Answer
• International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships
Adoption: 5 October 2001; Entry into force: 17 September 2008
Applicable to ships above 400 GT
Below 400GT but above 24m , Declaration by the owner. Supporting Documents- Invoice from the paint mfr.
●The Convention prohibits the use of harmful org anotins in anti-fouling paints used on ships and ● establishes a mechanism to prevent the potential future use of other harmful substances in anti-fouling systems.
●Under the terms of the AFS Convention, Parties to the Convention are required to prohibit and/or restrict the use of harmful anti-fouling systems on ships flying their flag, as well as ships not entitled to fly their flag but which operate under their authority and all ships that enter a port, shipyard or offshore terminal of a Party.
●all ships shall not apply or re-apply org anotins compounds which act as biocides in anti-fouling systems.
This applies to all ships (including fixed and floating platforms, floating storage units (FSUs), and Floating Production Storage and Offtake units (FPSOs).
AFS Latest amendments
- Ban on Cybutryne in AFS (EIF 1st Jan 2023) – it is a part IMO resltn MEPC 331(76)
- Reduced threshold value for Cybutryne in Material declarations from june 2025 – TLV lowered in AFS
sample from 1000mg/Kg to 200mg/Kg. Applicable for declaration prepared on or after 26 june 2025
- No harmonized survey & cert. system for AFS – noted in updated PSC procedures expected to enter into
force in 2026
- Ongoing developments on Biofouling management – IMO is working towards establishing a legally binding
framework on ship biofouling management aiming to complement AFS convention by addressing invasive aquatic species transfer via hull fouling. This framework will impose mandatory biofouling management plans, cleaning protocols & record keeping oblig atns.
IA FS certificate issued by Admin or RO
How to ensure AFS compliance
●Validity of IA FS certificate or declaration on anti-fouling system and attached records of AFS
●Date of application of paint should match the DD period
●Paint applied should be registered in ships official log book.( DD can be varrified by last DD report or safcon or ship safety certi.)