UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency has issued a Marine Information Notice MIN 706 (M+F) regarding new IMO voluntary guidelines.
This notice was published on 8 February 2024.
Summary
This Marine Information Note emphasizes the recent adoption of voluntary guidelines by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) concerning biofouling and underwater radiated noise.
The 2023 Biofouling Guidelines
- The Biofouling Guidelines aim to establish a globally consistent approach for managing biofouling on ships to reduce the transfer of invasive aquatic species.
- Adopted at the eightieth session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee, these guidelines replace the 2011 Biofouling Guidelines.
- Resolution MEPC.378(80) on www.IMO.org provides access to the 2023 Biofouling Guidelines.
- Ships are encouraged to utilize these guidelines to minimize the risk of invasive species and improve hydrodynamic performance, thus enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing air emissions.
- Feedback on the guidelines' usage can be submitted to environment@mcga.gov.uk for consideration during the next revision discussions at the IMO.
- Interested parties willing to share their experiences with these guidelines are invited to email environment@mcga.gov.uk for inclusion in discussions.
The 2023 Underwater Radiated Noise Guidelines
- These guidelines recognize commercial shipping as a significant contributor to underwater radiated noise (URN), adversely affecting various marine life forms and coastal Indigenous communities.
- Intended for designers, shipbuilders, and operators, the draft guidelines offer approaches to reduce URN and establish mechanisms for noise reduction efforts.
- Approved at the eightieth session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee, these guidelines supersede the 2014 Underwater Noise Guidelines.
- Circular MEPC.1/Circ.906 on www.IMO.org provides access to the 2023 Underwater Radiated Noise Guidelines.
- Ships are encouraged to implement these guidelines to mitigate URN effects and provide feedback on their effectiveness.
- Feedback on the guidelines' application can be sent to environment@mcga.gov.uk to inform future discussions at the IMO.
- Interested parties are invited to share their experiences with these guidelines by contacting environment@mcga.gov.uk.
For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):
New IMO Voluntary Guidelines
Sign up for our newsletter
Your most up-to-date maritime regulations news
It's free. No spam. Cancel anytime.
Related News
Liberia’s safety requirements for non-SOLAS vessels
Nov 29, 2024
Panama updates marine notice MMN-05/2022 on authorized ASI inspectors
Nov 27, 2024
U.S. Coast Guard updates to four-digit VHF channel numbers
Nov 25, 2024