What is the scope of the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems?

The International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems (AFS Convention) is a global agreement to protect the marine environment from toxic pollutants used in anti-fouling systems on ships. This Convention’s scope is focused on controlling and reducing the release of antifouling systems containing certain toxic chemicals and preventing the intentional use of these chemicals on all ships regardless of their flag or ownership. The AFS Convention applies to all vessels over 25 meters in length in international waters or beyond the territorial waters of any signatory nation. It also applies to all vessels engaged in international trade that are less than 25 meters in length, regardless of their flag or ownership. The Convention applies specifically to the use and release of organotins, copper, and zinc, which are common toxic ingredients in many marine antifouling paints, in order to reduce their presence in the marine environment. In the U.S., the implementation of the AFS Convention is overseen by the U.S. Coast Guard under the Vessel General Permit regulations. Under this regulation, all ships entering U.S. waters must follow AFS Convention regulations. This includes controlling and reducing the release of antifouling systems containing certain toxic chemicals, and preventing the intentional use of these chemicals on ships. This regulation is designed to help protect the marine environment of California while allowing ships to continue to use anti-fouling systems safely and effectively.

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What is the scope of the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems?

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