What is VGP testing?

The U.S. EPA mandates that vessels operating in US waters must adhere to the VGP. Compliance is monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard. As part of the compliance process, samples must be taken from the following effluents:

• Ballast water
• Bilge water / oily water separator
• Gray water
• Scrubber water

Monitoring data must be submitted to the EPA annually, before February 28 of the year following data collection.

Frequency of testing

The U.S. EPA requires vessels to test their ballast water discharge twice per year, unless the sampling results are within permit limits for two consecutive sampling events. In that case, the monitoring frequency may be reduced to once per year.

What can you do?

Crew members can take discharge samples for VGP testing, provided they are trained and the sampling procedures are well documented. Samples must be analysed by an accredited laboratory.

Time constraints

Biological samples that contain living material must be analysed within 8 hours of sampling.