RECOGNlZING that several States have taken unilateral action by adopting legally binding provisions for local, regional or national application with a view to minimijng the risks of inuoducing harmful aqustic orgznisms and pathogens through ships entering their poru, and also that this issue, being of worldwide concemn' demands acdon based on globally applicable regulation together with guidelines for their efective implementation and uniform interpretation,
HAVING CONSIDERED the recomrnendgtion of the MEPC at its fortieth session on this issue,
1. ADOPTS the Guidelines for the Control and Management of Ships, Ballast Water to Minimize the Transfer of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pahogens set out in the Annex to the preselt resolution;
2. REQUESTS Governments to take urgent action in applying these Guidelines, including the dissemination thereof to the shipping industry, to use them as a basis for any measures they adopt with a view to minimizing the risks of introducing harmful aquatic 0rganisms, and pathogens, and to report to the MEPC on any.experience gained in their implementation;
3. REQtjESTS ALSO the MEPC to work towards completion of legally binding provisions on ballast water management in the form of a new Annex to MARPOL 73/78,together with gudelines for their uniform and efective imPlementation with a view to their consideration and adbpdon in the year 2000;
4. REQUESTS FURTHER he MSC to include in its workplan the evaluation of Mormation received fom interested parties, particularly that relevant to 12.2 of the Guidelines adopted herewith, with a view to daermining the hazards amd potential consequences for various existing ship types and operations. The MSC is also requested to consider any other relevant issues concerning ballast water management as well as design objectives for new ships, with a view to minjmizing to the extent possible risks of introducing harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens with ships'ballast water and sediments;
5. REVOKES resolution A.774(18).
