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BALMAS
Ballast water management system for Adriatic Sea
protection
1.11.2013 – 30.9.2016
Project number: 1°str./0005
IPA Adriatic Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2007 – 2013
Work package
WP 7
Activity
Act 7.2
Date
April 2015
Contract delivery due
NA
date
Title
BALMAS Ballast Water Sampling Protocol for Compliance Monitoring and
Enforcement of the BWM Convention and Scientific Purposes
Project
Partner
for
LB- Institute for Water of the Republic of Slovenia
FB1 – National Institute of Biology: Marine Biology Station
deliverable
Other project partners
External expertise
Dr. Matej David Consult for LB and GoConsult for FB1
Authors
Matej David, Stephan Gollasch
Contributors
Report Status (DR = Draft, FI = Final)
FI
Dissemination
level
(INT =
Internal, PU =
PU
Public)
Annex
Annex 1 – Reid 2006 salinity conversion
Contact persons
Matej David, Stephan Gollasch
Contact person email
matej.david@siol.net, sgollasch@aol.com
BALMAS website
www.balmas.eu
Disclaimer
This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the IPA Adriatic Cross-
Border Cooperation Programme. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility
of Institute for Water of the Republic of Slovenia and can under no circumstances be
regarded as reflecting the position of the IPA Adriatic Cross-Border Cooperation
Programme Authorities.
This report should be quoted as follows
David M. and Gollasch S. 2015. BALMAS Ballast Water Sampling Protocol for
Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement of the BWM Convention and Scientific
Purposes. BALMAS project, Korte, Slovenia, Hamburg, Germany. 55 pp.
BALMAS overview
The United Nations had recognized the transfer of harmful organisms and pathogens across
natural barriers as one of the four greatest pressures to the world’s oceans and seas, causing
global environmental changes, and posing threat to human health, property and resources.
Ballast water transfer by vessels was recognized as a prominent vector of such species, and
was regulated by the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship´s
Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM Convention). The BWM Convention sets the
global standards on ballast water management (BWM) requirements, while recognizing
that regional and local specifics have to be considered for its effective implementation. The
Adriatic Sea is a unique and highly sensitive ecosystem. The economic development and
social existence of the coastal states strongly depend on the clean and preserved Adriatic
Sea. However, the Adriatic Sea is also a seaway mainly used by international shipping
transporting goods to or from Europe as hinterland, with also intense local shipping.
Increasing, serious concern is the introduction of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens
(HAOP) by ships’ ballast water. By developing a joint Adriatic Ballast Water Management
Decision Support System, Ballast Water Management Plan and Strategy, BALMAS will
ensure uniform BWM requirements to ease shipping and at the same time to maximize
environmental and economic protection of all sea users. The general BALMAS objective is
to establish a common cross-border system, which will link all researchers, experts and
responsible national authorities from Adriatic countries in order to avoid unwanted risks to
the environment from the transfer of HAOP. This can be achieved through control and
management of ships’ ballast waters and sediments. Further, long-term effective ballast
water management (BWM) in the Adriatic will be set at the cross-border level utilizing this
project’s related knowledge and technology.
II
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
MAIN OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................
1
2
SUMMARY OF SAMPLING APPROACHES ........................................................
1
2.1
S
AMPLING FOR
CME ............................................................................................
1
2.2
SAMPLING FOR SCIENTIFIC PURPOSE ...................................................................
3
3
SAMPLING METHODS ACCORDING TO THE ACCESS POINT ...................
4
3.1.1 In-tank sampling arrangements on vessels .................................................
5
3.1.2 In- line sampling arrangements on vessels .................................................
6
4
SAMPLING EQUIPMENT .....................................................................................
10
4.1
IN-TANK SAMPLING EQUIPMENT ........................................................................
10
4.1.1
Water Column Sampler ............................................................................
10
4.1.2 Water column spot and bottom Sampler ..................................................
11
4.1.3
Hand pump ...............................................................................................
14
4.2
IN-LINE SAMPLING GEAR ....................................................................................
15
4.2.1 Plankton net for in-line sampling .............................................................
15
4.2.2
Flow meter ................................................................................................
16
4.2.3
Wash bottle ...............................................................................................
17
4.2.4
Bucket .......................................................................................................
18
5
VESSEL AND TANK SELECTION FOR BWS ...................................................
19
6
SAMPLING FOR CME ...........................................................................................
20
6.1
SAMPLING FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE D-1 STANDARD – SALINITY CHECK ...
20
6.1.1 In-tank D-1 standard sampling (salinity) ..................................................
22
6.1.2 In- line D-1 standard sampling .................................................................
24
6.2
SAMPLING FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE D-2 STANDARD...................................
25
6.3
INDICATIVE SAMPLING .......................................................................................
26
6.3.1 In-tank indicative sampling (Princilpe 1) .................................................
28
III
6.3.2 In- line indicative sampling (Principle 2) .................................................
30
6.4
DETAILED SAMPLING FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE D-2 STANDARD .................
32
6.4.1 In-tank D-2 sampling ................................................................................
32
6.4.2 In- line D-2 standard sampling .................................................................
32
6.4.3 Recommendations for a ballast water sampling protocol that is
representative of the whole discharge .................................................................
34
6.4.4 Sampling logistics feasibility ...................................................................
36
7SAMPLING FOR SCIENTIFIC PURPOSE ..........................................................
37
8
SAMPLES HANDLING ...........................................................................................
41
8.1
SAMPLES LABELLING ..........................................................................................
42
8.2
SAMPLES TRANSPORT .........................................................................................
42
8.3
CHAIN OF CUSTODY ............................................................................................
43
9
CONCLUSIONS .......................................................................................................
43
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .....................................................................................
46
REFERENCES ..............................................................................................................
47
IV
List of frequently used abbreviations
BWDA Ballast Water Discharge Assessment
BWM Ballast Water Management
BWMS Ballast Water Management System
BWRF Ballast Water Reporting Forms
BWS Ballast Water Sampling
cfu Colony forming Units
CME Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement
D-1 Ballast Water Exchange Standard (of the BWM Convention)
D-2 Ballast Water Performance Standard (of the BWM Convention)
HAOP Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens
PBS Port Baseline Survey
PSC Port State Control
PSU Practical Salinity Units
RA Risk Assessment
V
List of figures:
Figure 1 - Elements of a sampling arrangement for in-line sampling on a vessel. ............... 8
Figure 2 - Sampling arrangement for in-line sampling on a vessel. ...................................... 9
Figure 3 - Water column sampler. ....................................................................................... 11
Figure 4 - Water column spot and bottom sampler used for sampling ballast water through
the sounding pipe. ................................................................................................................ 12
Figure 5 – A PAM instrument for shipboard indicative measurements of the number of
living cells per millilitre. ..................................................................................................... 13
Figure 6 – Measuring water salinity with a refractometer ................................................... 13
Figure 7 – Measuring water salinity with an electronic salinity meter. .............................. 14
Figure 8 - Hand pump used for ballast water sampling. ...................................................... 15
Figure 9 - The plankton net for in-line sampling with a removable cod-end. ..................... 16
Figure 10 - Battery powered flow meter. ............................................................................ 17
Figure 11 - Wash bottle used to drain all organisms from the net surface and those caught
in the cod-end. ..................................................................................................................... 18
Figure 12 - 10 litre buckets with a volumetric scale ............................................................ 19
Figure 13 - Mean annual world´s ocean surface salinity (Source: http://www.ccpo.odu.edu).
21
Figure 14 – Sampling for D-1 at an in-line sampling point................................................. 25
Figure 15 - Ballast water discharge above pier level from the upper wing tanks of a bulk
carrier (Jure Barovic, with courtesy of the Port of Koper, services for protection of the sea).
26
Figure 16 - Plankton net with cone-shaped opening for in-tank sampling. Other nets may
be used, see above. .............................................................................................................. 40
VI
List of tables:
Table 1 - Possible sampling access points, equipment and other details recommended for
compliance control sampling with the D-1 standard. .......................................................... 22
Table 2 - In-line sampling equipment and other details recommended for compliance
control sampling with the D-1 standard. ............................................................................. 24
Table 3 - Possible sampling access points, equipment and other details recommended for
indicative compliance control in-tank sampling with the D-2 standard. ............................. 29
Table 4 - Possible sampling access points, equipment and other details recommended for
indicative in-line compliance control sampling with the D-2 standard. .............................. 31
Table 5 - Possible sampling access points, equipment and other details recommended for
in-line compliance control sampling with the D-2 standard ................................................ 33
Table 6 - Possible sampling access points, equipment and other details recommended for
in-tank sampling for scientific purposes. ............................................................................. 37
VII
1 MAIN OBJECTIVES
BALMAS project ballast water sampling (BWS) and analysis (A) is to be conducted for:
1. Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement (CME) (i.e., counts of viable organisms
according to the BWM Convention D-2 standard (IMO 2004)), and
2. scientific purposes (i.e., identification of organisms being discharged).
During BALMAS BWS is to be conducted on at least 10 vessels that discharge ballast water
in each of the selected 12 ports in the Adriatic.
This protocol can be very useful also for BWS on any vessel worldwide.
2 SUMMARY OF SAMPLING APPROACHES
2.1 SAMPLING FOR CME
For sampling for compliance with the D-1 standard in-tank or in-line samples may be
taken to either proof the presence of coastal biota or check the water parameters. Salinity
values verify if the water has been exchanged according to the BWM Convention
requirements, i.e. in cases where the salinity is low (e.g., below 30 psu) it can be assumed that
the ballast water originates from coastal areas with freshwater influence, i.e. it was not
exchanged with ocean water (i.e., outside 50 or 200 nautical miles from nearest land and at
water depths higher than 200 metres (IMO 2004)) as in these locations it would have a higher
salinity. For this purpose, small quantities of ballast water may directly be sampled from the
tank via sounding pipes or manholes prior to its discharge. However, this is a feasible option
only when the inspected vessel has loaded ballast water in a low salinity or freshwater port. A
problem with the in-line sampling is that a discharge to sea may occur during the sampling
event and in case of non-compliance the non-complaint water would enter the recipient
environment during the sampling event.
