2.1 The Procedure aims to ensure that any Other
Methods approved provide an equivalent level of protection to the
standards contained in the BWM Convention. The Procedure will be kept
under review and updated by the Committee in light of the experience
gained during its application and as the state of knowledge and technology
may require.
2.2 The purpose of the Procedure is to:
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.1 provide a uniform interpretation and application
of the requirements for the approval of Other Methods permitted under regulation B-3.7;
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.2 ensure that Other Methods approved by an Administration
are capable of at least achieving equivalence to the level of protection
provided by the standards of the BWM Convention with respect to the
prevention of the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens
as required by regulations B-3.1 to B-3.5;
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.3 assist in determining the information necessary
for the approval in principle of Other Methods under regulation B-3.7 of the BWM Convention
and identify the roles and responsibilities in providing such information;
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.4 assist Administrations in conducting the approval
of an Other Method;
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.5 provide guidance to manufacturers, shipowners
and other interested parties involved in determining the suitability
of an Other Method to meet the requirements of the BWM Convention;
and
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.6 provide the approval process used by the Committee.