Implementing an updated biofouling management plan is essential for foreign vessel operators seeking to meet IMO 2023 guidelines and local Indonesian environmental standards. Maintaining a detailed biofouling record book ensures total ship compliance during routine hull inspections and in-water cleaning assessments. Coordinating pre-arrival documentation with experienced local agents allows shipmasters to satisfy every port state requirement without facing unexpected clearance delays or administrative holds.
What Do the IMO 2023 Biofouling Guidelines Require?
The International Maritime Organization adopted Resolution MEPC.378(80) in 2023 to improve the management of biofouling on ships. The guidelines recommend preventive maintenance, suitable anti-fouling systems, regular inspections, and documented cleaning activities.
| Document | Purpose |
| Biofouling Management Plan (BFMP) | Defines how biofouling will be prevented, inspected, and managed |
| Biofouling Record Book (BFRB) | Records completed inspections, maintenance, cleaning, and relevant operational events |
The IMO 2023 Guidelines are voluntary international recommendations rather than mandatory requirements for every vessel. However, applicable flag-state instructions, national regulations, and port-specific requirements should be reviewed before arrival.
How to Prepare a Biofouling Management Plan
A BFMP should be developed according to the vessel’s design, operating conditions, anti-fouling system, and maintenance requirements. The IMO provides a recommended plan structure in Appendix 3 of Resolution MEPC.378(80).
| Plan Component | Information to Include |
| Vessel information | Vessel particulars and responsible personnel |
| Anti-fouling system | Coating type, application date, expected service life, and maintenance instructions |
| Niche areas | Sea chests, propellers, thrusters, rudders, and other areas prone to marine growth |
| Inspection schedule | Planned inspection intervals and assessment methods |
| Cleaning procedures | Suitable cleaning methods, coating limitations, and environmental precautions |
| Contingency measures | Actions following extended idle periods, coating damage, or increased fouling |
The plan should also establish responsibilities for monitoring hull condition, arranging maintenance, and reviewing inspection results. Updates may be necessary following dry docking, coating renewal, or significant changes in the vessel’s operating profile.
What Should Be Recorded in the Biofouling Record Book?
The BFRB provides a documented history of biofouling management activities. According to the IMO 2023 Guidelines, relevant records should cover routine maintenance and events that may increase biofouling risk.
Typical entries include:
- Hull and niche-area inspections.
- Anti-fouling coating maintenance or renewal.
- Underwater cleaning dates, locations, and methods.
- Observed marine growth and corrective actions.
- Extended anchorage or idle periods.
- Inspection findings and supporting reports.
Each entry should clearly identify the activity, date, location, and relevant results. Inspection photographs, cleaning videos, and contractor reports can provide additional evidence of completed maintenance. The IMO includes a recommended BFRB format in Appendix 4 of Resolution MEPC.378(80).
Biofouling Management and Indonesian Port Requirements
For vessels trading to Indonesia, biofouling management should be coordinated with applicable port procedures and environmental restrictions. The IMO 2023 Guidelines do not automatically make BFMP and BFRB inspections mandatory at every Indonesian port. Any specific documentation or inspection obligation depends on the applicable national, flag-state, and local authority requirements. When underwater inspection or hull cleaning is planned, several matters should be confirmed before arrival.
Port location and operational restrictions
Underwater activities may be restricted at certain terminals or berths. Anchorage operations may be more suitable, depending on local conditions and authority approval.
Environmental protection
Cleaning methods should account for the release of marine organisms, coating particles, and other waste. Appropriate collection and disposal arrangements should be considered.
Permits and local coordination
The appointed ship agent should confirm applicable approval procedures, supporting documents, and operational restrictions with the relevant authorities.
Contractor suitability
Underwater contractors should have appropriate technical capabilities, safety procedures, and equipment for the proposed inspection or cleaning. These checks help determine whether the planned work can be completed during the vessel’s port stay.
When Should Hull Inspection or Cleaning Be Arranged?
Inspection and cleaning schedules should reflect the vessel’s operating profile, coating condition, and exposure to biofouling. Extended anchorage periods, prolonged inactivity, and operations in warm waters may increase marine growth.