The G2 Guidelines (IMO 2008a) do not address explicitly how an indicative sampling for
the D-2 standard would need to be undertaken. Implicitly, an indicative analyses could be
performed on a sample, or part of it, taken during the detailed D-2 standard compliance
control sampling process, or just on any stand-alone sample.
For indicative in-tank sampling it was concluded that sampling for zooplankton via the
sounding pipes does not result in a representative sample of species in the tank as
comparisons of sounding pipe and manholes samples from the same tank found that net
samples taken via manholes delivered more biologically diverse samples. Further, pumps used
via open manholes delivered more diverse samples than net samples, therefore pumps may
also be considered when sampling via manholes. A problem is that frequently manholes
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cannot be opened due to, e.g., overlaying cargo or ongoing cargo operations in the area where
the manhole is located, and in these instances sounding pipe sampling might be the only
solution to sample the ballast water at all.
When applying indicative in-line (at discharge) sampling, it is recommended that one
sequential sample is taken using the same sampling methodology as for a detailed D-2
standard compliance test. However, having in mind that indicative sampling may also be used
for an early indication of potentially non-compliant ballast water, and consequently to apply
appropriate management measures, one key problem remains, and this is that compliance or
non-compliance can in this scenario only be proven while the ballast water is being pumped
overboard. Should, e.g., a risk assessment result in the identification of high risk ballast water
to be discharged, the in-line sampling during discharge should be avoided, but in-tank
sampling should be undertaken to assess compliance.
To proof compliance with the D-2 standard, i.e., detailed sampling, which is a numerical
and biological discharge standard, the samples should be taken from the ballast water
discharge line as near to the point of discharge as practicable, during ballast water discharge
whenever possible. Although in-line sampling seems most appropriate to assess compliance
with a discharge standard, in case the ballast water originates from a high risk area, i.e. an
area with a known occurrence of target species, samples may be preferably taken from the
ballast tank prior discharge. This enables non-compliance actions before the water is pumped
into the recipient environment. The in-tank method may also be the only way to proof
compliance with the D-2 standard for tanks with direct discharges to sea.
In previous studies, which compared sequential samples with samples taken over the entire
discharge time of a ballast tank, the sequential trials, i.e., sampling over shorter sequences of
ca. 10 minutes each, showed different organism numbers in each sequence of one test
indicating the patchy organism distribution inside the ballast tank. This was observed during
all sampling events and for both organism groups studied. Hence, sampling during ballast
water discharge is biased by tank patchiness of organisms.
For the group of organisms greater than or equal to 50 micrometres in minimum
dimension the previously undertaken studies showed that samples taken over the entire
discharge time of a tank contained much lower living organism concentrations compared to
the living organism count in the sequences so that sequential sampling may deliver more
representative results.
It was further observed that sequential samples taken in the very beginning and end during a
ballast tank is emptied are unlikely to give representative results of the living organism
concentration because in these samples the organism count showed high variations, which
may result in under- or oversampling the real organism concentration. Even when avoiding
these time windows the concentration of living organism still seems to be patchy so that it is
Page - 2 -
recommended to take at least two sequential samples in this time window avoiding the very
beginning and end during a ballast tank is emptied. The mean value of the living organism
concentration in these two samples may be taken to assume the real organism concentration.
Comparative studies have shown that sequential samples of approximately 10 minutes
duration which delivers a sample volume of 300 – 500 litres are suitable for detailed in-line
D-2 standard compliance tests. It is recommended that the water is concentrated during the
sampling process so that the water volume a Port State Control (PSC) may need to transport to
a laboratory for subsequent analysis becomes a handy size. For this water concentration a
plankton net should be used which is placed in a bucket to the maximum level to ensure
organism save sampling (see below).
For the group of organisms less than 50 micrometres in minimum dimension and greater
than or equal to 10 micrometres in minimum dimension cell counts of sequential samples
in comparison to the samples taken over the entire time of a tank discharge showed similar or
lower living organism concentrations in the sequential samples, which is in contrast to the
larger organism results.
The comparison of the phytoplankton cell concentration between the different sequences of all
tests showed that no clear trend can be identified during which time window a more
representative sample will be taken. Therefore it is recommended to take at least two
sequential samples of 5 - 6 litres volume during the discharge of a ballast water tank with
avoiding taking a sample during the very beginning and end of the discharge time of a tank or
tanks. These samples should be taken over a 10 minute or less time interval, i.e., during
sampling for organisms greater than or equal to 50 micrometres in minimum dimension, as
continuous drip sample. The mean organism count in these two or more samples may be seen
as the real living organism concentration in the ballast water.
For indicator microbes, it is recommended to follow the same sampling approach as for the
organisms less than 50 micrometres in minimum dimension and greater than or equal to 10
micrometres in minimum dimension, but that the water volume to be sampled should be
approximately 1 litre. The sample can be also subsampled from the water sampled for the
organisms less than 50 micrometres in minimum dimension and greater than or equal to 10
micrometres in minimum dimension collected in a bucket.
Sampling equipment for D-1 and D-2 standards sampling is available and includes plankton
nets, water samplers, pumps, buckets, sampling bottles etc., which can be employed as per the
sampling point appropriateness and availability on board.
2.2 SAMPLING FOR SCIENTIFIC PURPOSE
The main goals of sampling for scientific purposes may include to:
Page - 3 -
to describe non-biological characteristics of ballast water, like chemical
parameters, pH values, oxygen content etc.
document the amount of living organisms arriving in vessels ballast water also as
an awareness campaign,
taxonomically identify organisms in ballast water that will be discharged in the port,
possibly to species level,
identify the presence of HAOP, and
compare the HAOP in the ballast water with the Port Baseline Survey (PBS) results.
Sampling for scientific purposes can be conducted in-tank or in-line (Gollasch et al. 2002,
David et al. 2007).
3 SAMPLING METHODS ACCORDING TO THE ACCESS
POINT
Sampling points may be divided into in-tank and in-line (at discharge) sampling points. In-
tank sampling points enable ballast water access directly from a tank either via ballast tank
manholes, sounding or air pipes. In-line sampling points are located in the ship´s pipe work
after the ships ballast water pumps.
For compliance monitoring with the D-1 standard in-tank or in-line samples may be taken to
either proof the presence of coastal biota or check the water salinity. This may be done by
using all possible access points including sounding pipe, manhole and the vessels main ballast
water line. However, the use of the latter is not recommended because a discharge to sea may
occur during sampling and in case of non-compliance the non-complaint water would enter
the recipient environment during the sampling event. As the D-1 standard is not a numerical
standard no quantitative biological sampling is needed, but a qualitative approach to
document the possible occurrence of coastal biota.
In contrast, for the D-2 standard, being a numerical and biological discharge standard, the
samples should be taken from the ballast water discharge line (but see below). Here, a
quantitative biological approach is needed as the numerical standard refers to living organisms
above 10 micrometres in minimum dimension no matter what type they are. For the indicator
microbes as stated in the D-2 standard a qualitative and quantitative approach is needed so
that the concentration of colony forming units (cfu) of certain indicator microbes becomes
known. Although in-line sampling seems most appropriate to assess the D-2 standard
compliance as a discharge standard, in case the ballast water originates from a high risk area,
i.e., an area with a known occurrence of target species, samples may be taken from the ballast
tank prior discharge. This enables non-compliance actions before the water was discharged
into the recipient environment. The in-tank approach is also advisable to proof
Page - 4 -
compliance with the D-2 standard for tanks which have direct discharge to sea, e.g., top-side
tanks on some bulk carriers.
3.1.1 IN-TANK SAMPLING ARRANGEMENTS ON VESSELS
There are no in-tank sampling points arranged on vessels. Ballast water may under certain
conditions be accessed via manholes, sounding pipes and air vents. The availability and
accessibility of these in-tank “sampling points” has shown to be critical.
The sampling point availability and accessibility are specific and dependent on ship type,
design, age, dimensions and current ship operations, e.g., cargo operations, restoration or
repair works. Three different general patterns were identified:
ships which do not carry cargo on the weather deck have easier access to sampling
points located on that deck. This is critical especially for the access to ballast tank
manholes;
larger vessels have generally more suitable and accessible sampling points, e.g., due to
more space to place and operate the sampling equipment, wider sounding pipes;
newer ships and those better maintained show easier sampling points access to the
ballast water because no or less rusty screws and nuts on manholes or venting pipes
need to be opened, no or less rust occurs inside sounding pipes etc.
Manholes are available on all ballast tanks. However, the experience from David & Perkovič
(2004) has shown that only 20% could be opened for sampling. Limitations observed
included very rusty screws and nuts (which would need to be cut-off to open the manhole
cover), some covers were cemented, or the manhole was covered by cargo. In other cases the
access was limited because of ongoing cargo operations (80%). Venting pipes are also
available on all ballast tanks and were mostly accessible, but most of their covers are fixed
with rusty nuts thereby limiting the access for sampling. The most and easiest accessible
sampling points on all inspected vessels were sounding pipes.
As a next step during this study the requirements (rules) of some members of the International
Association of Classification Societies, London (IACS) regarding the construction of
sounding pipes have been analysed. The minimum sounding pipe requirements include:
all ballast water tanks should have sounding pipes, which need to be as straight as
practicable,
sounding pipes should not be less than 32 mm of internal diameter, and
they must always be accessible (Lloyd’s Register of Shipping, 1996; Det Norske
Veritas, 2000; American Bureau of Shipping, 2001; Bureau Veritas,
2002; Germanischer Lloyd, 2002).
