Statutory Alert: Hong Kong-flagged vessels – Anti-fouling system (AFS) certification changes Applicability: Shipowners and operators of Hong Kong-registered vessels
As announced in Hong Kong Merchant Shipping Information Note 29/2016, the Merchant Shipping (Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships) Regulation (Cap. 413N) will commence on 1 January 2017, to implement the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships 2001.
For ships engaged in international voyages, which are of 400 gross tonnage or above, a valid International Anti-Fouling Systems Certificate should be carried on board. Any vessels already carrying an Anti-Fouling Systems Statement of Compliance will need to have it replaced with an International Anti-Fouling Systems Certificate.
For ships that have a length of 24 metres or more, but are less than 400 gross tons, which are engaged in international voyages, no International Anti-Fouling Systems certificate is needed, but the ship is required to carry on board a declaration signed by the owner of the ship or his authorised agent declaring that the ship’s hull coating complies with the Convention.
Shipowners and operators of Hong Kong-registered vessels should contact their local Lloyd’s Register Group office to arrange for the necessary certification to be issued.