International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships (AFS), 2001

1^st January, 2008

A new Convention banning the use of organotin anti-fouling systems

Requirements under the convention

Ships must remove organotin anti-fouling systems from the hull or apply a sealer coat by 1 January, 2008.

All ships of 400 gross tons and above engaged on international voyages will require the following survey and certification;

-an initial survey to confirm that organotin anti-fouling systems (or any other system subsequently banned by the IMO) have either been removed from the hull or a sealer coat applied, and that an organotin free anti-fouling system has been applied;

-the issue of a certificate and anti-fouling record, the certificate will be valid from issue until the anti-fouling system is changed or replaced no annual or intermediate surveys are required;

-further survey as and when the anti-fouling system is changed or replaced.

Exceptions

Ships over 24 m in length but less than 400 gross tons do not require any surveys or certification. However the owner is required to keep a declaration onboard that the ship has an organotin free anti-fouling system, together with details of the anti- fouling system applied.

Fixed or floating platforms, FSUs and FPSOs will be prohibited from applying organotin anti-fouling systems but will not be required to remove them from the hull or apply a sealer coat. They will not be subject to surveys or require certification.

Amended by the AFS Convention as adopted by the Resolution A.895(21)

Applicable to : all new cargo ships and passenger ships built on or after the date of entry into force, and existing ships built before the date of entry into force, at the next scheduled dry-docking held on or after the date of entry into force, but within three (3) years of this date.

Background & implications : To date, a total number of 16 member States have ratified or acceded to the Anti-Fouling Systems Convention, becoming Contracting States, representing about 17.3% of the world’s merchant shipping. Entry into force will occur 12 months after ratification by 25 States, representing 25% of world merchant shipping tonnage. The importance of bringing the AFS Convention into force as soon as possible was highlighted, bearing in mind the 2008 deadline for a total prohibition of tin-based anti-fouling systems on ships.

-Owner : significant impact, mainly because there is no current procedure. The main impact will be the additional cost of the suitably approved anti- fouling system applied to new ships, or the removal or sealing of previous organotin anti-fouling system on existing ships before the suitably approved anti-fouling system is applied.

-Shipbuilder / Equipment manufacturer : significant impact, mainly because there is no current procedure. The additional cost of providing a suitably approved anti-fouling system will have to be passed on to the owner.

-National Administration / Recognised Organisation : significant impact, mainly because there is no current procedure. There will be a time and cost impact related to the approval of anti-fouling systems and the verification and certification that they have been applied.