The International Convention for the Control & Management of Ships’ Ballast Water & Sediments, 2004 (BWM Convention), is concerned with preventing, minimizing & ultimately eliminating the risks to the environment, human health, property & resources arising from the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms & pathogens, through the control & management of ships’ ballast water & sediments. The BWM Convention also aims to avoid unwanted side-effects from that control & encourages developments in related knowledge & technology. The 2018 consolidated edition reproduces:• the updated text of the BWM Convention, including the incorporation of the amendments that have been adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) at its 72nd session (9 to 13 April 2018);• the text of the Code for Approval of Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS Code), also adopted by MEPC 72;• four Conference resolutions adopted at the International Conference on Ballast Water Management for Ships held at IMO’s Headquarters in London from 9 to 13 February 2004;• the up-to-date set of Guidelines for the uniform implementation of the Convention developed & adopted by MEPC, including revised versions adopted by MEPC up to its 71stsession (3 to 7 July 2017); and• other guidelines related to the implementation of the Convention. This publication aims to provide an easy & comprehensive reference to the up-to-date provisions & Unified Interpretations of the Articles & Annex of the BWM Convention.