To prevent biological cross-contamination, ballast water exchange maneuvers should be carried out in ocean waters with a depth of at least:

Answer & Explanation

The correct answer is Option C: 200 meters.

To minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species, IMO ballast water management guidelines recommend performing ballast water exchange in deep ocean waters, specifically at least 200 nautical miles from the nearest land and in water at least 200 meters deep.