1 The Maritime Safety Committee, at its seventy-ninth
session (1 to 10 December 2004), approved the attached precautionary
advice to Masters when undertaking Ballast Water Exchange operations,
which should, at an appropriate time, be included in the Guidelines
for Ballast Water Exchange, under development by the Organization.
2 In the interim, for ships flying their flag,
Administrations are invited to consider the issue of compliance with
the requirements of SOLAS regulation V/22,
while such ships are conducting Ballast Water Exchange operations,
taking into account the annexed precautionary advice.
3 Member Governments are invited to bring this
precautionary advice to the attention of shipping companies, shipowners,
ship operators, equipment manufacturers, classification societies,
shipmasters and all parties concerned.