Biofouling Management Plan and Record Book

1. Introduction

The Guidelines recommend that a Biofouling Record Book is maintained for each ship, in which should be recorded the details of all inspections and biofouling management measures undertaken on the ship.

2. General Information

Areas susceptible to biofouling

• Flat Bottom & Keel: Low water flow allows organisms (barnacles, algae, mussels) to settle
• Bow Thruster Tunnels & Gratings: Low flow and turbulence promote fouling
• Stern Frame & Rudder: Complex shapes create eddies where organisms attach
• Propeller & Shaft: Rough surfaces and cavitation encourage growth
• Sea Chests & Gratings (Intakes/Discharges): Stagnant water inside promotes fouling
• Bilge Keels: Due to low flow and structural edges
• Anchors & Chain Lockers: When submerged, they collect fouling
• Stabilizer fins Complex shapes create eddies where organisms attach
• Seawater intakes and internal seawater cooling systems

High-Risk Niche Areas

• Welds & Rough Patches: Provide attachment points
• Crevices & Gaps: Between plates, anodes, or fittings
• Cathodic Protection Anodes: Can accumulate fouling if not maintained
• Draft Marks & Name Plates: Irregular surfaces trap organisms

3. Entries in the Biofouling Record Book

The following information should be recorded in the Biofouling Record Book:

3.1 After each dry-docking:

a. Date and location that the ship was dry-docked

b. Date that ship was re-floated

c. Any hull cleaning that was performed while dry-docked, including areas cleaned, method used for cleaning and the location of dry-dock support blocks

d. Any anti-fouling coating system, including patch repairs, that was applied while dry-docked. Detail the type of anti-fouling coating system, the area and locations it was applied to, the coating thickness achieved and any surface preparation work undertaken (e.g., complete removal of underlying anti-fouling coating system or application of new anti-fouling coating system over the top of existing anti-fouling coating system)

e. Name, position and signature of the person in charge of the activity for the ship

3.2 When the hull area, fittings, niches and voids below the waterline have been inspected by divers:

a. Date and location of ship when dive surveyed and reason for survey

b. Area or side of the ship surveyed

c. General observations with regard to biofouling (i.e. extent of biofouling and predominant biofouling types, e.g., mussels, barnacles, tubeworms, algae and slime)

d. What action was taken, if any, to remove or otherwise treat biofouling

e. Any supporting evidence of the actions taken (e.g., report from the classification society or contractor, photographs and receipts)

f. Name, position, signature of the person in charge of the activity

3.3 When the hull area, fittings, niches and voids below the waterline have been cleaned by divers:

a. Date and location of ship when cleaning/treatment occurred

b. Hull areas, fittings, niches and voids cleaned/treated.

c. Methods of cleaning or treatment used

d. General observations with regard to biofouling (i.e. extent of biofouling and predominant biofouling types, e.g., mussels, barnacles, tubeworms, algae and slime)

e. Any supporting evidence of the actions taken (e.g., report from the classification society or contractor, photographs and receipts)

f. Records of permits required to undertake in-water cleaning if applicable

g. Name, position and signature of the person in charge of the activity

3.4 When the internal seawater cooling systems have been inspected and cleaned or treated:

a. Date and location of ship when inspection and/or cleaning occurred

b. General observations with regard to biofouling of internal seawater cooling systems (i.e. extent of biofouling and predominant biofouling types, e.g., mussels, barnacles, tubeworms, algae, slime)

c. Any cleaning or treatment undertaken

d. Methods of cleaning or treatment used

e. Any supporting evidence of the actions taken (e.g., report from the classification society or contractor, photographs and receipts)

f. Name, position and signature of the person in charge of the activity

3.5 For ships with a MGPS fitted:

a. Records of operation and maintenance (such as regularly monitoring the electrical and mechanical functions of the systems)

b. Any instances when the system was not operating in accordance with the biofouling management plan

3.6 Periods of time when the ship was laid up/inactive for an extended period of time:

a. Date and location where ship was laid up

b. Date when ship returned to normal operations

c. Maintenance action taken prior to and following the period laid up

d. Precautions taken to prevent biofouling accumulation (e.g., sea chests blanked off)

3.7 Periods of time when ship operating outside its normal operating profile:

a. Duration and dates when ship not operating in accordance with its normal operating profile

b. Reason for departure from normal operating profile (e.g., unexpected maintenance required)

3.8 Details of official inspection or review of ship biofouling risk (for ships  arriving internationally, if applicable):

a. Date and location of ship when inspection or review occurred

b. Port State authority conducting the inspection/review and details of procedures followed or protocol adhered to and inspector/s involved

c. Result of inspection/review

d. Name, position, signature of the person in charge of the activity for the ship

3.9 Any additional observations and general remarks:

a. Since the ship was last cleaned, has the ship spent periods of time in locations that may significantly affect biofouling accumulation (e.g., fresh water, high latitude (Arctic and Antarctic) or tropical ports)

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