Australian Ballast Water Report Form
- Admin
- 13 hours ago
- 2 min read
Ballast water management is strictly regulated in Australian waters to protect the marine environment from invasive species and contamination. One of the key documents for compliance is the Australian Ballast Water Report Form (BWR) — a mandatory submission for all vessels arriving from international waters.
📄 What Is the Ballast Water Report Form?
The Ballast Water Report (BWR) is a standardized form that provides a full record of ballast water operations on board, including:
Ballast water uptake and discharge events
Exchange methods (open sea or treatment systems)
Tank-by-tank data and operations
Vessel and voyage-specific information
The current version widely used is MARS Ballast Water Report – BWR V111.
⚠️ Note: The revision number may change. Always check with your local agent for the latest approved version of the form before arrival in Australia.
🛠️ Who Sends the Form and When?
The shipping agent will usually provide the correct BWR template during the pre-arrival document exchange.
The form must be completed and returned before arrival, as part of the biosecurity clearance process by Australian Border Force and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
🧾 Important Guidelines for Filling the BWR Form
Match Entries with Your Records
All information in the Ballast Water Report must match what is recorded in your:
Ballast Water Record Book
Ballast Water Log (by tank)
Treatment System logs (if applicable)
Be Accurate and Complete
Ensure tank names, dates, times, and volumes are correctly entered.
Note method of exchange (flow-through, sequential, or treatment).
Use UTC or Local Time Consistently
Follow the instructions on the form for time entries. Consistency is key.
Retain a Copy Onboard
Keep a signed digital or printed copy onboard for inspection.
✅ Key Takeaways
The Australian Ballast Water Report Form is mandatory for international arrivals.
Only the latest revision of the form must be used — confirm with your agent.
All entries must reflect the same data found in your Ballast Water Record Book and logs.
Incomplete or mismatched entries can delay clearance or result in non-compliance.
🛟 Need Help?
Ask in comment if you’re unsure how to fill the form correctly or need clarification, reach out to your agent or refer to the Australian Department of Agriculture’s biosecurity guidelines.
Comentarios