5 Detailed Analysis: The Sample Protocol
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Ballast Water Management - BWM.2/Circular.42/Rev.2 – International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 – (9 December 2020)... - Annex 2 – Technical Discussion for the Guidance to Ballast Water Sampling and Analysis for Trial Use in Accordance with the BWM Convention and Guidelines (G2) - 5 Detailed Analysis: The Sample Protocol

5 Detailed Analysis: The Sample Protocol

  5.1 Sample protocols for discharges of treated ballast water through a distinct discharge point fall into two categories, the first based on specified and replicated volumes and the second based on flow integration over a specified time. The first entails taking a specific number of set volumes of the ballast water discharge, whilst the second takes a continuous sample over a set time period. The flow integration sampling protocol can be achieved by either continuously sub-sampling a small amount throughout the entire duration of the discharge, therefore collecting one sample over time, or taking multiple sub-samples over a specific time scale (i.e. 5 minutes, 10 minutes or 15 minutes) repeatedly throughout the discharge, providing a result for each sub-sample.

  5.2 However, for sampling protocols based on specified and replicated volumes, defining both the number of samples and their volume to ensure representativeness, takes time. As a representative sampling procedure is needed to ensure compliance with the BWM Convention, then the flow integration protocols based on set times should be implemented.

  5.3 Using a sampling protocol that continuously sub-samples small amounts throughout the entire duration of the discharge, may significantly underestimate the amount of larger organisms (i.e. organisms greater than or equal to 50 micrometres in minimum dimension) in the sample due to damage to the organisms held in the cod-end of the filter. If such a system is used then a protocol for replacing the cod end needs to be developed.

  5.4 The arrangements for detailed analysis should take into account the requirements of the methods and/or approaches they intend to use for detailed and/or indicative analysis. Special consideration should be given and contingencies arranged for sampling in remote ports, where it is likely to take time to mobilize samplers and sampling resources.

Parent topic: Annex 2 – Technical Discussion for the Guidance to Ballast Water Sampling and Analysis for Trial Use in Accordance with the BWM Convention and Guidelines (G2)
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