Accreditation agreements
Ballast water accreditation agreements
Accreditation agreements are an important feature of domestic ballast water management arrangements.
An accreditation agreement is an agreement between EPA and a ship’s owner and is valid only for voyages into Victorian waters (within 12 nautical miles of the coastline). An accreditation agreement specifies certain journeys and ballast water management arrangements that will be exempt from the standard reporting requirements specified in the Regulations and the Policy.
Additionally, accredited ships are subject to reduced fees for visits to Victorian ports to reflect a reduced service from EPA.
Accreditation agreements are intended for ships that visit Victorian ports on a regular basis (10 or more visits per annum) and are designed to reward a high level of environmental performance by reducing the administrative and cost burden on individual ships and their agents.
Ships may be eligible to enter into an accreditation agreement with EPA if they can fulfil the following criteria:
- Demonstrate compliance with the Policy and the Regulations;
- Demonstrate an understanding of Victoria’s ballast water management requirements; and
- Regularly visit Victorian ports
(PDF 188KB) Where a ship meets the requirements for accreditation, it may apply using the application form contained within the guidelines.