On 15th October, 2005, the Brazilian Ballast Water Management Regulations NORMA M-20/DPC entered into force, which require all vessels to carry out Ballast Water exchange prior to entering into a Brazilian port or terminal. The new regulations require any vessel to exchange water ballast by either using the sequential method, the flow through method or the dilution method in recommended areas, to have onboard Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP) and impose an obligation to send reports from the exchange of ballast waters to Brazilian authorities of the ports of arrival. For Brazilian flagged ships and those chartered by Brazil, the plan should be approved by the ship’s Classification Society recognized by Brazilian Maritime Authority. For foreign flagged ships until 30th June, 2006, the Brazilian Maritime Authority will accept a BWMP prepared by the shipowner without any approval, after that date the BWMP will have to be approved by Flag Administration or by a Classification Society recognised by Flag Administration.

Full info see:

• Informations to owners   inf_arm_a.pdf
• NORMAM 20/DPC   normam_a.pdf