Q. Anti Fouling Convention
The International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships, commonly called the
Anti-Fouling Convention (AFS Convention), is an IMO treaty aimed at protecting the marine environment from the harmful effects of anti-fouling paints and coatings used on ships’ hulls.
●Purpose of the AFS Convention
- Prohibit the use of harmful anti-fouling paints.
- Ensure environmentally safe alternatives are used.
- Prevent contamination of marine ecosystems and protect marine life.
Applies to
- It applies to all ships of 400 gross tonnage and above engaged in international voyages, excluding fixed or floating platforms, FSUs, and FPSOs constructed before 1 January 2003 and not dry-docked since then.
- Ships between 24 meters in length and 400 GT must carry a Declaration on Anti-fouling Systems confirming compliance.
📦What Are Anti-Fouling Systems?
Anti-fouling systems are coatings or paints applied to a ship’s hull to prevent the growth of:
- Barnacles
- Algae
- Mollusks
- Marine organisms
These organisms increase hull resistance, leading to:
- Higher fuel consumption
- Reduced speed
- More emissions
⛔Harmful Substances Banned
- Tributyltin (TBT): Banned from 1 Jan 2008. Highly toxic to marine life (e.g., causes imposex in snails).
- Cybutryne (Irgarol 1051): Banned from 1 Jan 2023. Ships must remove or seal it by 60 months after entry into force (by 1 Jan 2028).
✎Compliant Anti-Fouling Systems
Modern anti-fouling systems include:
- Biocide-free coatings
- Silicone-based foul-release coatings
- Copper oxide (Cu2O)-based (still allowed, though monitored)
- Electrolytic and ultrasonic systems
📝Certification Requirements
- International Anti-Fouling System Certificate (IAFSC)
-
Record of Anti-Fouling System
- Describes type of system used
- Must include evidence of compliance