2026-04 Ballast Water Discharge
14 August 2026
Mariners are reminded of Harwich Haven Authority Byelaws 1994 No. 33 Discharge of Ballast:
“Except in a case of emergency a vessel is prohibited from discharging water ballast into the harbour without the consent of the Harbour Master.”
Vessels must contact Harwich VTS (via VHF 71 or [email protected]) in advance for permission to discharge ballast water and return a completed ‘Request to Discharge Ballast Water’ form (VTS.16), which can be download from http://hha.co.uk/operations/downloads/.
Either a valid International Ballast Water Management Certificate or evidence of exemption status must be submitted with the form. Harwich VTS will then confirm if permission has been granted.
For further information refer to MSN 1908 and MGN 675 The merchant shipping (control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments) regulations 2022 as amended.
This Port Information Notice replaces 2018-03, which is now withdrawn.