Page - 5 -
When analysing the sampling accessibility of ballast water through this sampling point, some
technical limitations were also identified. These are the pipe diameter and the water depth
level inside the tank from the sampling point on deck, i.e., head. David & Perkovič (2004)
also noticed that most sounding pipes have a welding under the cover, which narrows the
access into the pipe by a reduced pipe diameter. Sampling equipment such as plankton nets,
traps, buckets etc. cannot be used for sounding pipe ballast water sampling. Further, suction
pumps are practically excluded if the pumping head is more than 9 m. Therefore, sounding
pipe sampling at greater depths to double bottom tanks, e.g., some ships may have only
double bottom tanks, or ballast water may just be carried in double bottom tanks, will require
a well pump of smaller diameter to be lowered down the pipe.
Should a pump be used, this should have a capacity to pump up water from greater depths and
at the same time to cause no damage to organisms. Several pumps are available, but were not
specifically designed for shipboard ballast water sampling. Pumps which require power
supply impose a limiting factor especially for their use on board vessels that transport oil and
oil products or different dangerous cargoes. To overcome this limitation pumps driven by
compressed air may be used, which is already available on almost all ships.
The current sounding pipes design allows the water and associated sediment only to enter
from the bottom end of the pipe, which was also recognized as a possible factor impacting
representativeness of sounding pipe samples.
3.1.2 IN- LINE SAMPLING ARRANGEMENTS ON VESSELS
To be able to sample from a ballast water discharge line, appropriate permanent sampling
arrangements need to be setup on the tested vessel in an area with enough space to safely
conduct a sampling event. The permanently installed sampling arrangements would include:
sampling point installed in ballast water discharge line (see below);
isokinetic sampling facility (see below),
discharge point for the discharge of the sampled water installed in the ballast water
discharge line, and
hook or other installation that the plankton net can be hung ca. 100 cm directly over
the middle of the sampling bin, and
discharge pump to empty the sampling bin during sampling. The pump to pump out
the exciding water from the sampling bin after being filtered through the sampling net
should be of a capacity to withstand head pressure in the ballast discharge line. It is
also important to have a valve which allows for the regulation of the discharge flow
from the sampling bin to provide for an adequate level of water in the bin during
sampling, i.e., after achieving the adequate water level to have the sampling net sitting
in the water as much as possible a simultaneous discharge with the sampling water
flow needs to be established.
Page - 6 -
Equipment for the temporary use at the sampling point, but which should be stored on the
vessel include:
sampling bin used to place the net in water during sampling,
valve at the discharge point or pump to manipulate the water level in the sampling bin,
hoses to connect from the sampling point to the flow meter and plankton net as well as
from the sampling bin to the discharge point.
The sampling bin should be of big enough capacity that the plankton net can be placed into
the bin at best completely. Therefore a bin of ca. 100 cm height and approximately 50 cm
diameter is needed (see Figure 1 and Figure 2). A bin of this size allows enough space to have
the sampling net placed in the water in the bin when filtering ballast water so that it is
permanently submerged. This is very important to avoid the die-off or damages of filtered
organisms because they become exposed to different stresses during filtration.
The pump used for the discharge of sampled water should be of adequate capacity to enable
simultaneous sampling and discharge of sampled water from the bin.
Page - 7 -
~ 2-2.5 m
~ 1m
FLOW
METER
INFLOW
OUTFLOW
Figure 1 - Elements of a sampling arrangement for in-line sampling on a vessel.
Page - 8 -
Figure 2 - Sampling arrangement for in-line sampling on a vessel.
3.1.2.1 Sampling point
Vessels are of very different sizes, design and arrangements, mainly depending on their
purpose and age. Consequently, also ballast water systems are of very different capacities and
designs. The G2 Guidelines suggest the installation of an isokinetic sampling point/facility,
whose diameter is related to the diameter of the ballast discharge line where this is installed.
With this, a range of different sampling points would be expected on different vessels, posing
a real challenge to PSC to have adequate sampling equipment which can be connected to all
different sampling points. Actually, the water to be sampled goes from the sampling point
Page - 9 -
through a sampling flow meter to measure the sampled water quantity, and this would then
also need to be of the same size. This looks to be impractical.
Sampling experience for BWMS type approval samplings shows that most vessels have
installed 1 inch sampling points. A sampling point of 1 inch has shown to deliver enough flow
(between 45 and 90 litres/minute) for sampling purposes.
To enable sampling for compliance conducted by PSC, a vessel should have a sampling point
installed. The sampling point should have:
enough space to safely conduct a sampling event,
a sampling bin where water is collected and further pumped out,
a pump to pump out the exciding water after being filtered through the sampling net.
The G2 Guideline define the “Sampling Facilities” as the equipment installed to take the
sample and the “Sampling Point” as that place in the ballast water piping where the sample is
taken. This means that the sampling point is the part of the vessel’s main pipe where the
sampling facility is installed.
4 SAMPLING EQUIPMENT
Sampling equipment is meant to include all equipment a PSC officer or sampling team would
need to bring on board a vessel to conduct sampling for compliance. Sampling arrangements
include all arrangements which would need to be setup on vessels to enable sampling for
compliance monitoring.
4.1 IN-TANK SAMPLING EQUIPMENT
4.1.1 WATER COLUMN SAMPLER
The water column sampler is of dimensions that allow entering the ballast tanks through
sounding pipes, but it can be used also via manholes. While the water column sampler is
being lowered down the ballast water enters through the hole on the upper side of the sampler.
The water column sampler was designed to sample a water column. The sampler is lowered
down into a tank until the bottom is reached and then pulled back up. The water enters the
sampler through the top opening. The time to fill this sampler is approximately 30 seconds.
When lowering the water column sampler, water will be proportionally sampled from the
entire water column provided the sampler is lowered through the water column with a
constant speed. This may be achieved in approximately 30 seconds. A maximum of 0.25 l of
ballast water may be sampled per one pull with this water column sampler. To increase the
Page - 10 -
volume of water sampled multiple replicates may be applied. Smaller samplers can also be
used especially for CME purposes as new sample analysis instruments (e.g., PAM (Gollasch
et al. 2012) need a very low quantity of water to be processed. A water column sampler
example is given in Figure 3.
Figure 3 - Water column sampler.
4.1.2 WATER COLUMN SPOT AND BOTTOM SAMPLER
The water column spot and bottom sampler is of dimensions that allow entering the ballast
tanks through the sounding pipes, but it can be used also via manholes. The water column spot
and bottom sampler is lowered down the sounding pipe to the desired point of sampling and
then the samplers´ valve is opened by pulling the second rope which needs to be connected to
the valve. The water column spot and bottom sampler can be used also to sample
Page - 11 -
the ballast water and sediments at the bottom of the ballast tank. Fir this purpose the sampler
is simply lowered to the ballast tank bottom and the valve, when touching the bottom, opens
automatically.
Ballast water (and sediment from the bottom) enters this sampler through the valves’ bottom
opening. The time needed to fill-up the sampler is approximately 10 seconds and 0.2 l of
ballast water may be sampled per one pull. Multiple replicates will be used to increase the
volume of sampled water. Smaller sampler can also be used especially for CME purpose as
new analysis instruments (e.g., PAM) need very low quantity of water to be processed. An
example is given as Figure 4. Smaller samplers can also be used especially for CME purposes
as new sample analysis instruments (e.g., for PAM see
Figure 5; and for salinity measurement see Figure 6 and Figure 7) need a very low quantity of
water to be processed.
Figure 4 - Water column spot and bottom sampler used for sampling ballast water through the
sounding pipe.
Page - 12 -
Figure 5 – A PAM instrument for shipboard indicative measurements of the number of living
cells per millilitre.
Figure 6 – Measuring water salinity with a refractometer.
Page - 13 -
Figure 7 – Measuring water salinity with an electronic salinity meter.
4.1.3 HAND PUMP
The hand pump used in previous BWS studies is light-weight and of compact design. It is
approximately 30 cm long with a diameter of 5 cm. The hand pump may be used, without
priming with water, until a maximum pumping head of ca. 9 m. A hose should be used which
is prepared to resist under pressure (extra strong hose walls). The hose is lowered through a
manhole or sounding pipe to the desired depth and the water is pumped up into a bucket or
directly through a filtering device. The water should be filtered to enable the transport of
smaller volumes of water. An example is given as Figure 8.
Page - 14 -
Figure 8 - Hand pump used for ballast water sampling.
4.2 IN-LINE SAMPLING GEAR
4.2.1 PLANKTON NET FOR IN-LINE SAMPLING
For net tows through an opened ballast water tank a plankton net is to be used. The shape and
dimensions of such a net reduce the risk that the net becomes stuck inside the tank during
sampling, hence use of a smaller (about 40 cm opening and 100 cm length, or less) net is
recommended. As net mesh size it is recommended to use a mesh of 36 micrometres in the
square dimension, which results in a diagonal diameter of 50 micrometres, or smaller. This is
in line with G8 Guidelines (IMO 2008 b), i.e. If samples are concentrated for enumeration the
samples should be concentrated using a sieve no greater than 50 micrometres mesh in
diagonal dimension.
The plankton net should be equipped with a removable cod-end, preferably with filtering
panels so that the sample can be concentrated effectively. A valve at the bottom of the cod-
end eases the concentrated sample to be extracted. Should multiple samples be taken, it is
beneficial that the filtering sieve of the cod-end can be replaced so that no organisms become
Page - 15 -
stuck from one sample and could be erroneously added to another sample. An example is
given as Figure 9.
Figure 9 - The plankton net for in-line sampling with a removable cod-end.
4.2.2 FLOW METER
A calibrated flow meter should be used to enable an accurate reading of the water volume
filtered through the plankton net. A flow meter should show also the sampling flow rate (per
minute), which is important for appropriate sampling planning and setup. An example is
given as Figure 10.
