Guidelines for the Control and Management of Ships' Biofouling to Minimize the Transfer of Invasive Aquatics Species, 2012 Edition (I662E)

These guidelines are intended to provide a globally consistent approach to the management of biofouling. They were adopted by the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee at its 62nd session, from 11th to 15th July 2011, in the form of resolution MEPC.207(62) and are the result of three years of consultation between IMO Member States. The Guidelines represent a decisive step towards regulating the transfer of aquatic invasive species by ships.

As scientific and technological advances are made, the Guidelines will be refined to enable the risk to be more adequately addressed. Port States, flag States, coastal States and other parties that can assist in mitigating the problems associated with biofouling should exercise due diligence to implement the Guidelines to the maximum extent possible.

Foreword

The introduction of harmful aquatic organisms to new environments by ships has been identified as a major threat to the world’s oceans and to the conservation of biodiversity. Biofouling, described as the undesirable accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae and animals on submerged structures (especially ships’ hulls), is considered one of the main vectors for bioinvasions.

These Guidelines for the control and management of ships’ biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species are intended to provide a globally consistent approach to the management of biofouling. They were adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization at its sixty-second session, from 11 to 15 July 2011, in the form of resolution MEPC.207(62) and are the result of three years of consultation between IMO Member States. The Guidelines represent a decisive step towards regulating the transfer of aquatic invasive species by ships.

As scientific and technological advances are made, the Guidelines will be refined to enable the risk to be more adequately addressed. Port States, flag States, coastal States and other parties that can assist in mitigating the problems associated with biofouling should exercise due diligence to implement the Guidelines to the maximum extent possible. Implementing practices to control and manage biofouling can greatly assist in reducing the risk of transfer of invasive aquatic species. Such management practices can improve a ship’s hydrodynamic performance and can be effective tools in enhancing energy efficiency and reducing air emissions from ships.

Resolution MEPC.207(62) – Guidelines for the control and management of ships’ biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species

1 Introduction

2 Definitions

3 Application

4 Objectives

5 Biofouling management plan and record book

6 Anti-fouling system installation and maintenance

7 In-water inspection, cleaning and maintenance

8 Design and construction

9 Dissemination of information

10 Training and education

11 Other measures

12 Future work

Appendix 1 Format and content of Biofouling Management Plan

Appendix 2 Form of Biofouling Record Book

A??s a specialized agency of the United Nations, IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.

In other words, its role is to create a level playing-field so that ship operators cannot address their financial issues by simply cutting corners and compromising on safety, security and environmental performance. This approach also encourages innovation and efficiency.

Shipping is a truly international industry, and it can only operate effectively if the regulations and standards are themselves agreed, adopted and implemented on an international basis. And IMO is the forum at which this process takes place.