The International Anti-fouling certificate -A handy guide

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Removing Organotin from the seas

This exploration of ship certification is on its final stages of pollution related documentation. The last two certificates do not get their power from MARPOL however, but instead from two stand alone conventions. The first of these is aimed at reducing the damage caused by anti-fouling paint.

Why is the The International Anti-fouling certificate required?

It is required by The International Convention of the control of anti-fouling systems on ships, 2001.

Click here for the IMO page on the anti-fouling convention>

“Anti-fouling system means a coating, paint, surface treatment, surface, or device that is used on a ship to control or prevent attachment of unwanted organisms.”

What does that convention require?

That ships shall not apply or re-apply Organotin compounds which act as biocides and that that ships either:

• Shall not bear such compounds on their hulls or external parts or surfaces; or
• Shall bear a coating that forms a barrier to such compounds leaching from the underlying non-compliant anti-fouling systems

See table in MGN 398 for implementation dates.

What ships are requires to carry the certificate?

Ships of 400 GT or above

Ships of less than 400 GT but of 24 metres or more in length must carry a Declaration and appropriate documentation such  a paint receipt or contractor’s invoice.

What does it certify?

That the ship has been surveyed in accordance with regulation 1 of Annex 4 to the International Convention of the control of anti-fouling systems on ships.

The survey shows that the anti-fouling system on the ship complies with the applicable requirements of Annex 1 to the Convention.

The certificate will contain a statement that an anti-fouling system controlled under Annex 1 has not been applied during or after construction of this ship, or if the ship had a controlled anti fouling system prior to the introduction of the convention the certificate will state:

• When an anti-fouling system controlled under Annex 1 has been removed,or
• When an anti-fouling system controlled under Annex 1 has covered with a sealer coat, or
• When anti-fouling system controlled under Annex 1 must be removed or covered with a sealer coat prior to date

What other information is shown on the Certificate?

Particulars of ship

• Name of ship
• Distinctive number or letters
• Port of registry
• Gross tonnage
• IMO number

What are the survey requirements?

An Initial Survey followed by subsequent survey when the anti-fouling system is changed or replaced. There is no regular survey requirement.

What document should accompany the International Anti-fouling certificate?

A Record of Anti-fouling Systems.

Record of Anti-fouling systems

This Record shall be permanently attached to the International Anti-Fouling System Certificate.

What information is shown on the record?

• Particulars of ship
  • Name of ship
  • Distinctive number or letters
  • IMO number
• Details of anti-fouling system(s) applied
  • Type(s) of anti-fouling system(s) used
  • Date(s) of application of anti-fouling system(s)
  • Name(s) of company(ies) and facility(ies)/location(s) where applied
  • Name(s) of anti-fouling system manufacturer(s)
  • Name(s) and colour(s) of anti-fouling system(s)
  • Active ingredient(s) and their Chemical Abstract Services Registry Number(s) (CAS number(s))
  • Type(s) of sealer coat, if applicable
  • Name(s) and colour(s) of sealer coat applied, if applicable
  • Date of application of sealer coat

Note:  A CAS Registry Number,  is a unique numerical identifier assigned by Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) to every chemical substance described in the open scientific literature. Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) is a division of the American Chemical Society. Click here for their website>

Deceleration on anti-fouling system

This is required to be carried by Ships of less than 400 GT but of 24 metres or more in length. Such a vessel must also carry appropriate documentation such  a paint receipt or contractor’s invoice.

Contents of a deceleration

• Name of ship
• Distinctive number or letters
• Port of registry
• Length
• Gross tonnage
• IMO number (if applicable)

A statement that: I declare that the anti-fouling system used on this ship complies with Annex 1 of the Convention.

Useful links on anti-fouling

UK MGN 398 Merchant shipping anti-fouling system regulations 2009

UK guidance for Surveyors

Some notes on anti-fouling paint

Organotin compounds or stannanes are chemical compounds based on tin with hydrocarbon substituents. Depending on the organic groups, they can be powerful bactericides and fungicides.

Studies have shown that these compounds persist in the water, harming the environment and possibly entering the food chain.  Organotin tributylin (TBT), which has been proven to cause deformations in oysters and sex changes in whelks.