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Figure 10 - Battery powered flow meter.
4.2.3 WASH BOTTLE
To clean the net and to drain all organisms caught in the cod-end an unbreakable wash bottle
may be used. This wash bottle may also be used when emptying the cod-end content, i.e.
concentrated sample, into an unbreakable sample bottle to ensure that all organisms caught
are transferred into the sample bottle. The net should be cleaned with the wash bottle from the
inside and outside. An example is given as Figure 11.
Page - 17 -
Figure 11 - Wash bottle used to drain all organisms from the net surface and those caught in
the cod-end.
4.2.4 BUCKET
A bucket of 10 litre capacity seems suitable for the sampling events. To avoid objects and
dust etc. to be blown in during the sampling event and also to ease transport of the sample a
bucket with a lid is preferred. Further, a volume scale on the bucket is helpful to allow
readings of the water volume collected. An example is given as Figure 12.
Page - 18 -
Figure 12 - 10 litre buckets with a volumetric scale.
5 VESSEL AND TANK SELECTION FOR BWS
Targeting vessels is a very demanding process and the best option is to cooperate with
maritime authorities and agents. If there would be no system to select vessels, the “critical”,
“high risk” vessels may be missed from sampling. Vessel may have ballast water to be
discharged from different sources and also with different uptake dates (holding time on
board). If possible, ballast water from all different sources might need to be tested. If this is
impossible or in terms of interest to have a result as soon as possible, possibly prior any
ballast water discharge, tank(s) to be sampled first should be selected based on a risk
assessment. This risk assessment will focus on the indification which ballast water may
contain potentially harmful species for the recipient port.
Starting points for vessel and tank selection:
Ballast Water Reporting Forms (BWRF) are needed to identify vessels for sampling;
need to know if any vessel has a Ballast Water Management System
(BWMS) installed onboard;
select only vessels that will be discharging ballast water in your port;
check the Ballast Water Discharge Assessment (BWDA) database information on
previous vessel calls to see the profile (sources, volumes, frequencies) of ballast water
discharges in your port;
consider Risk Assessment (RA) to support the vessel selection if information is
available.
Page - 19 -
Vessel selection priorities:
give priority to vessels that have BWMS installed;
select vessels from different source areas/ports (use the results from ballast
water discharge assessments and ballast water reporting);
give priority to a vessel that has ballast water from a different bioregion/area
(outside the Mediterranean, than from inside the Mediterranean Sea);
give priority to vessels sailing from areas/ports with more frequent discharges
and higher volumes of ballast water to be discharged.
RA principles:
data reliability;
compare the environmental compatibility of the ballast water source area with
the ballast water recipient area;
check the presence of HAOP in the ballast water donor area(s);
low risk is assessed when a very high environmental incompatibility occurs and when
no HAOP present in the ballast water donor area(s);
when no high environmental incompatibility occurs and HAOP are present in the
ballast water donor area(s), different levels of risk are triggered by different HAOP
profiles, e.g. human pathogens, target species, harmful algae.
Tank selection priorities:
use the same RA principles to select tanks as for vessel selection when ballast water
is from different sources/ports;
when more ballast tanks with the same level of risk/same ballast water origin,
give priority to those with shorter in-tank holding time;
pay attention to tanks to be discharged first;
for in-tank sampling, the ease of the sampling access point may be used as an
additional criterion to identify the tank to be sampled, considering also that ballast
water in some tanks may not be accessible at all.
There is a strong need to follow the selection criteria not to waste energy and resources, as
well as to cover the diversity of ballast water discharges in a port.
6 SAMPLING FOR CME
6.1 SAMPLING FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE D-1 STANDARD –
SALINITY CHECK
To prove that the ballast water was exchanged, salinity measurements of the ballast water may
verify if the water was exchanged according to the BWM Convention requirements. It is
suggested that in cases where the salinity is low, e.g., below 30 psu, it can be assumed that the
Page - 20 -
ballast water originates from coastal areas with freshwater influence so that it was not
exchanged with ocean water, i.e., outside 50 or 200 nautical miles from nearest land and at
water depths higher than 200 metres, because this water would have a higher salinity.
Consequently, this D-1 standard compliance control option would only deliver results when
the inspected vessel has loaded ballast in a lower salinity or freshwater port.
The D-1 standard requires that at least 95 percent of the water needs to be exchanged and
consequently up to 5 % of water may remain unexchanged. When a vessel has taken up
ballast water in a freshwater port (100% tank volume) and 95% are exchanged in mid ocean,
5% freshwater may have remained in the tank during the exchange process and will dilute the
exchanged ocean water salinity. As a consequence a false non-compliant indication may occur
because the remaining freshwater from the previous tank filling would be ignored.
The lowest seasonal averaged ocean salinity is ca. 30 psu (see Figure 13). Consequently,
should during a D-1 standard compliance control test the measured salinity of a mid-ocean
exchanged ballast tank be less than 30 psu, it is likely that the ballast water in this tank
originates from coastal areas with freshwater influence. Ballast water exchange resulting in
salinities less than 30 psu likely occurred less than 50 nautical miles from the nearest shore
with freshwater influence from nearby rivers or estuaries, as otherwise the salinity should be
higher. Such a low salinity measurement indicates that the ballast water was not exchanged as
required or not exchanged at all.
Figure 13 - Mean annual world´s ocean surface salinity (Source: http://www.ccpo.odu.edu).
Page - 21 -
This method is of limited or no use when the ballast water uptake was conducted in a high
salinity port, as the result it would anyway show salinity >30 psu. Hence, this method is to be
used in combination with checking the vessel log books to identify the ballast water donor
port salinity. Vessels usually record water gravity, which can be then translated in water
salinity in psu (see Reid 2006, annex 1).
6.1.1 IN-TANK D-1 STANDARD SAMPLING (SALINITY)
6.1.1.1 Selection of ballast water sampling methods for in-tank D-1 standard sampling
As suggested here, the in-tank D-1 standard compliance control sampling is limited to non-
biological analysis of the water. It is explained above that salinity seems to be a good
parameter for this analysis. Already a very small volume of water enables this measurement.
The water for salinity measurement may be collected by a water column sampler or pump.
Alternatively the sensor of a salinity meter may be lowered into the tank or sounding pipe to
enable a direct measurement.
However, measuring the salinity from ballast tanks is not as trivial as thought. Salinity
measurements via sounding pipes with separate readings in different heights documented that
the salinity was not homogenous over the length of the sounding pipe. The deeper the salinity
meter was lowered in the sounding pipe the higher the salinity was. This is a clear indication
that more than one sample may need to be taken to cover potentially varying salinities of
ballast water in the same tank. This may either be done by lowering the sampler to different
depths in a ballast tank to extract separate samples, by using a sampler which samples the
entire water column or by taking multiple salinity meter readings from different depths in a
sounding pipe.
The suggested sampling methods and equipment are outlined in Table 1. A detailed
description of the sampling equipment and sampling arrangements is provided in chapter 4.
Table 1 - Possible sampling access points, equipment and other details recommended for
compliance control sampling with the D-1 standard.
Sampling point
Equipment
Water volume
Number of samples
sounding pipe,
water column
> 50 ml
1 integrated sample
manhole or air vent
sampler or hand
from possibly the
pump
whole water column
sounding pipe,
water column spot
> 50 ml
1 integrated sample
manhole or air vent
and bottom sampler
from 3 different
or hand pump
depths
Page - 22 -
6.1.1.2 Description of sampling methods for in-tank D-1 standard sampling
In-tank D-1 standard sampling requires relatively small quantities of water to be sampled,
hence the easiest way may be to use simple water samplers, e.g., a water column sampler or
pump. Alternatively a salinity meter may be lowered to the desired water depth for measuring
the salinity.
6.1.1.2.1 Water column sampler
To obtain the integrated sample from the whole water column, the water column sampler is to
be lowered possibly to the bottom of the tank or to the deepest point accessible. When
lowering the water column sampler, water will start entering the sampler from the opening at
the top of the sampler. The water will be proportionally sampled from the entire water column
provided the sampler is lowered through the water column with a constant speed, and the time
used to lower the sampler from the surface water to the deepest point accessible of the tank is
the same as the time the sampler is filled with water. As a relatively low water volume is to be
sampled, i.e., >50ml, the water column sampler may need to be lowered down only once.
6.1.1.2.2 Water column spot and bottom sampler
To obtain three samples from different depths, the water column spot and bottom sampler is to
be lowered three times to different depths, i.e., the surface, somewhere in the middle of the
water column, and possibly close to the tank bottom or to the deepest point accessible. Each
time the valve is opened by pulling the rope connected to the valve at the bottom of the
sampler to make the water enter the sampler at a discrete depth. The valve is closed again
when the rope connected to the valve is relaxed, and then the sampler is pulled up. The three
samples from different depths are integrated, i.e., mixed together, and one salinity value is
measured. As relatively low water volume is to be sampled, i.e., >50ml, the water column
spot and bottom sampler may need to be lowered only once per desired depth, i.e., all together
three times.
6.1.1.2.3 Hand pump
A pump can be used to obtain an integrated sample from three different depths or from the
whole water column. The pump, or the suction side of the hose connected to the pump, is to
be lowered down to three desired depths, i.e., the surface, somewhere in the middle of the
water column, and possibly close to the tank bottom or to the deepest point accessible, and
from each depth water is to be pumped up. Alternatively, when lowering the pump or the
suction side of the hose connected to the pump, water is to be pumped up constantly from the
surface water to the deepest point accessible. The limiting factor to be considered is the
pumping head of the pump. As relatively low water volume is to be sampled, i.e., >50ml, only
a short pumping time is needed from each of the three desired depths or constantly during
lowering the pump to the deepest point accessible in the tank.
