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Anti-fouling Systems draft convention approved in principle This move comes in response to an IMO assembly resolution adopted in November 1999 that calls on the MEPC to develop an instrument, legally binding throughout the world, to address the harmful effects of anti-fouling systems used on ships. The resolution calls for a global prohibition on the application of organotin compounds which act as biocides in anti-fouling systems on ships by January 1, 2003, and a complete prohibition on the presence of organotin compounds which act as biocides in anti-fouling systems on ships by January 1, 2008. Under the proposed new convention, countries signing on to the convention would be required to prohibit and/or restrict the use of harmful anti-fouling systems on ships flying their flag. The convention would apply to all ships. Those above a certain size (to be decided) would be required to have their anti-fouling systems surveyed and to carry an anti-fouling certificate. Anti-fouling systems to be prohibited or controlled would be listed in Annex I of the convention. Initially, the annex would include reference to "organotin compounds which act as biocides in anti-fouling systems." The convention would allow for other substances to be included in the Annex and sets out a procedure for this: a proposal for a particular substance to be prohibited or restricted would be put before an expert group established by IMO which would assess the adverse affects of the particular anti-fouling system. The convention would provide an agreed format for an international anti-fouling certificate and set out procedures for survey and certification. |
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