9 Dissemination of information
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Marine Environment Protection Committee - Resolution MEPC.207(62) – 2011 Guidelines for the Control and Management of Ships' Biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive Aquatic Species – (Adopted on 15 July 2011) - Annex – 2011 Guidelines for the Control and Management of Ships' Biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive Aquatic Species - 9 Dissemination of information

9 Dissemination of information

  9.1 States are encouraged to maintain and exchange information relevant to these Guidelines through the Organization. Accordingly, States are encouraged to provide the Organization with the information related to the management of biofouling as follows:

  • .1 copies of current regional, national and local laws, regulations, standards, exemptions or guidelines;

  • .2 technical and research information, including any studies on the impact and control of invasive aquatic species in ships' biofouling, and on the efficacy and practicality of environmentally protective in-water cleaning technologies;

  • .3 education materials such as CD's, DVD's or printed materials; and

  • .4 the location of and the terms of use for cleaning and maintenance services and facilities for ships and equipment that comply with these Guidelines.

  9.2 State authorities should provide ships with timely, clear and concise information on biofouling management measures and treatment requirements that are being applied to shipping and ensure these are widely distributed. Shipowners and operators should endeavour to become familiar with all requirements related to biofouling by requesting such information from their port or shipping agents or competent authorities (i.e. State authorities). State authorities should also provide ships with any available information on particular invasive aquatic species that may be present in a port and could attach to a ship as biofouling (e.g., if a particular species of concern is spawning) in a timely manner.

  9.3 Organizations or shipping agents representing shipowners and operators should be familiar with the requirements of State authorities with respect to biofouling management and treatment procedures, including information that will be needed to obtain entry clearance. Verification and detailed information concerning State requirements should be obtained by the ship prior to arrival.

  9.4 To monitor the effectiveness of these Guidelines, States, as part of the evaluation process could provide to the Organization details of records describing reasons why ships could not apply these Guidelines, e.g., design, construction or operation of a ship, particularly from the view point of ships' safety, or lack of information concerning the Guidelines.


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