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 an international treaty that was adopted by the International Maritime Organization in October 2001. The purpose of the AFS Convention is to tackle the environmental impacts of the use of toxic anti-fouling systems on ships. In particular, the Convention aims to reduce, eliminate, or at least minimize the release of toxins from anti-fouling systems into the marine environment. The scope of the AFS Convention applies to all ships, regardless of their size, over 24 meters in length that are engaged in international voyages. It also applies to all anti-fouling systems and anti-fouling components used, sold, transferred, or applied on ships for the purpose of preventing the growth of aquatic organisms, such as barnacles, algae, and mussels. The AFS Convention also prohibits the sale, transfer, and use of certain toxic anti-fouling substances, including Tributyltin (TBT). The AFS Convention is enforced in South Carolina through the International Maritime Organization and the International Labour Organization. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is responsible for the enforcement of AFS Convention regulations, which involve monitoring and conducting inspections of ships that may be carrying anti-fouling systems and substances. This is done to ensure that all ships comply with the AFS Convention, and to help protect the environment and human health from the impact of these substances.

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

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