Get Ready for the 2025 PSC CIC | Ballast Water Management Under the Spotlight

With the 2025 Port State Control (PSC) Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) just around the corner, ballast water management (BWM) is back in sharp focus – and ship operators need to be more prepared than ever. Set to launch in September 2025, this CIC will scrutinise how well ships comply with the D-2 ballast water discharge standard. With compliance rates under increasing pressure and inspectors stepping up enforcement, now is the time to act.

Why Is the 2025 CIC Focused on Ballast Water?

Ballast water plays a crucial role in safe vessel operations, but if mismanaged, it becomes a major vector for invasive species and marine pollution. That’s why the IMO’s Ballast Water Management Convention mandates strict discharge standards – and why the D-2 standard is now a priority for global enforcement. According to the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), non-compliance with D-2 remains alarmingly high. Australian authorities, for instance, report that 30% of inspected vessels are falling short. The primary causes? Generic ballast water management plans (BWMPs), inaccurate or incomplete record keeping, poor maintenance of ballast water management systems (BWMS), and insufficient crew familiarisation. This year’s CIC represents a strategic opportunity for authorities to close the compliance gap – and for operators to show proactive leadership.

What Will PSC Inspectors Be Looking For?

The focus of the 2025 CIC is consistent with recent inspection practices in Australia and beyond. Here’s what you can expect:

• Ship-specific BWMPs: Plans must reflect the vessel’s actual BWMS configuration and include contingency procedures tailored to onboard systems and operational realities.
• Pre-arrival reporting: The BWRF (Ballast Water Reporting Form) must be submitted with complete and accurate information, including BWMS alarm logs and notification of any system malfunctions.
• Maintenance logs and documentation: Inspectors will review the Ballast Water Record Book (BWRB), Type Approval Certificates, and the International Ballast Water Management Certificate (IBWMC) for accuracy and validity.
• BWMS performance: Particular attention will be paid to sensor alarms. Systems that use active substances (e.g. electro-chlorination) must demonstrate reliable TRO sensor readings. UV-based systems will be assessed for adequate light intensity and system integrity.
• Crew competence: Expect inspectors to quiz crew on alarm protocols, sensor maintenance, and contingency actions. Practical demonstrations may be required.

In short, it’s not just the system that needs to be compliant – the people operating it must be too.

Common Non-Compliance Risks to Watch For

Based on recent PSC findings and DNV analysis, here are some red flags that could attract unwanted inspection attention:

• BWMPs that are copied from templates and lack ship-specific detail
• Incomplete or inconsistent BWMS logs and BWRFs
• Alarms being ignored, overridden, or not properly explained
• TRO sensors that are dirty, expired, or not calibrated
• Crew unfamiliarity with BWMS operational limits and alarm handling
• Spare parts, reagents, and manuals that are missing or out of date

How to Prepare for the 2025 CIC

The good news? These issues are avoidable. With the right preparation, your vessel can meet and exceed compliance expectations:

1. Audit your BWMP: Ensure it’s tailored to your vessel’s equipment and includes practical, relevant contingency procedures.
2. Reinforce crew training: Provide hands-on sessions with your BWMS and run mock inspections focused on alarms and operational limits.
3. Check your documentation: Review logs, certificates, and maintenance records for completeness and consistency.
4. Maintain your system: Clean sensors, check reagent validity, and make sure your system is operating within design limits.
5. Stay proactive: Monitor alarm logs and flag potential issues before they trigger external scrutiny.

A proactive stance sends a strong message to inspectors – and positions your operation as a leader in environmental and regulatory compliance.

SpecTec CEO Adam Dennett commented:

“As an industry, we’re entering a new era of operational accountability. The 2025 CIC isn’t just about ticking compliance boxes – it’s about protecting ecosystems and upholding safety standards. At SpecTec, we believe technology plays a vital role in that mission. Through our flagship product suite, AMOS, we’re helping ship operators transform compliance into continuous improvement – ensuring that ballast water management isn’t just effective, but efficient and future-ready.”

Why This Matters Beyond Compliance

While the CIC may be temporary, its implications are long-term. It signals a shift towards stricter enforcement, greater transparency, and heightened environmental responsibility. This aligns with broader maritime trends, from the digitalisation of maintenance to environmental performance tracking. The work of hydrographers, for example – as celebrated during World Hydrography Day – reflects the same focus on accuracy, sustainability, and safety that underpins ballast water regulation. Just as hydrography enables smarter port entry and safer navigation, digital solutions like SpecTec’s AMOS empower crews to manage compliance with clarity and confidence. Whether it’s through automated reporting, alarm monitoring, or maintenance workflows, digital tools are now central to sustainable maritime operations.

Final Thought: Make Compliance a Strength

The upcoming PSC CIC is a challenge – but also an opportunity. For forward-thinking operators, it’s a chance to showcase best practices, enhance crew competency, and strengthen operational resilience. By embracing data, training, and proactive maintenance, shipowners can transform ballast water compliance into a competitive edge – and help chart a safer course for the industry as a whole.