(1) Each Party to this Convention undertakes to
give full and complete effect to its provisions in order to reduce
or eliminate adverse effects on the marine environment and human health
caused by anti-fouling systems.
(2) The Annexes form an integral part of this
Convention. Unless expressly provided otherwise, a reference to this
Convention constitutes at the same time a reference to its Annexes.
(3) No provision of this Convention shall be interpreted
as preventing a State from taking, individually or jointly, more stringent
measures with respect to the reduction or elimination of adverse effects
of anti-fouling systems on the environment, consistent with international
law.
(4) Parties shall endeavour to co-operate for
the purpose of effective implementation, compliance and enforcement
of this Convention.
(5) The Parties undertake to encourage the continued
development of anti-fouling systems that are effective and environmentally
safe.