As per a recent notice from the Australian Government, there are new biofouling management requirements for ships calling at Australian ports.

An introductory period for these new requirements ended on 15 December 2023. Implementation is now focusing on transitioning to a business-as-usual approach, where operators of all ships will need to provide information on biofouling management practices prior to arriving in Australia.

Ship operators can demonstrate proactive management of biofouling by implementing one of these three accepted management options:

1. Implementation of an effective biofouling management plan and record book.
2. Cleaned all biofouling within 30 days prior to arriving in Australian territory.
3. Implementation of an alternative biofouling management method pre-approved by the department.

You can find out more here.