ISO 11711-2:2022

Overview

ISO 11711-2:2022 - Ships and marine technology - Aquatic nuisance species - Part 2: Ballast water sample collection and handling - provides requirements and recommendations for on-board collection and handling of ballast water discharge samples. It guides sampling teams and other stakeholders on selecting and using sampling apparatus, configuring sample probes and collection devices, controlling sample flow, and preparing samples for subsequent analysis. The standard is intended to support representative, low-uncertainty measurements consistent with IMO ballast water (BWM) requirements.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and purpose
  • Focuses on discharge sampling from ports installed per ISO 11711-1; applicable to uptake sampling and land-based facilities with adjustments.
  • Supports measurement approaches needed for IMO Regulation D-2/BWM Code compliance.
• Sample probe design and installation
  • Guidance on probe sizing, geometry, structural materials, installation/removal and maintenance.
  • Includes hot-tap probe assemblies and design criteria to ensure representative sampling.
• Sample flow, volume and control
  • Criteria for sample flow rates, collection duration and sample volumes appropriate to organism size classes.
  • Description of sample collection devices with flow-control systems (open and closed configurations).
• Collection methods
  • Options for whole-water and concentration (filtered) methods (including ≥50 µm filtered samples).
  • Sample retrieval, rinsing, transfer piping and system configurations (open/closed loop).
• Sample handling and quality
  • Procedures for container filling, neutralization agents, storage, chain-of-custody, transport and sample identification.
  • Recommendations on maintenance, documentation and quality management consistent with ISO/IEC 17025 principles.
• Supporting tools
  • Annexes provide example device configurations, a shipboard sample collection worksheet, and probe lookup tables.

Practical applications - who uses it and why

• Ballast water sampling teams and surveyors - to obtain representative discharge samples for compliance testing.
• Shipowners and operators - to specify on-board sampling arrangements and crew coordination.
• Equipment manufacturers and shipyards - to design sample probes, ports and collection devices meeting ISO guidance.
• Testing laboratories and Type-approval bodies - to ensure samples are collected and handled to support valid laboratory analysis.
• Port/state authorities and marine regulators - to harmonize inspection and sampling procedures.

Related standards and references

• ISO 11711-1 (sample port arrangements)
• ISO/IEC 17025 (laboratory competence)
• ISO 5667-3 (sample preservation and handling)
• MEPC Guidelines for Ballast Water Sampling (G2)
• ISO 17602 (valve dimensions)

Keywords: ISO 11711-2, ballast water sampling, sample probe design, aquatic nuisance species, ballast water discharge, BWM Code, IMO Regulation D-2, sample handling, shipboard sampling.