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Home › Environmental Compliance › Biofouling Management
Operational guide · Operational procedure

Biofouling Management

The Biofouling Guidelines are voluntary and create no IMO-certified provider: before in-water cleaning, check port/coastal-State rules and assess the service technically.

biofoulinginvasive speciesin-water cleaningGloFouling

Operational Explanation

Biofouling management should consider hull and niche areas, coating, operating profile and idle periods. The plan and records allow inspections, cleaning and results to be traced. IMO guidelines remain voluntary; national duties or port conditions may be binding. Cleaning authorization is not IMO certification of the provider.

Regulatory Reference

MEPC.378(80), 2023 Biofouling Guidelines; MEPC.1/Circ.918 — in-water cleaning guidance; applicable local law and permits.

Scope of Application

Each port call and cleaning method; capture, containment, treatment and disposal follow risk assessment and local conditions.

Procedure / How to Complete It

  1. Confirm cleaning is permitted and authorised.
  2. Assess equipment/provider against applicable Guidance.
  3. Define required capture/containment/treatment and waste route.
  4. Protect coating and prevent species release.
  5. Record the decision and result in Plan/Record Book.

Practical Example

A port may authorise a cleaning method with conditions; this is not IMO certification of the provider.

What Typically Goes Wrong

Requiring a certified in-water cleaning service or claiming formal IMO compliance without an identified scheme.

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

MistakeConsequenceHow to Avoid It
Requiring a certified in-water cleaning service or claiming formal IMO compliance without an identified scheme.Non-compliant decision or treatmentFollow the approved arrangement and applicable sources

What the PSCO Checks

Distinguish statutory control from national biosecurity checks and cleaning authorization. Voluntary guidelines do not themselves create a mandatory international certificate. Where required by the competent authority, provide the plan, records, inspections and service conditions, identifying the local legal basis.

Operational Tips

Preparation checklist

FAQ

Does IMO certify providers?
No.
Is containment always identical?
No; apply Guidance, risk and local conditions.

Related Topics

Ballast Water Management Convention In DepthOperational Energy Efficiency in the Engine Room

Last substantive revision of this page: 15 September 2026 · page fingerprint fce4994d073d