2025 Marine Invasive Species Program Updates

Annual Vessel Reporting Form (AVRF)

The Marine Invasive Species Program Annual Vessel Reporting Form (AVRF) must be submitted once per calendar year, at least 24 hours prior to a vessel's first arrival of the year at a California port. The AVRF must be submitted through the web-based platform https://www.MISP.IO. Note the AVRF can be submitted earlier during the calendar year (e.g., submitted in January for a first arrival in March), if desired, and can be submitted by anyone affiliated with the vessel (e.g., ownership, management, crew, agent).

Vessel owners or operators that are unable to submit the AVRF via MISP.IO due to logistic or technological challenges should contact the Marine Invasive Species Program at [email protected] as soon as possible to inquire about AVRF submission alternatives.

Ballast Water Management Report (BWMR)

All vessels that arrive at a California port must submit the Ballast Water Management Report (BWMR) 24 hours prior to arrival at each port in California. If a vessel's voyage is less than 24 hours, the BWMR shall be submitted upon departure from the last port of call. A corrected BWMR must be submitted if ballast water management or discharge information changes after initial submission.

Vessels moving from one California port to another are required to submit a separate BWMR for each arrival port. For reporting purposes, the following places are recognized as separate ports by the Marine Invasive Species Program. All terminals, berths, and anchorages within each port area are considered a part of that port.

California requires vessels to use the U.S. Coast Guard Ballast Water Management Report (OMB No. 1625-0069).

Notifications and Alternatives

Any questions or inquires, including requests for alternative reporting submission, notification of an inoperable ballast water treatment systems, or issues with the online reporting portal should be sent to [email protected]. Staff will respond accordingly.