A practical maintenance process involves three steps.
- Review the vessel’s condition
Assess previous inspection results, coating performance, operating history, and areas with a higher risk of fouling. - Determine the necessary maintenance
Depending on the findings, the vessel may need routine monitoring, underwater inspection, preventive cleaning, or more extensive hull maintenance. The selected method should be compatible with the anti-fouling system and applicable environmental requirements. - Record the completed activities
Inspection findings, photographs, videos, cleaning methods, and completion reports should be retained and entered into the BFRB where relevant.
Selecting the appropriate cleaning methodology during step two is crucial for removing marine growth without damaging the specialized anti-fouling coating beneath. Depending on whether your vessel exhibits light slime or heavy calcareous fouling, applying the correct combination of soft brush systems, contactless water jets, or propeller polishing techniques protects coating integrity and prolongs service life. To explore best practices for safe biofouling removal and operational execution, read our detailed analysis on underwater hull cleaning practices for commercial vessels.
Preparing for an Indonesian Port Call
Before arrival, the vessel’s technical team should review its biofouling documentation and confirm whether any underwater maintenance is necessary.
| Preparation | Responsible Party |
| Review the BFMP and maintenance schedule | Shipowner or technical management |
| Update inspection and cleaning records | Vessel personnel |
| Assess hull condition and cleaning requirements | Technical management |
| Confirm local underwater work procedures | Appointed ship agent |
| Coordinate approved inspection or cleaning | Ship agent and underwater contractor |
| Obtain inspection and completion reports | Contractor and vessel representatives |
Any planned underwater work should be discussed with the appointed ship agent in advance to confirm local feasibility, required approvals, and scheduling. This allows technical management to retain responsibility for maintenance decisions while local arrangements are coordinated according to port requirements.
Underwater Inspection and Hull Cleaning With Balancia
Balancia Ship Agency supports underwater inspection, hull cleaning, and propeller polishing arrangements at applicable Indonesian ports, including Batam. Our team coordinates local underwater contractors, permit arrangements, vessel schedules, and relevant port authority procedures.
Inspection and cleaning services can be supported by photographs, videos, and written reports for the vessel’s maintenance documentation. For underwater inspection or cleaning arrangements, contact Balancia Ship Agency with your vessel particulars, location, expected schedule, and required scope of work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Biofouling Management Plan?
A BFMP is a vessel-specific document describing how marine growth on the hull and niche areas will be prevented, monitored, and managed.
Is a Biofouling Management Plan mandatory under IMO 2023?
No. The IMO 2023 Biofouling Guidelines are voluntary recommendations. Separate national, flag-state, or port-specific requirements may apply.
What is the difference between a BFMP and a BFRB?
The BFMP establishes the vessel’s biofouling management procedures. The BFRB records inspections, maintenance, cleaning activities, and relevant findings.
Can underwater hull cleaning be carried out at any Indonesian port?
No. Underwater cleaning depends on local restrictions, environmental requirements, vessel location, and applicable authority approvals.
How often should a vessel undergo biofouling inspection?
Inspection frequency should be determined by the vessel’s management plan, coating condition, operating profile, and assessed biofouling risk.
BALANCIA SHIP AGENCY
HQ Address : Komplex Ruko Golden City Block C No.3A, Batam City, Indonesia 29432
www.balancia.co.id
Mobile Ph. : +628112929654
Office Ph. : +627784883769
References
- International Maritime Organization. (2023). 2023 guidelines for the control and management of ships’ biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species (Resolution MEPC.378(80)). https://wwwcdn.imo.org/localresources/en/KnowledgeCentre/IndexofIMOResolutions/MEPCDocuments/MEPC.378%2880%29.pdf
- American Bureau of Shipping. (2019). Guidance notes on biofouling management plans. https://ww2.eagle.org/content/dam/eagle/rules-and-guides/current/other/192_bfmp/biofouling-gn-aug-19.pdf
- GloFouling Partnerships. (2020). Indonesia joins the efforts to tackle the transfer of non-indigenous species. https://www.glofouling.imo.org/post/indonesia-joins-the-efforts-to-tackle-the-transfer-of-non-indigenous-species