Virginia Law

A. Unless specifically exempted from this regulation, the master, owner, operator, or person in charge of a vessel carrying ballast water into Virginia waters, after having operated outside the EEZ, shall keep records in written form that include the following information:

1. Vessel Information

a. Name;

b. Vessel type;

c. IMO number (official number if IMO number not issued);

d. Port of registry (Flag);

e. Owner or operator;

f. Gross tonnage;

g. Call sign; and

h. Agent.

2. Voyage information. Include the date and port of arrival, vessel agent, last port and country of call, and next port and country of call.

3. Total ballast water information. Include the total volume of ballast water capacity, total volume of ballast water on board, and total number of ballast water tanks in ballast.

4. Ballast water management. Include the total number of ballast tanks/holds that are to be discharged into Virginia waters or to a reception facility. If an alternative ballast water management method is used, please note the number of tanks that were managed using an alternative method, as well as the type of method used. Indicate whether the vessel has a ballast water management plan and IMO guidelines on board, and whether the ballast water management plan is used.

5. Information on ballast water tanks to be discharged into Virginia waters or to a reception facility. Provide the origin of the ballast water, including the dates, locations, volumes and temperatures of the ballast water when loaded for each tank. Provide the particulars of ballast water exchange if conducted, including the date, location, volume exchanged, thoroughness of exchange (i.e., percent of tank volume exchanged), the sea height at the time of exchange, and the expected date, location, volume and salinity of any ballast water to be discharged into Virginia waters.

6. Certification of accurate information. Include the master, owner, operator, or responsible person in charge's printed name, title and signature attesting to the accuracy of the information and certifying compliance with the requirements of this regulation.

B. The master, owner, operator or person in charge of a commercial vessel subject to this regulation shall make the required records available to the commission for inspection upon request for a period of two years.