IMO's Ballast Water Management Convention (BWM Convention) was the focus of a national workshop in Edea, Cameroon (14-16 May).
Through the workshop, thirty government officials received training on how to implement and enforce the BWM Convention, which aims to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms in ships' ballast water from one region to another.
Subjects covered included: an overview of ballast water management, the Convention and related Guidelines; understanding the obligations of Parties under the Convention; compliance monitoring and enforcement for port State control; and risk mitigation. Through presentations, group discussions and role-play exercises, government officials enhanced their awareness and understanding of the implementation and enforcement process of the Convention.
The aim was to strengthen Cameroon's national capacity for effective implementation and enforcement of the Convention, and enhance the network of trained experts in ballast water management and control. Cameroon ratified the Convention in 2022. The BWM Convention entered into force in 2017, representing a significant step towards protecting the marine environment, by preventing the transfer of invasive aquatic species by ship. The Convention requires all ships to manage their ballast water and sediments to a certain standard, according to a ship-specific management plan. All ships must also carry a ballast water record book and an international ballast water management certificate.
The workshop was organized by IMO and hosted by the Directorate of Maritime Affairs and Inland Waterways of Cameroon. It was delivered through IMO's Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme.
