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The Coast Guard published a final rule that amends the ballast water management reporting and recordkeeping requirements. The Coast Guard will require vessels with ballast tanks operating exclusively on voyages between ports or places within a single captain of the port zone to submit an annual report of their ballast water management practices. This rule also simplifies and streamlines the ballast water report form. This rule will also allow most vessels to submit ballast water reports after arrival at a port or place of destination, instead of requiring submission of such reports prior to arrival.

This rule reduces the administrative burden on the regulated population, while still providing the Coast Guard with the information necessary to analyze and understand ballast water management practices.

This final rule is effective February 22, 2016, except for the amendments to 33 CFR 151.2060(b) through (f) and 151.2070.

View the final rule for full details.

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