AFS CONVENTION
Spring 2023
Annexes 1 and 4: Controls on Cybutryne in Anti-Fouling Systems
Cybutryne acts as a biocide in an AFS but has been observed to demonstrate leaching into surrounding waters, thereby harming aquatic life. Adopted on 17 June 2021, MEPC.331(76) amended Annex 1 of the AFS Convention and established controls prohibiting the application or reapplication of the AFS which contain cybutryne as of 1 January 2023.
The following guidelines have been updated to reflect the new controls on the use of cybutryne under the AFS Convention and to provide up-to-date guidance on the inspection, sampling and certification of anti-fouling systems on ships:
• 2022 Guidelines for Brief Sampling of Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships
• 2022 Guidelines for Inspection of Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships
• 2022 Guidelines for Survey and Certification of Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships
These guidelines provide support to surveyors for the enforcement of the ban on AFS containing cybutryne.
Effective Date: 1 January 2023
Sources: MEPC.356(78), MEPC.357(78), and MEPC.358(78)
Fall 2022
Annexes 1 and 4: Controls on Cybutryne in Anti-Fouling Systems
Cybutryne acts as a biocide in an anti-fouling system but has been observed to demonstrate leaching into surrounding waters, harming aquatic life The amended Annex 1 of the AFS Convention establishes controls prohibiting applying or re-applying anti-fouling systems containing cybutryne as of 1 January 2023.
For vessels with an anti-fouling system containing cybutryne in the external coating layer on or after 1 January 2023, the anti-fouling system must be removed, or a sealant that prevents leaching must be applied. In either case, this must occur at the next scheduled renewal of the anti-fouling system after 1 January 2023, but no later than 60 months following the last application to the ship of an anti-fouling system containing cybutryne.
Effective Date: 1 January 2023
Source: MEPC.331(76)
