Evaluation of ballast water treatment systems from the perspective of expert seafarers' ship experiences

Until recently, the selection of ballast water treatment (BWT) systems was based on a predetermined set criteria that did not include evaluations for system utilization due to lack experience. The experience-building phase began, especially with entry Ballast Water Management Convention into force. For effective assessment and decision-making, expert seafarers responsible using on-board ships are paramount importance. This study completed by evaluating experience 50 (24 deck personnel 26 engine personnel) working in Turkish maritime company three phases contribute decision-making evaluation processes: 1- failure reports written ship were examined, bilateral interviews these tankers held; 2- an online questionnaire prepared presented seafarers; 3Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) used obtain common perspective seafarers. In this study's first phase, 'ideal characteristics' determined. Based characteristics, second third six developed, Analytic Hierarchy Process participants. Pairwise comparisons revealed ‘Rare alarms malfunctions’ most important criterion from all UV-type BWTSs 1.76 times more preferable than electrochemical (El-Chem) type as approach.