The Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Shipping (DMS) has announced that the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (Ballast Water Management Convention) will enter into force for the Republic of Cyprus on 8 November 2018 pursuant to Article 18.3 of the Convention.

A translation into English of the law ratifying the convention is available on the DMS website. The translation is for information purposes and has no legal force.

No later than the first annual, intermediate or renewal survey, whichever occurs soonest after 8 November 2018, authorised Recognised Organisations should replace any Statement of Compliance with an International Ballast Water Management Certificate, with an expiry date no later than that of the existing Statement of Compliance. No additional survey is required as long as the Statement of Compliance was issued under the same survey requirements as apply under the Ballast Water Management Convention and there has been no modification or change of condition since it was issued.

The Cyprus authorities will apply the requirements of the convention to ships flying the flag of a country which is not a party to the convention to the extent necessary to ensure that they are not treated more favourably than ships flying the flag of parties to the convention.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.