5 Type Approval Process
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - BWMS Code - Code For Approval of Ballast Water Management Systems - Resolution MEPC.300(72) - 5 Type Approval Process

5 Type Approval Process

 5.1 The type approval requirements for BWMS are as described below.

5.2 The manufacturer of the equipment shall submit information regarding the design, construction, operation and functioning of the BWMS in accordance with Part 1 of the annex, including information regarding the water quality and operational parameters that are important to the operation of the system. This information shall be the basis for a first evaluation of suitability by the Administration.

5.3 Following the Administration's pre-test evaluation, the BWMS shall undergo land-based, shipboard and other tests in accordance with the procedures described in Parts 2 and 3 of the annex. The BWMS tested for type approval shall be a final and complete product that meets the requirements of section 4 and it shall be constructed using the same materials and procedures that will be used to construct production units.

5.4 Successful fulfilment of the requirements and procedures outlined in Parts 2 and 3 of the annex, as well as all other requirements of this Code, shall lead to the issuance of a Type Approval Certificate by the Administration in accordance with section 6.

5.5 The limitations of the BWMS, in addition to the required type approval testing parameters identified in paragraphs 2.29 and 2.46 of the annex, as submitted by its manufacturer and validated by the Administration, shall be documented on the Type Approval Certificate. These design limitations do not determine if the equipment may be type-approved or not, but provide information on the conditions beyond the type approval testing parameters under which proper functioning of the equipment can be expected.

5.6 When a type-approved BWMS is installed on board, an installation survey according to section 8 shall be carried out.

5.7 The documentation submitted for approval shall include at least the following:

  • .1 a description and diagrammatic drawings of the BWMS;

  • .2 the operation, maintenance and safety manual;

  • .3 hazard identification;

  • .4 environmental and public health impacts; and

  • .5 System Design Limitations.


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