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6.1.2 IN- LINE D-1 STANDARD SAMPLING
6.1.2.1 Selection of ballast water sampling methods for in-line D-1 standard sampling
In-line ballast water sampling for the D-1 standard would be probably of very low probability
as vessels that do not have BWMS installed also do not have in-line sampling points.
Nevertheless, in case there would be a sampling point somewhere in the line, maybe also a tap
at the ballast pump, this could be the chosen approach, especially in case the discharge of
ballast water was already started and is ongoing.
However, having in mind that D-1 standard sampling may also be used to have an early
indication of potentially non-compliant ballast water, and consequently to apply appropriate
management measures, one key problem remains, and this is that compliance or non-
compliance can in this scenario only be proven while the ballast water is being pumped
overboard. Should, e.g., a risk assessment result in the identification of high risk ballast water
to be discharged the in-line sampling during discharge should be avoided, but in-tank
sampling should be undertaken to assess compliance.
The suggested sampling method and equipment is outlined in Table 2. A detailed description
of the sampling equipment and sampling arrangements is provided in chapter 4.
Table 2 - In-line sampling equipment and other details recommended for compliance control
sampling with the D-1 standard.
Sampling point
Equipment
Water volume
Number of samples
In-line
Sampling jar
> 50 ml
1 sample as soon as
possible during the
discharge, followed
by more samples in
sequences of
approx. 10 min. to
identify any
difference*
*It is important to take the sample as soon as possible to prevent possible discharges of non-
compliant water and more samples may be taken with approx. 10 min delay to identify if the
salinity is changing throughout the time of ballast water discharge.
Page - 24 -
6.1.2.2 Description of sampling methods for in-line D-1 standard sampling
A small sample jar is sufficient (see Figure 14). Should a conductivity meter be used, it is
recommended to use jars with a wider opening that the conductivity sensor can be inserted to
the sample right away.
Figure 14 – Sampling for D-1 at an in-line sampling point.
6.2 SAMPLING FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE D-2 STANDARD
Compliance control with the D-2.1 standard is solely quantitative, thereby ignoring the type of
organisms with the exception of selected indicator microbes (D-2.2). It is the numbers of
living organisms per size class to document (non-)compliance. As the BWM Convention in
Regulation D-2 reads "…Ships conducting Ballast Water Management in accordance with this
regulation shall discharge less than 10 viable organisms per m³ …" the D-2 standard is
understood as discharge standard, what indicates that the most suitable sampling point to
proof D-2 standard compliance is the discharge line of the vessels ballast water system as also
recommended in the G2 Guidelines, i.e., samples should be taken from the discharge line, as
near to the point of discharge as practicable, during ballast water discharge whenever
possible.
Page - 25 -
However, in-tank sampling should also be considered as a valid option because some vessels,
e.g., some bulk carriers and tankers, may have upper side wing tanks that are emptied via
direct overboard discharge valves rather than by using ballast pumps (Figure 15). In such
cases, the G2 Guidelines indicate that in-tank sampling may be an appropriate approach.
Figure 15 - Ballast water discharge above pier level from the upper wing tanks of a bulk
carrier (Jure Barovic, with courtesy of the Port of Koper, services for protection of the sea).
Compliance tests for the D-2 standard can only be made by sampling for the biological
content of the ballast water.
6.3 INDICATIVE SAMPLING
The indicative sample analysis is described in the Ballast Water Sampling Guideline G2. The
paragraph 6.3 reads: Prior to testing for compliance with the D-2 standard, it is recommended
that, as a first step, an indicative analysis of ballast water discharge may be undertaken to
establish whether a ship is potentially compliant or non-compliant. Such a test could help the
Party identify immediate mitigation measures, within their existing powers, to avoid any
additional impact from a possible non-compliant ballast water discharge from the ship.
Page - 26 -
For ballast water sample analyses, certainly, as a very first step, a sampling event needs to be
conducted. However, the G2 Guidelines do not address explicitly how an indicative sampling
event would need to be undertaken. Implicitly, an indicative analyses could be performed on a
sample, or part of it, taken during the detailed D-2 standard compliance control sampling
process, or just on any stand-alone sample.
One important point is that an indicative sampling event may be targeted towards only one
group of organisms, i.e., organisms less than 50 micrometres in minimum dimension and
greater than or equal to 10 micrometres in minimum dimension or organisms greater than or
equal to 50 micrometres in minimum dimension or indicator microbes included in the D-2
standard. The results from each of these organism groups alone may already give an
indication that a BWMS is not performing properly. From the author’s experience of on-board
sampling for type approval of BWMS, it is likely that, indicator microbes and organisms less
than 50 micrometres in minimum dimension and greater than or equal to 10 micrometres in
minimum dimension meet the D-2 standard, however organisms greater than or equal to 50
micrometres in minimum dimension may be found in too high concentrations and exceed the
acceptable organism numbers in the D-2 standard.
Different groups of organisms in general require different sampling approaches. In general
organisms greater than or equal to 50 micrometres in minimum dimension require larger
water quantities to be sampled to collect them compared to when focussing on organisms less
than 50 micrometres in minimum dimension and greater than or equal to 10 micrometres in
minimum dimension. This is because there are relatively lower concentrations of organisms
greater than or equal to 50 micrometres in minimum dimension in the water as for organisms
less than 50 micrometres in minimum dimension and greater than or equal to 10 micrometres
in minimum dimension. Consequently, indicative sampling methods may be very different for
each organism group, and may differ in, e.g., sampling duration, timing, volume, and at which
sampling point it should be taken.
At present, the only fast instruments to be used for indicative analysis that are fast and can be
easy also brought onboard a vessel are based on phytoplankton, i.e., group of organisms less
than 50 micrometres in minimum dimension and greater than or equal to 10 micrometres in
minimum dimension. With this, only small quantity of sampled water is needed when the
focus of indicative test is to have an indication on compliance as soon as possible.
Without a known history of the performance of a certain BWMS it is very difficult to predict
in advance which group of organisms to sample for to identify possible non-compliance with
the D-2 standard. This would require a risk assessment to be conducted in advance. Therefore,
it would be most effective to use a sampling method enabling analyses on all organism groups.
This would also enable a step-by-step process, where one analysis method for one organism
group may be applied first, and in cases this shows some indication or even does not give an
Page - 27 -
indication of non-compliance, the second organism group may be tested for with another
sample analysis method.
Another issue to consider is the consequences which may arise from an indicative analysis.
Does an indicative result trigger the need for further tests, i.e. a detailed D-2 standard
compliance test? or Should a vessel be banned from discharging ballast water solely based on
the indicative result? Based upon paragraph 6.3 of the G2 Guidelines, it is understood that an
indicative analysis was included in the G2 Guidelines to give a Party an opportunity to
identify potential non-compliant ballast water in an early stage, i.e., as the detailed
compliance test is expected to show results only after all ballast water was already discharged,
to avoid any additional impact from a possibly non-compliant discharge from a ship.
With this two basic principles are to be considered when deciding for an indicative
test: Principle 1: Prevent possible non-compliant discharge:
Only one group of organisms referred to in the D-2 standard is enough to
indicate/identify non-compliance,
For phytoplankton indicative analysis tools (PAM based) are practical for on board
use and need low water quantity,
Zooplankton samples may be concentrated on board and brought to a laboratory
for fast analysis,
For now there is no sufficient indicative analysis tool for bacteria which shows cfu.
Principle 2: Indicative test may be followed by a detailed test:
- Possibly sample as it would be the first of the detailed test (include all groups of organisms).
Principle 2 should not be used when ballast water discharge is of high risk.
6.3.1 IN-TANK INDICATIVE SAMPLING (PRINCILPE 1)
6.3.1.1 Selection of ballast water sampling methods for indicative in-tank sampling
The suggested sampling methods and equipment are outlined in Table 3. A detailed
description of the sampling equipment and sampling arrangements is given in chapter 4.
Page - 28 -
Table 3 - Possible sampling access points, equipment and other details recommended for
indicative compliance control in-tank sampling with the D-2 standard.
Organism
Sampling point
Equipment
Water volume
Number
of
group
samples
< 50 and ≥ 10
sounding pipe,
water column
> 50ml
1 integrated
micrometres
manhole or air
sampler or hand
sample from
vent
pump
possibly the
whole water
column or from 3
different depths
sounding pipe,
water column
> 50ml
1 integrated
manhole or air
spot and bottom
sample from 3
vent
sampler or hand
different depths
pump
6.3.1.2 Description of sampling methods for in-tank indicative sampling
For the organisms less than 50 micrometres in minimum dimension and greater than or equal
to 10 micrometres in minimum dimension, and for indicator microbes only small quantities
need to be sampled, hence water samplers may be used.
6.3.1.2.1 Water Column Sampler
To obtain the integrated sample from whole water column, the water column sampler is to be
lowered possibly to the bottom of the tank or to the deepest point accessible. When lowering
the water column sampler, water will start entering the sampler from the opening at the top of
the sampler. The water will be proportionally sampled from the entire water column provided
the sampler is lowered through the water column with a constant speed, and the time used to
lower the sampler from the surface water to the deepest point accessible of the tank is the
same as the time the sampler is filled with water. As relatively low water volume is to be
sampled, i.e., >50ml, the water column sampler may need to be lowered down only once.
6.3.1.2.2 Water Column Spot and Bottom Sampler
To obtain 3 samples from different depths, the water column spot and bottom sampler is to be
lowered 3 times to desired depths, i.e., the surface, somewhere in the middle of the column,
and possibly close to the tank bottom or to the deepest point accessible. Each time the valve is
opened by pulling the rope connected to the valve at the bottom of the sampler to make the
water enter the sampler. The valve is closed again when the rope connected to the valve is
relaxed, and then the sampler is pulled up. The 3 samples are integrated (mixed together) and
Page - 29 -
one salinity value is measured. As relatively low water volume is to be sampled, i.e., <50ml,
the water column spot and bottom sampler may need to be lowered only once per desired
depth, i.e., all together 3 times.
