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Home › Dry Dock › Next-Generation Coating: Planning the Dry Dock Choice
Operational guide · Operational procedure

Next-Generation Coating: Planning the Dry Dock Choice

Select the external anti-fouling system against AFS compliance, operating profile and planned maintenance. Advertised coating life does not change bottom-survey and docking due dates.

antifoulingbiocide-free coatingdry dock planningPSPC

Operational Explanation

Anti-fouling and fouling-release systems have different operating conditions. Compare speed, idle periods, trading areas, surface preparation and warranty with the ship’s actual data. IMO biofouling guidelines are recommendations: check additional requirements of the relevant jurisdiction.

Regulatory Reference

IMO: AFS Convention; MEPC.378(80), 2023 Biofouling Guidelines. MSC.215(82), the PSPC for dedicated seawater ballast tanks and certain double-side skin spaces, does not govern external anti-fouling. Surveys separately follow applicable statutory and class requirements.

Application or reapplication of cybutryne-containing systems has been prohibited since 1 January 2023. Existing external coatings require removal or sealing at the next scheduled renewal after that date and no later than 60 months after last application, subject to the specific exceptions for platforms, non-international voyages and ships below 400 GT accepted by coastal States. Establish the vessel’s position before planning its docking cycle. IMO — AFS / cybutryne.

For ships subject to AFS certification (at least 400 GT, international voyages, excluding platforms, FSUs and FPSOs), changing or replacing the system requires the associated survey and certificate update. AFS, annex 4.

Scope of Application

Hull anti-fouling coatings and submerged areas. A biocide-free product still requires suitability, documentation and local-condition checks; do not assume universal IMO product approval.

Procedure / How to Complete It

  1. Check controlled substances and the ship’s required AFS documents.
  2. Compare the manufacturer’s specification, operating profile and compatibility with the existing system.
  3. Agree preparation, application conditions, checks and repairs to damaged areas.
  4. Assess the hull and niche areas, such as sea chests and tunnels, separately.
  5. Plan coating-compatible inspection and cleaning permitted locally, retaining survey due dates.

Practical Example

A quotation states a ten-year service life. Ask which idle periods, speeds, cleaning and repairs the warranty permits and price intermediate work; the stated life does not authorise skipping a bottom survey.

What Typically Goes Wrong

Selecting on price or advertised life alone, ignoring niche areas, or confusing a product data sheet with the ship’s AFS certificate.

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

MistakeHow to avoid it
Selecting on price or advertised life alone, ignoring niche areas, or confusing a product data sheet with the ship’s AFS certificate.Check the individual ship’s requirements and documents before closing the work.

What the PSCO Checks

Check the required AFS document, applied-system documentation and consistency with changes or replacements. For international voyages: a certificate from 400 GT; a signed declaration and supporting documents for ships at least 24 m long but below 400 GT, with the specified exclusions for platforms, FSUs and FPSOs.

Operational Tips

Preparation checklist

FAQ

Does PSPC govern external anti-fouling?
No: check the AFS regime and other applicable requirements.
Does a ten-year service life extend the docking interval?
No. Any alternative survey arrangement requires separate assessment and acceptance.
Are IMO biofouling guidelines mandatory everywhere?
They are IMO recommendations; check binding flag, coastal State and port requirements.

Related Topics

Shipyard Waste ManagementAnti-Fouling Systems (AFS Convention)

Last substantive revision of this page: 16 September 2026 · page fingerprint 91930c5e6026