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• To minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species, ship should implement the biofouling management practices which include use of antifouling systems and operational management practices to reduce development of biofouling.   

• Biofouling Management Regulations to Minimize the Transport of Nonindigenous Species from Vessels Arriving at California Ports will become effective from 01st October 2017 and applicable to vessels of 300 GT or above.

• Republic of Marshall Islands has issued Yacht Safety Advisory No. 08-17 on new California biofouling regulations.

• Salient points of the notice are as follows:

1. These regulations adopted a new annual vessel reporting form and require development of a biofouling management plan and related recordkeeping.

2. The provisions that will become effective from 1^st October 2017 are:

• Vessels are required to submit completed “Marine Invasive Species Program Annual vessel Reporting Form” (SLC 600.12, revised 01/17-refer enclosures) at least 24 hours in advance of the first arrival of calendar year at California port.
• Earlier reporting Form “Hull Husbandry Reporting Form” will no longer be used.

3. The remaining requirements will be applicable to

a. Existing vessel after first regularly scheduled dry dock after 1^st January 2018 and

b. New Vessels delivered on or after January 1, 2018.

4. These vessels are required to:

• Develop and maintain a Biofouling Management Plan specific to the vessel.

• Develop and maintain a Biofouling Record Book onboard vessel.

5. The biofouling management plan provides strategy and effective procedures of biofouling management for the vessel. Plan addresses details of anti-fouling systems and operational practices & treatments used, scheduled of planned inspections, repairs, maintenance and renewal of anti-fouling systems.

6. The Biofouling Record book includes the details of all inspections & biofouling management undertaken onboard ship.

7. The documentation of biofouling management practices are to be used to manage the biofouling on the wetted surfaces of the vessel specially areas such as sea chests and gratings, bow and stern thrusters and gratings, fin stabilizers and recesses, out of water support strips, propellers, shafts and rudders. The actions to be recorded in biofouling record book.

8. Any action or activity undertaken to manage biofouling of the wetted surfaces of the vessel are to be documented in Biofouling Record Book for the vessels that had undergone an extended residency period (remaining in one port consecutively for forty-five days or longer) since its most recent dry dock, in water treatment or in water treatment

• Ship owners / operators and masters are advised to be guided by above.

Enclosure:

• RMI Yacht Safety Advisory No. 08-17

Disclaimer:

This Technical Circular and the material contained in it is provided only for the purpose of supplying current information to the reader and not as an advice to be relied upon by any person. While we have taken utmost care to be as factual as possible, readers/ users are advised to verify the exact text and content of the Regulation from the original source/ issuing Authority.

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