The IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee at its 71 session (MEPC 71) tentatively accepted an amended implementation scheme for ships to comply with the D-2 standard (treatment) under the BWM Convention.

The scheme will be circulated to Member States for adoption during MEPC 72, scheduled to be held from 9 to 13 April 2018.

However, the same Committee recommended the Administrations an immediate application of the new scheme, with a view to avoiding the creation of a dual treaty regime during the time between the entry into force of the Convention and of the new amendment.

Under the proposal:

1. New ships (constructed on or after 8 September 2017) are to comply with the D-2 standard (treatment) on or after 8 September 2017.

2. Existing ship (constructed before 8 September 2017):

• having the renewal of the IOPP certificate between 8 September 2017 and 8 September 2019 (excluded) are to comply with the D-2 standard (treatment) at the following IOPP certificate renewal survey, i.e. at the second renewal survey after the entry into force date of the Convention
• having the renewal of the IOPP certificate starting from 8 September 2019, are to comply with the D-2 standard (treatment) at this renewal survey, i.e. at the first renewal survey after the entry into force date of the Convention.

A clause has been inserted in order to avoid ships falling into this last category to anticipate the IOPP certificate renewal between 8 September 2017 and 8 September 2019.

3. Existing ships, constructed before 8 September 2017, which are not subject to the MARPOL IOPP renewal survey, are to comply with the D-2 standard not later than 8 September 2024.
Source: Rina