ABSTRACT
After the Ballast Water and Sediments Convention was ratified in IMO on 8th September, 2016, it came into force one year later. This entry into force creates a decision making process for all the shipowners of new and existing ships, deciding what system to apply and when. It is not an easy task, and even more taking into account the two different sets of rules that coexis in the marine world: IMO and USCG standards. This paper discusses the different existing systems, their main principles and advantages. It also discusses the practical steps in a retrofitting process.
