International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport gives notice that the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships, known as the AFS Convention, will enter into force for Irish-flagged ships on the 20th January 2012.
This follows the deposit of the Instrument of Accession by Ireland with the International Maritime Organization on 20th October 2011.
Prior to the 20th January 2012, all Irish-flagged ships of 400 gross tonnage, and over, are required to hold an Anti-Fouling Certificate, issued under Regulation (EC) No 782/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
The entry into force of the AFS Convention means that any Irish-flagged ship which holds such a Certificate must replace it with an International Certificate, issued under the AFS Convention. Such ships should contact the Irish maritime administration or their relevant Recognised Organization in this regard.
The AFS Convention applies to:
a) all ships (of whatever type) of 400 gross tonnage and over;
b) all ships, including fishing vessels, of 24 metres or greater in length, but less than 400 gross tonnage;
c) all other vessels of whatever size.
The ships of group a) above must have an International Anti-Fouling System Certificate on board after 20th January 2012. The ships in group b) must carry a “Declaration of Compliance with the EU Regulation or with the AFS Convention”. In both cases, it is required that vessels have a Record of Anti-Fouling System and that the owner/operator keeps evidence of compliance with the AFS Convention with respect to the anti-fouling coatings used, and with respect to sealer coatings, if used, to cover old non-compliant anti-fouling coatings. Further details of the requirements are set out in the Sea Pollution (Control of Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships) Regulations 2008 [S.I. No. 82 of 2008].
Ireland has transposed the requirements of the AFS Convention by means of these regulations. In relation to all other vessels, attention is drawn to information contained in the above-mentioned Marine Notice No. 51 of 2008. The purpose of the AFS Convention, which entered into force on 17th September 2008, is to eliminate adverse effects on the marine environment and on human health caused by anti-fouling systems, that is, paints or coatings applied to the hulls of vessels to prevent living organisms from attaching to them.
Source: Irish Department of Transport
