Objective/Scope In accordance with the Convention@ the BWMS installed on board a vessel is to be an IMO Member State type-approved and certified system and the installation of this system must have the prior approval/acceptance of the vessel's flag Administration. It is recognized that each BWMS is tested@ approved and certified in its standard product configuration. However there are design and engineering issues@ as well as special considerations relating to the class requirements that will need to be addressed@ as every ship is unique due to its design and operational profile. The objective of this Guide is to provide supplementary requirements regarding BWMS that generally are not addressed by other ABS Rules or Guides. The requirements of this Guide may be applied to new or existing vessels. It is recognized that the technology associated with BWMS remains under development. Accordingly@ ABS is prepared to consider alternative arrangements to the requirements contained in the Guide@ provided that substantiating information and/or a risk analysis is submitted for review. As indicated in Section 1@ Figure 1@ ballast water treatment is one of the accepted ballast water management methodologies provided for within the Convention that is available for selection by the Owner.