6.3.1.2.3 Hand pump
A pump with a flexible hose could be used in case when samplers could not be used to sample
water via sounding pipe, e.g., when the sounding pipe is bended. A pump can be used to
obtain an integrated sample from 3 different depths or from the whole water column. A
pump/hose is to be lowered down to 3 desired depths, i.e., the surface, somewhere in the
middle of the water column, and possibly close to the tank bottom or to the deepest point
accessible, and from each depth water is pumped up. Alternatively, when lowering the
pump/hose, water is to be pumped out constantly from the surface to the deepest point
accessible. The limiting factor to be considered is the pumping head. As a relatively low water
volume is to be sampled, i.e., >50ml, only short pumping time is needed from each of the 3
desired depths or constantly during lowering the pump/hose to the deepest point accessible in
the tank.
6.3.2 IN- LINE INDICATIVE SAMPLING (PRINCIPLE 2)
6.3.2.1 Selection of ballast water sampling methods for indicative in-line sampling
Considering all the above and especially that the in-line sampling test may develop also into a
detailed D-2 standard compliance test, it is recommended that for an in-line indicative
ballast water sampling event, one sequential sample is taken using the same sampling
methodology as for a detailed D-2 standard compliance test (see 6.4.2 and 6.4.3).
To take one sequential sample a relatively short sampling time is sufficient and the sample
analysis may be conducted with a variety of different methods. The results obtained in this
way can also represent very solid grounds for different actions which PSC may have available
in case non-compliance is indicated. These include:
the requirement that more tests are needed and to proceed to a detailed compliance
D-2 standard test,
sending the vessel to a designated ballast water discharge area,
to require ballast water discharge in a port reception facility, or even
to ban the vessel from further ballast water discharge.
The decision to take would be depending on the sampling result obtained. For instance, if the
organism concentration identified is just above the D-2 standard, this would indicate possibly
that further tests are required. In contrast, should the organism concentration be much higher
than the D-2 standard, i.e., in gross exceedence dimension, a vessel may be banned from
Page - 30 -
continuing the ballast water discharge, may be sent to a designated ballast water discharge
area, may be asked to, if possible, only conduct tank-to-tank ballast water operations or
required to discharge ballast water into a port reception facility.
The suggested methods and equipment are outlined in Table 4. A detailed description of the
sampling equipment and sampling arrangements is given in chapter 4.
Table 4 - Possible sampling access points, equipment and other details recommended for
indicative in-line compliance control sampling with the D-2 standard.
Organism
Sampling point
Equipment
Water volume
Number
of
group
[litre]
samples
≥ 50
in-line
plankton net
300 – 500 in
1 sequential
micrometres
each sequence
sample of ca. 10
minute duration,
avoiding the very
beginning and
very end of the
tank discharge
event
< 50 and ≥ 10
in-line
sampling jar,
5 – 6
1 continuous drip
micrometres
bucket
sequential
sample, may be
simultaneously
collected during
sampling of
organism group
≥ 50
micrometres
Indicator
in-line
sampling jar,
1
1 continuous drip
microbes
bottle
sequential
sample, may be
sub-sampled
from the bucket
6.3.2.2 Description of sampling methods for indicative in-line sampling
It is recommended that for an in-line indicative ballast water sampling event, one sequential
sample is taken using the same sampling methodology as for a detailed D-2 standard
compliance test (see 6.4.2 and 6.4.3).
Page - 31 -
6.4 DETAILED SAMPLING FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE D-2
STANDARD
6.4.1 IN-TANK D-2 SAMPLING
As D-2 is a discharge standard, in-tank sampling for this purpose is of limited value. However,
should an in-tank sample reveal very high organism numbers, non-compliance may be
assumed also when the water is discharged. To illustrate this, should a sample from the tank
contain 1000 living organisms and the tank capacity is 100 tons, the living organism
concentration would exceed the D-2 standard when the water is discharged.
6.4.2 IN- LINE D-2 STANDARD SAMPLING
6.4.2.1 Selection of sampling equipment and methods for in-line D-2 standard sampling
Previous studies have shown that different approaches, i.e., short/long sampling times, in the
sampling process result in different living organism concentrations (Gollasch & David 2009,
2010, 2011, 2013, David & Gollasch 2011, David 2013). Therefore the selection of an
inappropriate sampling approach will influence the compliance control result. As a
consequence the living organism concentrations in the ballast water discharge may be
underestimated, so that an inefficient BWMS could be recognised as compliant. In contrast,
living organism concentrations may be also overestimated, and a BWMS complying with the
D-2 standard may fail in compliance tests.
The sequential sampling trials in previous studies showed different organism numbers in each
sequence of one test indicating the patchy organism distribution inside the ballast tank. This
was observed during all sampling events and for both organism groups studied. Hence,
sampling during ballast water discharge is biased by tank patchiness of organisms.
In the group of organisms greater than or equal to 50 micrometres in minimum dimension the
previously undertaken studies showed that samples taken over the entire discharge time of a
tank contained much lower living organism concentrations compared to the living organism
count in the sequences so that sequential sampling may deliver more representative results.
Comparative studies have shown that sequential samples of approximately 10 minutes
duration are suitable for in-line D-2 standard compliance tests. In most tests the highest
zooplankton count occurred in the last sequence so that sampling at this time may “over
sample” the organism concentration. It was further observed that sequential samples taken in
the very beginning and end during a ballast tank is emptied are unlikely to give representative
results of the living organism concentration because in these samples the organism count
showed high variations, which may result in under- or oversampling the organism
concentration. Even when avoiding these time windows the concentration of living organism
still seems to be patchy so that it is recommended to take at least two sequential samples in
Page - 32 -
this time window. The mean value of the living organism concentration in these two samples
may be taken to assume the real organism concentration.
In the group of organisms less than 50 micrometres in minimum dimension and greater than
or equal to 10 micrometres in minimum dimension cell counts of sequences in comparison to
the samples taken over the entire time of a tank discharge showed lower living organism
concentrations in sequential samples, which is in contrast to the zooplankton results. The
comparison of the phytoplankton cell concentration between the different sequences of all
tests showed that no clear trend can be identified during which time window a more
representative sample will be taken. Therefore it is recommended to take at least two
sequential samples during the discharge of a ballast water tank with avoiding taking a sample
during the very beginning and end of the discharge time of a tank or tanks. The mean
organism count in these two or more samples may be seen as the real living organism
concentration in the ballast water.
The suggested methods and equipment are outlined in Table 5. A detailed description of the
sampling equipment and sampling arrangements are given in chapter 4.
Table 5 - Possible sampling access points, equipment and other details recommended for
in-line compliance control sampling with the D-2 standard.
Organism
sampling point
equipment
Water volume
Number
of
group
[litre]
samples
≥ 50
in-line
plankton net
300 – 500 in
2 (or more)
micrometres
each sequence
sequential
samples of ca. 10
minute duration
each, avoiding
the very
beginning and
very end of the
tank discharge
event
< 50 and ≥ 10
in-line
sampling jar,
5 – 6 in each
2 (or more)
micrometres
bucket
sequence
continuous drip
sequential
samples
collected at the
same time as for
organism group
≥ 50
micrometres
Indicator
in-line
sampling jar,
1 in each
2 (or more)
Page - 33 -
Organism
sampling point
equipment
Water volume
Number
of
group
[litre]
samples
microbes
bottle
sequence
continuous drip
sequential
samples sub-
sampled from the
bucket
6.4.3 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A BALLAST WATER SAMPLING PROTOCOL THAT
IS REPRESENTATIVE OF THE WHOLE DISCHARGE
6.4.3.1 Samples representativeness
The results from previous ballast water sampling studies have shown that different approaches
in the sampling process have an influence on the results regarding organism concentrations
(Gollasch & David 2009, 2010, 2013). The organisms are potentially affected, so that the
selection of the “wrong” sampling approach may influence the compliance control sampling
result. As a consequence, the organism concentrations in the ballast water discharge may be
underestimated, and a not well performing BWMS could falsely become recognised as
compliant. In contrast organism concentrations may be overestimated so that and a BWMS
which complies with the D-2 standard may fail the compliance test.
A certain level of pragmatism is required during on-board ballast water compliance control
sampling as the work is not undertaken under controlled laboratory conditions. This is
especially relevant when sampling for organisms greater than or equal to 50 micrometres in
minimum dimension. All attempts should be made to avoid negative impacts of organism
survival during the sampling process. PSC are unlikely to have larger water collecting tanks,
e.g., >500 litres, available during the sampling event and will therefore probably need to work
with nets to concentrate the sample during the sampling procedure. The G2 Guidelines also
addresses these aspects: sampling should be undertaken in a safe and practical manner; and
samples should be concentrated to a manageable size.
It was previously observed that the sampling duration (i.e., length of the sampling process),
the timing (i.e., the point in time of the ballast water discharge during which the sampling is
conducted), the number of samples and the water quantity sampled are the main factors to
influence organism concentration results (Gollasch & David 2009, 2010, 2013).
6.4.3.1.1 Recommended sampling duration
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It was shown that the organisms greater than or equal to 50 micrometres in minimum
dimension are negatively affected by longer sampling times. Considering that the results also
showed that a shorter sampling time results in a representative sample, the recommended
sampling time of a sequential sample is approximately 10 minutes. Longer sampling times
are likely to result in an underestimation of the viable organism concentration in the ballast
water discharged, especially for organisms greater than or equal to 50 micrometres in
minimum dimension.
6.4.3.1.2 Recommended sampling timing
Organism concentrations are likely to vary considerably if the sampling event is conducted at
the very beginning or at the very end of the ballast water discharge process (or tank) because
at these times the patchy organism distribution inside ballast water tanks was the greatest.
