In order to effectively control and reduce effects on the marine environment caused by harmful anti-fouling systems, International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships (Hereinafter referred to as AFS Convention), which entered into force on 17 September 2008, was adopted by the Assembly of the International Maritime Organization in October 2001. The Chinese Government has approved and accessed the Convention, which will enter into force on 7 June, 2011 in China (see the Notice No. 22 of 2011 by Ministry of Transport: Notice on the entry into force of International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships by International Maritime Organization). In order to enhance the supervision and management of anti-fouling systems on ships, protect marine environment, implement AFS Convention, related matters are notified as follows:
4. Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems
Coating, re-painting, installation or using of harmful anti-fouling systems shall be prohibited on ships engaged on international voyages. In accordance with the Convention, any Chinese flagged ships engaged on international voyages shall not bear organotin compounds on their hulls, external parts or surfaces; Otherwise, ships shall bear a coating that forms a barrier to such compounds leaching from the underlying non-compliant anti-fouling systems.
5. The handling of waste materials
Maritime Administrations at all levels shall, in accordance with Article 5 of AFS Convention and Article 12 of Regulations on Administration of Prevention and Control of Pollution to the Marine Environment by Vessels, require shipyards, ship-breakers to set up reception facilities to receive anti-fouling paint containing organotin compounds .
6. On-site Inspection
Maritime Administrations at all levels shall, in accordance with the International Maritime Organization Resolution MEPC.105 (49) (Guidelines on Inspection of Anti-fouling Systems on Ships), inspect Chinese and foreign ships engaged on international voyages calling ports of China, including International Anti-fouling System Certificateor Anti-fouling Systems Declaration, the relevant records, etc., or a brief sampling of anti-fouling system that does not affect the integrity, structure or function. However, the inspection shall not cause undue delay to the ship. Ships not complying with the requirements of AFS Convention and the Notice shall be subject to relevant laws, regulations and requirements.
(All information published in this website is authentic in Chinese. English is provided for reference only.)