6 Is One Anti-fouling Coating System Acceptable for all Craft?
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Marine Environment Protection Committee - MEPC.1/Circular.792 – Guidance for Minimizing the Transfer of Invasive Aquatic Species as Biofouling (Hull Fouling) for Recreational Craft – (12 November 2012) - Annex – Guidance for Minimizing the Transfer of Invasive Aquatic Species as Biofouling (Hull Fouling) for Recreational Craft - 6 Is One Anti-fouling Coating System Acceptable for all Craft?

6 Is One Anti-fouling Coating System Acceptable for all Craft?

 Different anti-fouling coating systems suit different craft and activities. When choosing an anti-fouling coating system, you should seek expert advice and consider:

  • - planned periods between hauling/drying out or maintenance – to make sure the coating is effective for that time period;

  • - craft speed and patterns of use – biofouling can rapidly accumulate when craft are stationary or inactive in port or coastal waters;

  • - construction material (steel, wood, aluminium, etc.) – systems are specific for different hull materials; and

  • - location to be applied on the craft – different coating types may be required for different parts of the hull or structure, such as around the propeller shaft or rudders, due to water flow conditions.

 Anti-fouling coating systems are subject to legal requirements and it is recommended that these requirements are considered when purchasing an anti-fouling coating system. For example, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships, 2001 (AFS 2001) bans the use of anti-fouling paints that contain organotins such as TBT – highly poisonous tributyltinfootnote.

Parent topic: Annex – Guidance for Minimizing the Transfer of Invasive Aquatic Species as Biofouling (Hull Fouling) for Recreational Craft
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