21 

To remind, the California Marine Invasive Species Program (MISP) is a multi-agency program designed to prevent the introduction of nonindigenous species into State waters from vessels 300 gross registered tons and above that are capable of carrying ballast water.

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US law firm Murphy, Rogers, Sloss, Gambel & Tompkins issued a bulletin that addresses the requirements for submitting the Marine Invasive Species Program Annual Vessel Reporting Form and the Ballast Water Management Report.

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Accordingly, you should keep in mind that:

• The Marine Invasive Species Program Annual Vessel Reporting Form (AVRF) must be submitted through the web-based platform, MISP.IO.

• The AVRF must still be submitted once each calendar year and at least 24 hours prior to a vessel’s first arrival at a California port. Note that the AVRF can be submitted earlier during the calendar year if desired, and can be submitted by anyone affiliated with the vessel (e.g., ownership, management, crew).

• Violations may be issued for failure to submit an AVRF at least 24 hours prior to a vessel’s first arrival at a California port each calendar year.

• However, for the duration of 2021, the SLC has committed to not enforce violations of the new requirement to submit the AVRF via MISP.IO.

The Club notes that

Vessel owners or operators that are unable to submit the AVRF via MISP.IO are encouraged to contact the Marine Invasive Species Program as soon as possible.

Concluding, it is reminded that all vessels calling in California ports are required to submit the Ballast Water Management Report 24 hours prior to arrival at each port in California. If a vessel’s voyage is less than 24 hours, then the report shall be submitted upon departure from the last port of call prior to arrival.