IBWMC Entry into Force for Vanuatu

C26002 | 14 January 2026

Notice to: Ship Owners/ Managers/ Operators / Surveyors / Auditors

The Vanuatu International Shipping Registry (VISR) hereby informs, by FSL 12225-2, all authorized Recognized Organizations (ROs), shipowners, managers, and other concerned parties that the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship’s Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (IBWMC) will enter into force for vessels registered in the Republic of Vanuatu on 16 January 2026.

1. Actions Required by Recognized Organizations (ROs)

All authorized ROs are requested to:

    • Convert any previously issued IBWMC Statements/Documents of Compliance (SOC/DOC) into the corresponding International Ballast Water Management Certificates.
    • Conduct this conversion without a shipboard inspection.
    • Ensure that conversions are completed no later than the next Annual Survey.

2. Conversion of IBWMC Statements/ Documents of Compliance

The conversion of previously issued IBWMC Statements/Documents of Compliance (SOC/DOC) into the corresponding International Ballast Water Management Certificate shall be carried out as follows:

    • The conversion may be carried out without conducting a shipboard inspection.
    • The conversion may take place at an appropriate time on or after 16 January 2026.
    • The conversion shall be completed at the next Annual Survey at the latest.
    • The conversion shall be carried out in accordance with the Convention and relevant IMO requirements.

Act now

Take note of the entry into force of the IBWMC for the Republic of Vanuatu on 16 January 2026. Ensure that any previously issued IBWMC Statements/Documents of Compliance (SOC/DOC) are converted to the corresponding International Ballast Water Management Certificate in line with the above.