Currently, the IMO has a mandate that ballast
water be treated to prevent economic and ecological damage. As of June, 2012, 35 states, representing
27.95% of the world tonnage, had agreed to the IMO mandate. 35% of the world’s tonnage is needed for the
mandate to enter into force.
The US Coast Guard is leading the requirement to
regulate ballast water ahead of the international treaty ratification. The US
Coast Guard's final rule was published on March 23, 2012, in the Federal Register,
and the calendar for the roll-out of the standards takes effect 90 days after
publication, or June 21, 2012.