Statutory Alert: Hong Kong-flagged vessels – Anti-fouling system (AFS) certification changes.
05 December 2016
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.
For further information
Speak to one of our experts at your local Lloyd’s Register Group office or contact:
statutorysupport@lr.org