Ballast Water Management Act No. 2 of 2019. Country/Territory Jamaica Document type Legislation Date 2019 Source FAO, FAOLEX Long titleAn Act to give effect to the provisions of the International Convention for the control and management of ships’ ballast and sediments 2004. Subject Environment gen., Sea Keyword Marine pollution Biodiversity Certification Effluent waste water/discharge Harbour Inspection Offences/penalties Pollution control Protection of environment Public health Survey/mapping Geographical area Americas, Caribbean, Latin America and the Caribbean, Small Island Developing States Abstract This Act lays down rules for the prevention of the introduction of harmful aquatic organisms and sediments to protect the environment, human health, biodiversity, and natural resources. This Act shall apply to Jamaican ships and foreign ships operating in Jamaican waters. This Act sets forth provisions on the control and management of ships’ ballast and sediments; duties and responsibilities of the owner or master of the ship; additional measures to prevent, reduce or eliminate the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens; standards for ballast water exchange; warnings concerning ballast water uptake in certain areas; sediment management; designation of ports for reception of sediments; survey of ships and survey certificates; inspection of foreign ships; reporting of accidents and defects; detection of violations; notification of control actions; maintenance requirements; undue detention or delay of a ship; and offences and penalties. The Minister may make regulations for giving effect to the purposes and provisions of this Act and in particular for prescribing the criteria for determining the adequacy and accessibility of reception facilities. Full text English Website www.japarliament.gov.jm