Biofouling management regulations - Australian ports

Ship Operations, Vetting and Chartering
1

New biofouling management regulations have been introduced for ships visiting Australian ports.

Ship operators have the option to demonstrate proactive biofouling management through one of the following methods:

Mandatory pre-arrival reporting requirements:

  1. Implementing an effective biofouling management plan and maintaining a record book.
  2. Ensuring that all biofouling is cleaned within 30 days prior to entering Australian territory.
  3. Implementing an approved alternative biofouling management method as authorized by the relevant department.

These updated Australian biofouling management requirements outline the pre-arrival reporting obligations for vessels entering Australian territorial seas, as well as provide guidance for international vessel operators subject to biosecurity control.

The revisions aim to offer clearer guidance based on feedback from vessel operators, agents, and industry bodies over the past 18 months.

Proactive biofouling management options
Option 1: Biofouling management plan and record book
Option 2: Vessel cleaned of all biofouling within 30 days prior to arrival
Option 3: Alternative biofouling management method pre-approved by the
department

Reference:
Australian-biofouling-management-requirements (1).pdf (1.5 MB)

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