Under the Ballast Water Management Convention Requirements, what must every ship have?

• A. Ballast Water Management Plan and a person responsible for developing and operating it
• B. Ballast Water Management Plan only
• C. A Records Book only
• D. A ballast water discharge permit

Answer: (A)

The requirement tests both documentation and accountability for ballast water management. Every ship must have a Ballast Water Management Plan that explains how ballast water will be treated or managed to prevent the spread of invasive species, and there must be a designated person on board responsible for developing and operating that plan. The plan provides the procedures, methods, and records needed to manage ballast water, while the named person ensures the plan is actually put into practice, kept up to date, and followed by the crew. Without a responsible officer, the plan could exist on paper but not be implemented, undermining compliance.

The other options miss essential elements. Having only the plan lacks the assigned accountable person to execute it. Having only a records book or a ballast water discharge permit does not fulfill the requirement to have both a plan and a designated person responsible for its operation.