Australia Biofouling Requirement

In Australia, domestic regulations concerning biofouling were amended in December 2021 under the Biosecurity Regulation 2016, and they came into effect on June 15, 2022.

Below, we will introduce the required actions.

**[1] Timeline**

The 'Biosecurity Regulation 2016' is Australia's domestic law aimed at regulating the introduction of harmful foreign organisms and pathogens to the environment, humans, animals, etc. In December 2021, amendments were made to Regulation 48 of this regulation, specifically addressing pre-arrival reporting for vessels, and these amendments came into effect on June 15, 2022. The period until December 15, 2023, is designated as the educational period, during which an 'Education First Approach' will be implemented. Prior to the conclusion of the introductory period, the 'Australian biofouling management requirements' were updated to Version 2, which will be applicable from December 15, 2023.

**[2] Regulatory Requirements**

The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (hereinafter referred to as 'the authorities') provides rules and information regarding biofouling on vessels on their website [link]. For requirements related to foreign vessels, please refer to the attached Australian biofouling management requirements. The requirements are as follows:

International vessels entering Australia are required to provide information on Biofouling Management as part of Pre-Arrival Information, and the authorities will determine the vessel's response based on this information.

Specifically, vessels are required to implement one of the following:

1. implementation of an effective biofouling management plan (BFMP) and record book (BFRB)
2. vessel cleaned of all biofouling within 30 days prior to arriving in Australian territory, or
3. implementation of an alternative biofouling management method pre-approved by the
department. 

 If the vessel cannot prove the proper implementation of any of the above in the Pre-Arrival Information, further information may be requested by the authorities, and the vessel's Biosecurity Risk will be assessed. Depending on this assessment, inspectors may conduct document inspections or underwater inspections upon the vessel's arrival.

**[3] Implementation of an Effective Biofouling Management Plan and Record Book**

As mentioned in [2], one means to meet Australia's biofouling requirements is the implementation of BFMP and BFRB. While BFMP is recommended for vessels under IMO's Resolution MEPC.378(80) issued in 2023, it is not mandatory for all vessels to possess. To comply with Australian biofouling regulations through the implementation of BFMP/BFRB, it is recommended to refer to the minimum requirements listed in Appendix A of 'Australian biofouling management requirements Ver.2.'

Additionally, a template for BFMP provided by Australian authorities is attached.

**[4] Other**

Evidence of proper biofouling management may require the submission of an Underwater Cleaning Report. Appendix B of 'Australian biofouling management requirements Ver.2' outlines the minimum requirements to be included in the Cleaning Report.