Therefore, it is not recommended to take a sample at the first 5 minutes or at the last 5
minutes of the ballast water discharge. An underestimation or an overestimation of organism
concentrations may have to be expected. It is therefore recommended that the sampling is
conducted in random sequences of approximately 10 minutes duration anytime in the
middle of the ballast water discharge from a tank or tanks, starting not before 5 minutes
from the start of discharge and ending not after 5 minutes before the end of the
discharge.
6.4.3.1.3 Recommended number of samples
It was previously documented that the organism concentration of all organism groups in the
D-2 standard varies due to the patchy distribution inside the ballast water tanks. Due to this
variation a single 10 minute sequential sample may underestimate or overestimate the
organism concentration discharged. It was also observed that the average organism
concentrations of 2 random sequential samples provide very similar results to the average of 3
random samples. In consequence it is recommended that sampling is carried out by
undertaking at least 2 random samples, and that the samples are analysed immediately after
each sampling event has ended. For the final result the determined organism concentration
of the sequences sampled are averaged.
6.4.3.1.4 Recommended sampled quantity
In earlier studies (Gollasch & David 2009, 2010, 2013) sequential sampling was conducted
over different time periods of the sequences, i.e., 5, 10 and 15 minutes, with the water flow
rate averages ranging from 30 to 50 litres per minute. To obtain most representative results,
and in-line with findings of these studies, it is recommended that:
for the organisms greater than or equal to 50 micrometres in minimum dimension
between 300 and 500 litres should be filtered and concentrated;
for the organisms less than 50 micrometres in minimum dimension and greater
than or equal to 10 micrometres in minimum dimension a "continuous drip"
Page - 35 -
sample with a total volume of not less than 5 litres should be taken, e.g., collection of
about 0.5 litres of sample water every minute during the entire sequential sampling
time duration; alternatively 0.5 litres of sample water may be collected every 30 to 45
litres of the ballast water sampled, depending on the flow rate. The resulting 5 litres of
collected sample water should be mixed and sub-sampled in two sets, one set of
samples alive and another preserved. As sub-sample volume approximately 60 to 100
ml are recommended;
for indicator microbes samples, a sample of approximately 1 litre should be
collected as a sub-sample after mixing from the 5 litre continuous drip sample.
6.4.3.1.5 Other recommendations
It was further assumed that the sampling flow rates may have an additional influence on the
concentration results of viable organisms. In case lower flow rates are obtained by partially
closing valves of the sampling line this may result in sheer forces which likely will damage
organisms during the sampling process. A similar negative effect may be caused by very
strong flow rates, which is affecting mainly the organisms greater than or equal to 50
micrometres in minimum dimension. Hence, the flow rate or “valve” effect, may cause an
underestimation of viable organisms as organisms may have died during the sampling process.
To avoid this negative effect it is recommended that the valve at the sampling point is opened
as much as possible. However it should not exceed the flow rate of 50 litres/min so that the
water pressure in the sampling net is not too high during sample concentration as this may
negatively affect organism survival.
6.4.4 SAMPLING LOGISTICS FEASIBILITY
It is well known that vessels of different types, sizes and cargo profiles trigger very different
ballast water discharge patterns. The ballast water discharge may be carried out as a one time
event “at once” or over longer time durations “in sequences”. These may last from
approximately one hour, e.g., a fast discharge of two tanks in parallel on a container vessels to
longer discharge durations which may stretch up to several days depending on the length of
the cargo operation. This may be the case on tankers, bulk carriers and sometimes general
cargo vessels which load cargo during several days. Hence the ballast water operation is
frequently conducted in sequence over the time of cargo operation.
This factor is important to be taken into account as it is difficult to assume that a PSC officer
and/or sampling team member would stay on board the vessel for longer time periods or even
several days.
In conclusion, for representative sampling, it seems realistic that at least 2 random sequential
samples are taken. In contrast, sampling over the entire time of the ballast water discharge
would be very difficult especially in cases where a long sampling time is required, e.g., more
Page - 36 -
than 2 hours, up to several days. Another aspect is night time sampling, i.e., cargo operations
are regularly conducted also in night shifts, but PSC officers and/or sampling team and/or
laboratory for analyses may only be available at day shifts.
Another challenge may become the need to obtain a representative sample of the whole
discharge of a vessel, when the vessel will be discharging ballast water from more than one
ballast water origin. For such cases it is recommended, if possible, that at least one
sequential sample per ballast water uptake source is taken. If a single tank was filled from
multiple sources this does not trigger the necessity for two or more samples.
7 SAMPLING FOR SCIENTIFIC PURPOSE
The main goals are to document the variety and numbers of living organisms arriving with
ballast water (also as an awareness campaign), taxonomically identify organisms in ballast
water that will be discharged in the port, possibly to species level, to identify HAOP and to
compare the HAOP in the ballast water with the Port Baseline Survey (PBS) results. BWS
may include to describe non-biological characteristics of ballast water, like chemical
parameters, pH values, oxygen content etc.,
7.1.1.1 Selection of ballast water sampling methods for in-tank sampling for scientific
purposes
The suggested sampling methods and equipment are outlined in Table 6. A detailed
description of the sampling equipment and sampling arrangements is given in chapter 4.
Table 6 - Possible sampling access points, equipment and other details recommended for in-
tank sampling for scientific purposes.
Organism
Water volume
Number of
group
Sampling Point
Equipment
(l)
samples
larger
sounding pipe,
hand pump
100 litre
1 integrated
organisms,
manhole or air
concentrated on
sample from
mainly
vent
board to 1 liter
possibly the
zooplankton
through plankton
whole water
net (0,5 liter
column or
living, 0,5 liter
from 3
preserved with
different
Ethanol)
depths
Page - 37 -
Organism
Water volume
Number of
group
Sampling Point
Equipment
(l)
samples
larger
manhole
plankton net
300 - 500 (or
1 integrated
organisms,
more),
sample from
mainly
concentrated on
possibly the
zooplankton
board to 1 liter
whole water
column
smaller
sounding pipe,
pump or water
1 (0,5 liter living,
1 integrated
organisms,
manhole or air
column samplers
0,5 liter
sample from
mainly
vent
preserved with
possibly the
phytoplankton
Lugol solution)
whole water
column or
from 3
different
depths
smaller
sounding pipe,
pump or water
1 (0,5 liter living,
1 integrated
organisms,
manhole or air
column spot and
0,5 liter
sample from
mainly
vent
bottom sampler
preserved with
3 different
phytoplankton
Lugol solution)
depths
indicator
sounding pipe,
pump or water
0,5 - 1
1 integrated
microbes
manhole or air
column sampler
(depending on
sample from
vent
analysis method)
possibly the
whole water
column
indicator
sounding pipe,
pump or water
0,5 - 1
1 integrated
microbes
manhole or air
column spot and
(depending on
sample from
vent
bottom sampler
analysis method)
3 different
depths
7.1.1.2 Description of sampling methods for in-tank sampling for scientific purposes
A hand pump can be used to pump up and filter 100 litres of ballast water for zooplankton
analysis. For phytoplankton an un-concentrated sample can be separated from the flow after
the hand pump before the filer as a multiple sequential (continuous drip) sample during entire
pumping time. The same way a sample can be separated for indicator microbes, if needed.
7.1.1.2.1 Hand pump
A pump can be used to obtain an integrated sample from 3 different depths or from the whole
water column. A pump is to be lowered down to 3 desired depths, i.e., the surface, somewhere
in the middle of the water column, and possibly close to the tank bottom or to the deepest
point accessible, and from each depth water is to be pumped out. Alternatively, when
Page - 38 -
lowering the pump, water is to be pumped out constantly from the surface water to the
deepest point accessible. The limiting factor to be considered is pumping head.
As relatively high water volume is to be sampled, i.e., 100 litres, the sample need to be filtered to
prepare a sample that can be carried to the lab. The plankton net can be used for filtering the
sample. Important is to measure correctly the volume of filtered water, which can be done by
filling the water in one bucket with known volume (bucket of ~10 litres) and then pouring this
water through the net into the second bucket. The count of buckets emptied into the net gives the
water volume filtered. It is very important that the net where organisms are filtered is sitting all
the time in the water not to damage/kill the organisms. Therefore a second bucket is needed where
the net is placed in water during the filling time of the other bucket.
Very important is also to talk to the responsible crew if this sampling approach can be done
on the deck, or where it can be done otherwise, as the overflowing water may wash some dirt
from the deck into the sea.
7.1.1.2.2 Plankton net for in-tank sampling
If available, a plankton net (see Figure 16) can also be used for sampling of 300-500 litres for
zooplankton analysis. The net is lowered to the maximum possible level in the tank, and is
after a minute waiting time retrieved with an approximate speed of 0.5 m per second. The
cod-end is emptied into a sample bottle and the process repeated to meet the desired water
volume.
Page - 39 -
Figure 16 - Plankton net with cone-shaped opening for in-tank sampling. Other nets may be
used, see above.
7.1.1.2.3 Water-Column Sampler
To obtain the integrated sample from the whole water column, the water column sampler is to
be lowered possibly to the bottom of the tank or to the deepest point accessible. When
lowering the water column sampler, water will start entering the sampler from the opening at
the top of the sampler. The water will be proportionally sampled from the entire water column
provided the sampler is lowered through the water column with a constant speed, and the time
used to lower the sampler from the surface water to the deepest point accessible of the tank is
the same as the time the sampler is filled with water. This process is repeated until the desired
sample volume is met.
