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:
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.1 copies of current regional, national and local
laws, regulations, standards, exemptions or guidelines;
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.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;
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.3 education materials such as CD's, DVD's or
printed materials; and
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.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.