Pandibra McLintock Services , our correspondents in Rio de Janeiro and Santos,
has provided us with the following information
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Recent changes in Port State Control inspections of vessels, trading on the Brazilian coast (either coastal trade, regular liner or tramp), may imply in fines being imposed on those vessels/Owners, in the event ballast water is discharged in port.
The Port Captaincy started issuing Deeds of Infraction against the vessels, when the analysis of the ballast water of their tanks is not found according to the dispositions of Norm 20 from the Directorate of Ports and Coast (DPC), which states that the ballast must contain ocean water:
Ships should conduct ballast exchange in deep water (>200 m), in open sea and at least 200 nautical miles offshore.
During random Port State Control (PSC) inspections, ballast water samples are taken and density measured, which in the event of ocean water, should give ¡Ý1,025.
On several occasions PSC officers found a density of 1,020 or less, thereby alleging that the ballast water was not taken on, as required in the above stated regulation. This resulted in fines being imposed on the vessel/Owners. The fines may range between USD 600.00 and USD 28,000,000.00 however depending on the Rate of Exchange valid the day the fine is imposed.
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