Hong Kong authorities have announced that their Merchant Shipping Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Regulation will come into force on January 1, 2017.
All Hong Kong registered ships will have to abide by the new legislation no matter where they are traveling or what country they are berthed in, the regulations will also be applicable to all vessels that are in Hong Kong waters regardless of where they are flagged.
The regulation itself states that any use of organotin compounds that act as biocides in the anti-fouling systems of ships are prohibited; the laws have been put into place to protect the water, its marine life and the environment as a whole.
International Anti-Fouling System Certificates shall be required of any ship that is 400 gross tonnage or more, a ship with a length 24 metres or less than 400 gross tonnage doesn’t need a certificate but a declaration is needed.
The exact regulation can be viewed below:
Merchant Shipping Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Regulation – Part 1
Merchant Shipping Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Regulation – Part 2
