The industry paper suggests solutions in the form of a draft MEPC Resolutions that could be adopted by IMO Member States before the BWM Convention enters into force.
It highlights the lack of robustness of the current type-approval process for the very expensive new treatment systems that will be required, doubts about the procedures to be followed during Port State Control, and the need to provide confidence to shipowners that have already installed the new equipment, or are about to do so, that they will be regarded by the authorities as compliant.
ICS says it supports the objectives of the Convention and recognises that its eventual entry into force is inevitable. However, ICS stresses that unless these problems are resolved immediately at IMO, there is a risk that the regime will not be fit for purpose.
The organisation says it’s particularly concerned that port state sanctions could impact unfairly on shipowners who have fitted type-approved equipment, only to be told subsequently that it falls short of the required standard.
At the IMO Marine Environment protection Committee meeting in October 2014, governments will need to take what may be the final opportunity to act by agreeing some relatively simple changes to how the Convention will be implemented, says ICS.