Biofouling Management
- Admin
- May 3
- 2 min read
Updated: May 25
What Is Biofouling? 🦠
Biofouling is the accumulation of aquatic organisms like algae, mussels, and barnacles on the hull and underwater parts of the vessel.
⚠️ Why it matters:
Creates drag → higher fuel consumption
Transfers invasive species → damages marine ecosystems
Causes delays, fines, or denial of entry at ports like Australia, California, NZ
What Are the Rules? 📜
Each country has different rules — here’s a quick comparison of main port states:
🇦🇺 Australia
Must follow 1 of 3 options before arrival:
✅ Biofouling Management Plan (BFMP) + Record Book
✅ Hull cleaned within 30 days
✅ Department-approved alternative method🕒 Pre-arrival report required via MARS system
🇺🇸 California
Applies to ships ≥300 GRT.
Needs:
✅ Vessel-specific BFMP
✅ Biofouling Record Book
✅ Niche area cleaning (bow thrusters, sea chests, etc.)🗓️ Compliance starts after first dry-dock after Jan 2018
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Follows CRMS standard.
Requires:
✅ “Clean hull” based on stay type (short/long)
✅ Pre-arrival declaration 48 hrs before entry
✅ Proof of cleaning, or approved plan per IMO MEPC.378(80)
IMO Update – MEPC.378(80) 🌐
🔄 In July 2023, IMO replaced the old 2011 guidelines with MEPC.378(80)
Key focus:
Prevent invasive species
Improve AFS (Anti-Fouling System) use
Promote hull inspections & proactive cleaning👉 Not mandatory, but many ports are adopting it gradually
What Is a BFMP and Record Book? 📘🛠️
🔹 BFMP – Describes your antifouling coating, niche area strategy, and inspection routine🔹 Record Book – Logs cleaning dates, diver inspections, repainting, etc.
They’re required in Australia, California, and accepted under NZ and IMO rules.
Useful Tips for Crew 🚢
✅ Drydock the vessel in time to reset BFMP schedule
✅ Avoid long idle periods at one port — triggers stricter inspections
✅ Photograph biofouling state before and after cleaning
✅ Keep all reports and evidence accessible during PSC or quarantine checks
📎 About the Attached Documents
We’ve attached several official documents (Australia, California, New Zealand, IMO, client advisory) to support this post.
📌 These are for reference only — always check for updates or latest versions from official authorities before arrival.
💬 Share Your Experience or Tips
Have you faced inspection delays due to fouling?
What antifouling paint or cleaning method works best for your route?
🗨️ Comment below — let’s help each other prepare better and avoid surprises at the next port!
Let’s keep hulls clean and ecosystems safe 🌿
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