In relation to the aforementioned matter, we have been informed through an Ordinance issued by the Coast Guard Authorities of La Plata Station, that the inspections of foreign vessels in relation to ballast water whilst anchored or awaiting pilots at Zona Comun (anchorage area located off La Plata Port) will be increased.
The Coast Guards oblige all vessels bound for River Plate to change all ballast water at sea prior entering said waterway and its pollution prohibition zone just outside its outer limits. Whenever possible, the ballast tanks has to be cleaned in order to remove all sediments.
Ballast exchange operation must be inserted in the Log Book including geographical position. The Coast Guards will analyse the ballast water on arrival, which must have a salinity of at least 30 parts per mil (30mg/cm³). A vessel will not be permitted to discharge ballast if the water ballast has not been properly changed.
It is further prohibited to dump hydrocarbons from the wash tank, bilge, ballast and to perform any action capable of causing polluting effects in the River Plate Basin and in area bounded in the below found drawing showed in pink color, per the River Plate Treaty.
Vessels not conforming to the Ordinance will be fined before departure and the fines could amount up to 60,000 UM (fine units) which today amounts to the equivalent of USD 5,600.
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The information above has been provided by Pandi Liquidadores S.R.L.
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