Abstract
A Decision Support System (DSS) is a supporting tool enhancing a decision-making process. Decision-makers are frequently faced with the problem to take decisions on very complex issues, which requires large data inputs, and a timely decision process. DSSs provide decision makers with a tool to reduce uncertainties, and to simplify and speed-up the decision process as well as to avoid subjectivism induced by the decision-maker and to guarantee transparency of a decision process. The DSS approach has been introduced in the ballast water management (BWM) field and the need primarily arose with the introduction of the selective BWM approach. More precisely, it was recognised that a supporting tool is needed to aid transparency and consistency when deciding on BWM requirements to achieve better environmental protection and lessen burden on vessels. The DSS process starts with communication and data input, continues with risk assessment, BWM decisions, vessel’s action(s), and ends with monitoring and review processes. Throughout the entire decision process information needs to be exchanged with outer (e.g., vessel, other ports) and inner sources (e.g., vessel’s particulars, compliance history), and therefore needs to be supported by adequate communication processes and data management. When required BWM measures were not conducted properly the BWM DSS endpoints range from situations where unmanaged ballast water can be discharged to cases where vessels may be turned away. The chapter provides a detailed step-by-step DSS model which may be used by administrations and other authorities involved in the decision making processes.
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Notes
- 1.
Permit to start operations in a port, including anchorage, after having complied with port State requirements and submitted all required documents for port entry.
- 2.
e.g., alternative ballast water discharge area, port reception facilities.
- 3.
Permit to leave the port after having complied with port State requirements and submitted all required documents for leaving the port.
- 4.
Decision on the need for BWM practice may rely also on trustworthiness, i.e., compliance history of a vessel, master or responsible officer.
- 5.
i.e., vessel’s carrying capacity, which includes cargo and all weights (e.g., fuel, ballast water, stores), crew and passengers that may be loaded onboard a vessel up to her permissible limits, which is regulated by IMO international conventions, mainly the Load Lines Convention.
- 6.
this is dependent on the port State environmental legislation, and the perception, values and ethics of the assessors.
- 7.
The vessel may also consider a slight deviation and change “the shortest” route to be able to conduct BWE according to the BWM Convention limits, i.e., >50 NM distance of shore and >200 m of depth.
- 8.
Reasonable distance is to be decided based upon regional specifics and deviation related costs.
- 9.
If valid, it shall be accepted.
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Acknowledgements
Part of these results were obtained in the framework of the research project Decision Model and Control of Ballast Water Management in the Slovenian Sea (L2-6291), which was financially supported by the Slovenian Research Agency and the Port of Koper (Luka Koper d.d.) and as Matej David’s PhD work, supervised by Prof. Livij Jakomin, Slovenia and Prof. Chad Hewitt, Australia. The research leading to part of these results has received funding from the European Community’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under Grant Agreement No. [266445] for the project Vectors of Change in Oceans and Seas Marine Life, Impact on Economic Sectors (VECTORS).
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David, M., Gollasch, S. (2015). Ballast Water Management Decision Support System. In: David, M., Gollasch, S. (eds) Global Maritime Transport and Ballast Water Management. Invading Nature - Springer Series in Invasion Ecology, vol 8. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9367-4_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9367-4_9
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