Purpose
1.1 Article 11 of the International Convention on the Control of Harmful
Anti-fouling Systems on Ships, 2001, hereinafter referred to as "the Convention", and
resolution MEPC.358(78) on 2022 Guidelines for survey and certification of
anti-fouling systems on ships, refer to sampling as a method of verification of
compliance of a ship's anti-fouling system with the Convention for inspection and
survey.
1.2 The Guidelines for brief sampling of anti-fouling systems on
ships, hereinafter referred to as "the Guidelines", provide procedures for
sampling to support the effectiveness of survey and inspection to ensure that a ship's
anti-fouling system complies with the Convention and thus assists:
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.1 Administrations and recognized organizations (ROs)
in the uniform application of the provisions of the Convention;
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.2 port State control officers with guidance on
methods and handling of brief sampling in accordance with article 11(1)(b) of the
Convention; and
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.3 companies, shipbuilders, manufacturers of
anti-fouling systems, as well as any other interested parties, in understanding
the process of sampling as required in terms of the Convention.
1.3 However, inspections or surveys do not necessarily always need to include sampling
of the anti-fouling system.
1.4 These Guidelines apply to surveys and inspections of ships subject to the Convention.
1.5 The sole purpose of the sampling activities described in the Guidelines is to verify
compliance with the provisions of the Convention. Consequently, such activities do not
relate to any aspect not regulated by the Convention (even if such aspects relate to the
performance of an anti-fouling system on the hull of a ship, including the quality of
workmanship).
Structure of these Guidelines
1.6 These Guidelines contain:
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.1 a main body covering aspects of general nature
common to "sampling" procedures related to the regulation of anti-fouling systems
controlled by the Convention; and
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.2 appendices describing the unique procedures
associated with the sampling and analysis of anti-fouling systems controlled by
the Convention. These appendices only serve as examples of sampling and
analytical methods, and other sampling methods not described in an appendix may be
used subject to the satisfaction of the Administration or the port State, as
appropriate.
1.7 For reasons including the event of further anti-fouling systems
becoming controlled under the Convention, or in the light of new experience acquired,
these Guidelines may need to be reviewed or amended in the future.