Antifouling paints

Antifouling Convention prohibits the use of underwater antifouling paints containing TBT

On 17 September 2008 the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Antifouling Systems on Ships, 2001 has entered into force globally. This mandatory convention prohibits the use of antifouling paints containing TBT on ships.

All ships of 400 GT and above in international trade must have a TBT free antifouling coating on their hull or must have applied an approved sealer coat. Further details of the hull coating are listed in the supplement of the International AFS certificate or in the AFS declaration.

Ships under 400 GT need only an AFS declaration which can be issued by the ship owner himself based on information provided by the paint manufacturer.

Ban of underwater antifouling paints containing TBT applies in domestic trade, too

The use of underwater antifouling paints containing TBT on ships of 400 GT and above is also prohibited by European law. Other than the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Antifouling Systems on Ships the European regulation (EC) No 782/2003 is also applicable for ships engaged in national trade.