This publication provides a comprehensive overview of US ballast water management regulations, including federal to state level requirements, the development of future US legislation and ballast water exchange and treatment. It provides detailed information on the ballast water management systems (BWMS) that are type-approved by the US Coast Guard (USCG) for ballasting operations in US waters.

This edition includes amendments to Guidelines for the detention of ships (appendix 2) and Guidelines for port State control under MARPOL Annex VI (appendix 18), and new Guidelines for inspection of anti-fouling systems on ships (appendix 19).

The sixth edition adds a brand new chapter on internal audits, to assist companies with ongoing compliance, reduce delays at port and stay on top of continuous improvement goals.