Choice Ballast

10/10/2025

10/15/2024

The Coast Guard is now developing compliance regulations under VIDA to harmonize national discharge standards. Until then, vessels remain subject to EPA's 2013 Vessel General Permit and USCG ballast water rules. https://www.news.uscg.mil/maritime-commons/Article/3932088/the-coast-guards-role-in-implementing-the-vessel-incidental-discharge-act/

09/30/2024

On September 20th, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed the final rule for the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA). This rule establishes national standards for incidental discharges from commercial vessels over 79 feet in length into US waters. It includes both general and specific standards for 20 types of discharges, and procedures for states to petition for stricter regulations. The US Coast Guard will develop corresponding compliance and enforcement regulations within two years. Until then, existing requirements remain in effect.

Stay informed with the pre-publication version available on the EPA’s website https://www.epa.gov/vessels-marinas-and-ports/commercial-vessel-discharge-standards.

09/16/2024

Improve your ship's retrofitting experience with Choice's highly-detailed 3D SCANNING TECHNOLOGY!
Our 3D Scans capture the as-built condition of your vessel, aiding in the precise modeling of Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS), Scrubber Exhaust Gas Cleaning System conversions and more.
With our detailed scans and models, you'll:

- Visualize the integration of new systems within existing structures
- Identify possible obstructions and verify maintenance spaces
- Obtain a preliminary visual design for better decision-making
- Reduce potential change orders during the retrofit process
- Explore pre-fabrication options to cut costs
- Pinpoint hazardous areas or risks to ensure safety
- Maintain accurate 3D ship engineering records for future use

Ready to make your ship retrofit seamless and cost-effective? Contact us today https://choiceballast.com/contact-us/ !

09/16/2024

Improve your ship's retrofitting experience with Choice's highly-detailed 3D SCANNING TECHNOLOGY!
Our 3D Scans capture the as-built condition of your vessel, aiding in the precise modeling of Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS), Scrubber Exhaust Gas Cleaning System conversions and more. With our detailed scans and models, you'll:

Visualize the integration of new systems within existing structures

Identify possible obstructions and verify maintenance spaces

Obtain a preliminary visual design for better decision-making

Reduce potential change orders during the retrofit process

Explore pre-fabrication options to cut costs

Pinpoint hazardous areas or risks to ensure safety

Maintain accurate 3D ship engineering records for future use
Ready to make your ship retrofit seamless and cost-effective?

Contact us today https://choiceballast.com/contact-us/ !

09/11/2024

The deadline to adhere to BWMS D-2 standards has passed. Is your vessel in compliance?
The U.S. Coast Guard has highlighted BWM as a major cause of increased deficiencies, often due to incorrect system operation, improper documentation, or failures to report discharges and operational issues.

CHOICE BALLAST CAN SUPPORT YOUR VESSEL'S COMPLIANCE!

Compliance includes several key components:
- Installation and operation of the Ballast Water Management System (BWMS)
- Crew Training
- Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP)
- Documentation for Port State Control (PSC) inspections
- BWM reporting
- Biofouling maintenance
🔗 www.choiceballast.com

09/09/2024

The Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA) has submitted follow-up comments to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regarding the EPA's final rule on Vessel Incidental Discharge National Standards of Performance.

Their submission focuses on potential inclusions in the final rule for Laker ballast tanks and discharge standards, including:

◼ Definition of a New Laker and its compliance timeline

◼ Best Available Technology Economically Achievable (BAT) standards

◼ Achieving binational consistency in regulations

Read the submission athttp://choiceballast.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024-07-LCA-OMB-Comments-FINAL-1.pdf

08/28/2024

The US Coast Guard is considering testing methods for type approval of Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS).

In the document, Viability Testing Method Consideration for Acceptance Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement, they will evaluate the potential environmental impact of the Coast Guard's Proposed Action to use the best available science to evaluate one or more viability testing methods submitted for consideration by evaluating, and potentially accepting, methods that demonstrate that ballast water discharge meets U.S. ballast water discharge performance standards currently under development by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Comments must be submitted orally at one of the public meetings or in writing the online docket via https://www.regulations.gov on or before October 7, 2024.

Virtual public meetings regarding this notice of intent will be held Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 12 p.m. EST, Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 4 p.m. EST, and Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 7 p.m. EST.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/21/2024-18597/consideration-for-acceptance-of-one-or-more-viability-testing-methods-for-type-approval-of-ballast?utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_medium=email&utm_source=federalregister.gov

08/24/2024

Ballast Water Technology: Getting the Numbers Right
Discover how innovative ballast water management solutions can help eliminate invasive species and promote sustainable shipping practices. Wendy Larsen’s insightful article published by MarineLink dives deep into the critical role of accurate data in effective ballast water management. https://www.marinelink.com/news/ballast-water-technology-getting-numbers-516167
Marine Link

It was never going to be realistic to expect treated ballast water to have zero viable organisms on discharge.The G8 guidelines that…

08/24/2024

Are you ready for BWM discharge standards compliance? 🌊
Compliance means:
-BWMS operation
-Management plans
-Proper documentation
-Reporting
-Biofouling maintenance
-Training

reported increased deficiencies due to improper documentation. Stay prepared!