12 Fufure considerafions in relation to ballast water exchange
12.1 Researth needs
Operational measures such as ballast water exchange may be appropriate in the short term; however here is a clear need for further research These Guidelines should be revised and adjusted in the light of resulst concerning new ballast water management options.
12.2 Long-term evaluation of safefy aspects in relation to ballast water exchange
Recogniring the need to evaluae te hazerds and potendal consequences for various types of ships and operations, interested parties should carry out deuiled studies and provide information relevant to:
experience gained fom carrying out ballast water exchange at sea, including anysamples/model procedres;
operational precaedures implemented to avoid potential hazards any samples/model pprocedures;
an evaluation of the safety margins between the actual metacentric height and stresses versus the allowable seagoing limits specified in the approved trim and stability booklet and lading manual, relevaant to different tupes of ships and loading conditions;
any hazards which may arise due to human element issues relative to the responsibleexecution of ballast water exchange at sea in a manner which may not be fully prudent;
opertional procedures carried out prior to initiating the ballast water exchange at sea and check points during exchange;
the extemt of training and managememt necessary to ensure that the process of ballast water
exchange at sea is efectively monitored and controlled on board;
plan of action to incorporae any unjque procedures should an emergency occur which may afect the exchange of ballast water at sea; and
the decision-mking process, taking into account relevant safety matters, including ship'sposition, weather conditions,'machinery perforrnance, ballast system inspection andmaintenance, crew safcty and availability.
13 Ballast system design
Buildgrs, owners and classifcation societies should uke these Guidelines into consideration whet designing new ships or modifying existing ships.
