IMO Biofouling Guidelines
• MEPC 62 to adopt the Guidelines in
July 2011
• BLG 15 February 2011 will be
penultimate opportunity to make
comments
• One difference to normal
guidelines: verification process to
review their success
• INTERTANKO/ICS have already
made substantive comments to the
draft – but is there
scope/justification for more?
IMO Biofouling Guidelines
Application/Objectives
• The Guidelines are intended to provide useful recommendations on
general measures to minimize the risks associated with biofouling
for all types of ships
• To minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species, a ship should
implement biofouling management practices, including the use of
anti-fouling systems and other operational management practices
to reduce the development of macrofouling.
IMO Biofouling Guidelines
Definitions
• Macrofouling [means large, distinct multicellular organisms
visible to the human eye such as barnacles, tubeworms, or fronds
of algae].
• Microfouling [(slime layer) means a layer of microscopic
organisms including bacteria and diatoms and the slimy
substances (usually extracellular polysaccharides) that they
produce].
Comment/Challenge
• The invasive species risk is limited/reduced with the slime layer.
Important for port state to recognise difference when
considering prohibition of hull management.
• The treatment, management and recommendations for the two
types of fouling are very different.
IMO Biofouling Guidelines
Management Plan (1)
• It is recommended that every ship should have a biofouling
management plan. The intent of the plan should be to provide
effective procedures for biofouling management...
• ...The Biofouling Management Plan may be a stand-alone
document, or integrated in part, or fully, into the existing ships’
operational and procedures manuals and/or planned maintenance
systems.
Comment:
• Positive element remains that this can be part of the PMS and
tied in with NPDES VGP
IMO Biofouling Guidelines
Management Plan (2)
• The Plan should describe the ship’s operating profile that has
determined the performance specifications of the ship’s antifouling systems and operational practices, including:
– typical operating speeds;
– periods underway at sea compared with periods berthed, anchored or
moored;
– typical operating areas or trading routes;
– planned duration between dry-dockings/slippings.
Comment:
• Is this information necessary and/or realistic to produce for the
Plan – e.g. is it commercially sensitive, easy to produce for
vessels on spot market?
IMO Biofouling Guidelines
Record Book
• It is recommended that a Biofouling Record Book is maintained for
each ship. The book should record details of all inspections and
biofouling management measures undertaken on the ship...
• ...it may be a stand-alone document, or integrated in part, or fully,
into the existing ships operational and procedures manuals and/or
planned maintenance systems.
Comment:
• The text also suggests that the record will assist in evaluating
the efficacy of the management plan by the owner/operator.
Further, it ‘could’ be used by port states control to ascertain the
risk the vessel poses in terms of invasive species.
• Further extensive record keeping of hull management and
maintenance
Biofouling
Activities
•
IMO Guidelines Assessment, Review
and Commentary
–
–
•
Providing input on current IMO
Guidelines due to be completed in 2011
Guidelines to regulations?
Maintain principle that ports MUST
allow hull management operations in
their waters
IMO Biofouling Guidelines
Antifouling System Installation and Maintenance
• the installation of MGPSs is encouraged
• sea chests should be protected by an anti-fouling coating system
Comment:
• Standard practice to install MGPS on NBs?
• Coating of inlet grates and internal surfaces with an antifouling
system?