Page - 40 -
7.1.1.2.4 Point-Source Sampler
To obtain 3 samples from different depths, the point-source sampler is lowered 3 times to
desired depths, i.e., the surface, somewhere in the middle of the column, and possibly close to
the tank bottom or to the deepest point accessible. Each time the valve is opened by pulling
the rope connected to the valve at the bottom of the sampler to make the water enter the
sampler. The valve is closed again when the rope connected to the valve is relaxed, and then
the sampler is pulled up. The 3 samples may be integrated (mixed together) or kept separate
to possibly identify the difference in organism concentrations in different sampling depths.
7.1.1.3 Selection of ballast water sampling methods for scientific purposes for in-line
sampling
If there would be a possibility to use an inline sampling point on a vessel with a BWMS
installed, sampling at this point would be conducted in the same way as for the sampling for
the D-2 standard (see 6.4.2).
Sample for organisms greater than or equal to 50 micrometres in minimum dimension (the
one filtered through the plankton net) would be first processed (counts of viable organisms),
and then preserved for organisms identification.
For organisms less than 50 micrometres in minimum dimension and greater than or equal to
10 micrometres in minimum dimension an additional 1 litre sample would be subsampled
from the 5-6 litres continuous drip sample in the bucket, i.e., 0.5 liter living, 0.5 litre
preserved with Lugol solution.
Indicator microbes would be processed as described for the D-2 standard . In case of interest
to process samples for other bacteria or human pathogens, additional samples could be
subsampled from the 5-6 litres continuous drip sample in the bucket. Subsampling for
indicator microbes/bacteria/human pathogens (i.e., separation of the sample to a 1 litre bottle)
needs to be conducted first before any other processing to avoid any contamination of the
sample.
8 SAMPLES HANDLING
As stated in the G2 Guidelines, samples should be transported, handled and stored with the
consideration of a chain of custody procedure.
Tape should be used to seal the sample lid to the sample bottle to avoid water leakage. It
may further be considered to use leak-proof sample bottles.
Page - 41 -
8.1 SAMPLES LABELLING
Each sample needs to be clearly labelled and the label secured that it cannot fell off. The G2
Guidelines recommend that each sample container should be labelled by, e.g., using a
waterproof permanent marker and additional paper which may be deposited inside the sample
container.
It is recommended that the sample bottle is labelled, i.e., not the lid. This is because in cases
where more than one bottle is opened in the laboratory at the same time that the samples are
not confused.
The information recorded should include but not be limited to the date, ship name, sample
identification code, tank numbers and preservative(s) if used. Should the sample be
concentrated the original volume should be added to the label. This seems to be
comprehensive information to be written on a sample bottle and it is recommended that each
sample will clearly be numbered and essential information be written on the sample bottle.
Thereafter, additional information should be recorded on paper as a sample collection data
form (see G2 Guidelines) and the form and sample bottle be stored together in a sealed plastic
bag.
8.2 SAMPLES TRANSPORT
All samples should be transported in (Styrofoam) cooling boxes with several cooling elements.
Once the samples reached the lab, they should be stored at best in the dark at a comparable
temperature as the ballast water showed during sampling. The samples should be analysed as soon
as possible, but no later than 6 hours after sampling to avoid a die off of organisms.
Organisms greater than or equal to 50 micrometres in minimum dimension:
The organisms sampled in the cod-end of the plankton net should be emptied into a
sample bottle, but not be concentrated below 1 l of water to enable appropriate sample
transport.
After sampling the sample needs to be transferred into the cooling box as soon as
possible and the lid placed back on the cooling box to avoid light penetration or
heating up.
Organisms less than 50 micrometres in minimum dimension and greater than or equal to 10
micrometres in minimum dimension:
The sample should not be concentrated. Three subsamples should be taken of not less
than 100 ml to enable appropriate sample transport.
Page - 42 -
After sampling the sample needs to be transferred into the cooling box as soon as
possible and the lid placed back on the cooling box to avoid light penetration or
heating up.
Indicator microbes
The water should not be concentrated. Three subsamples should be taken of not less
than 1 l to enable appropriate sample transport.
The 1 l sample taken should after sampling be transferred into the cooling box as soon
as possible and the lid placed back on the cooling box to avoid light penetration or
heating up.
8.3 CHAIN OF CUSTODY
A sample transfer protocol should be completed and signed as a chain-of-custody procedure.
As stated in the G2 Guidelines, the sample collection data form and chain of custody record
should be kept with each individual sample.
The G2 Guidelines further recommends that the following should be recorded in the chain of
custody:
- Information to contain a complete record of the persons handling the sample from the
time of the sampling onwards.
- Date, ship identification, sample identification code, and a list of people who have
handled the sample, including the person who takes the sample, dates and time,
and the reason for sample transfer and the integrity of the sample on transfer.
9 CONCLUSIONS
BWS may be conducted for different aims: to assess the biology and chemistry of ballast
water (scientific research); to identify potentially harmful or other organisms carried in ballast
water (risk assessment); and, to assess compliance with ballast water management
requirements (monitoring and enforcement) which is in the focus of this report. BWS is
complex due to differences in organisms' dimensions and behaviour, as well as to differences
in ship construction including the availability and different designs of sampling access points.
These issues as well as the aims of the BWS study impact the sampling method selection.
The sampling point is clearly related to the sampling goal, e.g., indicative, D-1 or D-2
standards compliance sampling. The in-line sampling point will need to be installed on vessels
according to the G8 Guidelines, but there are no provisions for in-tank sampling points.
Therefore, ballast water to be sampled from a tank needs to be accessed via existing openings,
i.e., manholes, sounding or air pipes. The availability of these has proven to be a
Page - 43 -
critical issue. The employment of sampling equipment, modified for on board use, and a
flexible approach is needed to allow sampling via the different access points.
New methods were developed to ease ballast water sampling on board ships including
especially designed equipment for in-tank sampling through sounding pipes. Sounding pipe
sampling was achieved by the use of an air-driven well pump, hand pump, a water-column
sampler, and a water column spot and bottom sampler. On board tests have shown that this
sampling equipment may be used to sample most target organisms despite some size
limitations may occur according to the opening dimension of the sampling tools. The tests
also confirmed that all three water samplers can be safely used on almost all ships, while not
disturbing standard ship operations conducted in a port. In addition to their deployment via
sounding pipes these especially designed samplers may also be employed via manholes or
tank hatches.
In-tank sampling may be more appropriate for scientific research and risk assessment with the
aim to assess ballast water biota, while at discharge sampling is more appropriate for the
monitoring of compliance with ballast water management requirements. However, certain
tanks are not discharged through pipework on board, but may use gravity to empty them. In
those cases in-tank sampling is the only way to prove compliance with ballast water
management standards. Further, in-tank sampling may also be used to document risk
assessment results, e.g., to proof the presence or absence of target organisms before the ballast
water is being discharged.
Sampling for zooplankton via sounding pipes does not result in a representative sample of
species in the tank as comparisons of sounding pipe and manholes samples from the same
tank found that net samples were more diverse. Sounding pipe samples contained 0-60% of
the organisms of a net sample indicating the need to sample ballast tanks via opened man
holes. Further, pumps used via open manholes delivered more diverse samples than net
samples, therefore pumps may be considered when the sampling via manholes (Gollasch et al.
2003). Future ballast water studies should take into account that sampling via sounding pipes
is inferior when selecting appropriate sampling techniques. However, in many cases manholes
cannot be opened due to, e.g., overlaying cargo or cargo operations in the area where the
manhole is located, and in these instances sounding pipe sampling might be the only solution
to sample the ballast water at all.
If the sampling is to document non-compliance, i.e., violation of the ballast water discharge
standard, much less onerous sampling requirements are posed to the port state as a
demonstration that an explicit value is exceeded. For example, should a sample from the tank
contain 1000 living organisms greater than 50 micrometres in minimum dimension and the
tank capacity is 100 cubic metres, the organism concentration would exceed the D-2 standard
when the water is discharged.
Page - 44 -
BWS methods and approaches presented in this protocol, especially those for in-line sampling,
were extensively used on board vessels to test BWMS to proof compliance especially with the
D-2 standard, and were scientifically validated by additional tests and studies (Gollasch &
David 2009, 2010, 2013). These BWS methods have also shown to be relatively simple, i.e.,
no special background education is needed for their application, they are cost effective, i.e.,
there is no need for very expensive equipment, and there are no high running costs, and they
are generally applicable on all vessel types and in all geographic regions. BWS teams of
BALMAS countries were trained to use these tools for CME and scientific purposes.
Furthermore, the sampling recommendations suggested in this study therefore may result in a
workable, equitable and pragmatic solution to support the entry into force of the BWM
Convention.
Page - 45 -
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors thank several funding agencies for having enabled the ship sampling studies.
Ballast water sampling experience referred to in this report was generated during the
following research projects:
(a) "Harmful Introductions and Ballast Water Management in the Slovenian Sea", financially
supported by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports of the Republic of Slovenia and
the Port of Koper (Luka Koper d.d.),
(b) on board ballast water sampling voyage "Ship-board ballast water sampling trials to take
representative samples for compliance control with the D-2 Standard of the Ballast Water
Management Convention" funded by Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency, Hamburg,
Germany,
(c) on board ballast water sampling study “Testing Sample Representativeness of a Ballast
Water Discharge and developing methods for Indicative Analysis” funded by the European
Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), Lisbon, Portugal, and
(d) on board ballast water sampling study “Recommendations for Representative Ballast
Water Sampling” funded by Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency, Hamburg,
Germany.
We thank WWF for having provided funds to bring all the experience in BWS together in the
study “Ballast water sampling for compliance monitoring - Ratification of the Ballast Water
Management Convention”, WWF International, project number 10000675.
Grateful thanks for all support and help provided during shipboard tests are also expressed to
all vessel crews, shipping agents, port State control personnel and ship operators, which are
too numerous to be mentioned here individually.
For analysis of the phytoplankton samples during these shipping studies we thank the expert
team of the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), Texel, the Netherlands, and
especially Alex Blin and Louis Peperzak.
Page - 46 -
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