International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships, 2001 (AFS Convention) - 2023 Edition

This third edition of the AFS Convention publication includes the updated text of the AFS Convention, including the amendments to annexes 1 and 4 concerning the introduction of controls on cybutryne and other consequential amendments that entered into force on 1 January 2023, and the revised guidelines that support the implementation of the amended Convention.”

The harmful effects of anti-fouling systems were considered by the International Maritime Organization?s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) for the first time in 1988, when the Paris Commission requested MEPC to consider the need for measures to restrict the use of tributyltin (TBT) compounds on seagoing ships. As a first step, the Committee at its thirtieth session in 1990 adopted resolution MEPC.46(30) on ?Measures to control potential adverse impacts associated with the use of tributyltin compounds in anti-fouling paints?, which recommended that IMO Member Governments adopt measures to eliminate certain uses of TBT-based anti-fouling paints. These recommendations were intended to be interim measures until IMO could consider a possible total prohibition of TBT compounds in anti-fouling systems. From 1990 onwards, MEPC was presented with TBT monitoring results which reconfirmed the toxicity of TBT compounds, as well as with information on existing alternatives, including their effectiveness and the risk posed to the marine environment by these systems.

The twenty-first session of the IMO Assembly in 1999 adopted resolution A.895(21) urging MEPC to work towards the expeditious development of a global legally binding instrument to address the harmful effects of anti-fouling systems used on ships. The resolution stated that the global instrument, to be developed by MEPC, should ensure a global prohibition of the application of organotin compounds which act as biocides in anti-fouling systems on ships by 1 January 2003 and a complete prohibition on the presence of organotin compounds which act as biocides in anti-fouling systems on ships by 1 January 2008. A working group was established at MEPC, which took on the task of developing such a draft instrument.

Foreword

International Convention on the Control of Harmful

Anti-fouling Systems on Ships, 2001

Article 1 General obligations

Article 2 Definitions

Article 3 Application

Article 4 Controls on anti-fouling systems

Article 5 Controls of annex 1 waste materials

Article 6 Process for proposing amendments to controls

on anti-fouling systems

Article 7 Technical groups

Article 8 Scientific and technical research and monitoring

Article 9 Communication and exchange of information

Article 10 Survey and certification

Article 11 Inspections of ships and detection of violations

Article 12 Violations

Article 13 Undue delay or detention of ships

Article 14 Dispute settlement

Article 15 Relationship to international law of the sea

Article 16 Amendments

Article 17 Signature, ratification, acceptance, approval

and accession

Article 18 Entry into force

Article 19 Denunciation

Article 20 Depositary

Article 21 Languages

Contents

iv AFS CONVENTION, 2001 2023 EDITION

Annex 1 Controls on anti-fouling systems

Annex 2 Required elements for an initial proposal

Annex 3 Required elements of a comprehensive proposal

Annex 4 Surveys and certification requirements

for anti-fouling systems

Resolutions adopted by the Conference

Resolution 1 ? Early and effective application of

the International Convention on the Control of

Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships

Resolution 2 ? Future work by the Organization pertaining to the

International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling

Systems on Ships

Resolution 3 ? Approval and test methodologies for

anti-fouling systems on ships

Resolution 4 ? Promotion of technical cooperation

Guidelines developed and adopted by the Organization

2022 Guidelines for brief sampling of anti-fouling systems on ships

(resolution MEPC.356(78))

2022 Guidelines for inspection of anti-fouling systems on ships

(resolution MEPC.357(78))

2022 Guidelines for survey and certification of anti-fouling systems

on ships (resolution MEPC.358(78))

As a specialised agency of the United Nations, the International Maritime Organization (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.