For how long shall ballast water records be retained?

Ballast water records must be retained for a duration of at least 2 years. This requirement is established under the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Ballast Water Management Convention and reflects the importance of keeping accurate records for inspection and compliance purposes. The retention period ensures that information regarding the management of ballast water is available for evaluation by port state control authorities, thus supporting environmental protection efforts by preventing the spread of invasive aquatic species. Keeping records for this designated time frame allows for sufficient oversight and auditing, enabling authorities to trace the practices of vessels and monitor adherence to regulations aimed at safeguarding marine ecosystems.