Australia’s Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has launched a in-water hull and biofouling survey concerning vessels entering Australia from overseas. The results will help Department to develop new internationally consistent biofouling standards for Australia. The survey is open until June 2017.
The Department informs that interested parties are required to provide access to your vessel for an in-water hull survey and complete a short online questionnaire for their participation. The survey aims to inform new internationally consistent biofouling standards for Australia.
Biofouling is the marine growth that tends to occur on the hull and niche areas of vessels, including sea chests, bow thrusters, propeller shafts and dry-dock support strips. Vessel biofouling is a major pathway for the introduction of exotic species into Australian waters.
Managing the amount of biofouling on a vessel not only reduces the risk of harmful plants and animals entering new waters, but also improves vessel performance, and reduces CO2 emissions and maintenance costs.
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources works closely with its stakeholders to help minimise the biosecurity risk to Australia posed by biofouling.
Benefits of participation
You will receive a free dive survey report for your vessel that covers:
- amount and location of biofouling
- condition of the antifouling coatings
- general condition of the hull
In-water survey
The dive survey takes approximately 3–4 hours, depending on the vessel and local weather and sea conditions. It will involve an underwater biofouling survey of your vessel’s hull and niche areas. The diver will take a digital image of multiple areas to record:
- condition of antifouling (good, average, poor, absent)
- level of biofouling (% cover; comparable to ASTM standards)
- broad groupings of biofouling type (e.g. algae, barnacles).
The survey will not involve identifying biofouling species, taking physical samples or removing any biofouling from the vessel.
We will work with you to arrange a suitable time for the survey that minimises interruption to your vessel’s schedule, such as during scheduled maintenance.
Dive survey locations
The underwater surveys will be conducted at the following Australian ports:
- Adelaide (South Australia)
- Brisbane, Gladstone, Townsville (Queensland)
- Burnie, Devonport, Hobart (Tasmania)
- Dampier, Fremantle (Western Australia)
- Darwin (Northern Territory)
- Geelong, Hastings, Melbourne (Victoria)
- Port Botany, Port Kembla, Sydney (New South Wales).
Online questionnaire
You will also be asked to complete a short online survey. The questionnaire will collect information on:
- biofouling management activities
- voyage patterns
- awareness of biofouling management strategies.
