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California State Lands Commission BW Update

As of 1 January 2016, ships are required to submit the California State Lands Commission (CSLC) Ballast Water Reporting form via email to bwform@slc.ca.gov or by fax 562-499-6444, 24 hours in advance of arrival at a California port. Ships were previously required to submit the form upon departure. If the vessel’s voyage is less than 24 hours, the form is required to be submitted upon departure from the last port of call prior to arrival in a California port.

The change in reporting was part of Assembly Bill (AB) 1312, signed by Governor Brown. AB 1312 also extended the date to apply for use of an experimental ballast water treatment system until 1 January 2020 and authorized the CSLC to enforce and inspect vessels for compliance with California biofouling management requirements.

CSLC's communique reminds operators that failure to comply with the form submission requirements may result in an administrative civil penalty.