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 that was created in 2001 in order to protect the marine environment from the intentional or unintentional release of harmful chemicals from anti-fouling systems. Anti-fouling systems are used in the maritime industry to reduce the buildup of barnacles and other marine organisms on ships hulls. The goal of the convention and its associated regulations is to reduce the negative impacts of anti-fouling systems on the environment. The scope of the AFS Convention covers all vessels that operate in international waters or on the high seas. This includes ships that are registered in another country than the one where it is operating. The AFS Convention requires ships to use anti-fouling systems that have low levels of persistent bioaccumulative and toxic pollutants. It also bans the use of organotins, which are chemicals that are commonly used in anti-fouling systems. In California, all new and existing vessels are required by the California Environmental Protection Agency to comply with the AFS Convention. Additionally, California has established a permit and inspection program to enforce the requirements of the AFS Convention. Finally, California requires the registration of all vessels that operate in California waters to ensure that they are following the regulations set forth by the AFS Convention.
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