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19 Οκτωβρίου, 2012 | Posted by admin in Χωρίς κατηγορία - (Δεν επιτρέπεται σχολιασμός στο USCG – Guidance implementing the AFS Convention)
The US Coast Guard issued a policy letter providing guidance to US vessels and to foreign vessels calling in US waters on compliance with the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships (AFS Convention). The policy letter addresses domestic vessel inspections and certifications, as well as port state control (PSC) procedures for foreign vessels.
Starting on November 21, 2012, US flagged vessels, wherever located, and foreign flagged vessels in the United States, in any port, shipyard, offshore terminal, or other place in the US, lightering in the territorial sea of the US, or anchoring in the territorial sea of the US, must comply with the applicable portions of the AFS Convention. The type of anti- fouling systems controlled (prohibited) are specified in Annex 1 of the Convention. The Coast Guard implements the AFS Convention through reference (a), (33 U.S.C. §§ 3801-3857). Compliance verification for US and foreign vessels shall follow the process and scope as described in the applicable portions of this policy letter.
Port State Control Procedures are also outlined in this policy letter.
Click here to read the policy letter CG-CVC 12-08 dtd 15/10/2012 .
AFS convention, anti-fouling, PSC, USCG
8 Σεπτεμβρίου, 2012 | Posted by admin in Χωρίς κατηγορία - (Δεν επιτρέπεται σχολιασμός στο Ratification by the US of Anti-Fouling Systems Convention)
By AFS.1/Circ.49 the IMO is stating that the US has submitted its instrument of ratification for the Anti-Fouling Systems (AFS) Convention.
The instrument of ratification of the United States of America contained the following declaration:
“… pursuant to article 16(2)(f)(ii)(3) of the Convention, amendments to Annex 1 of the Convention shall enter into force for the United States of America only after notification to the Secretary-General of its acceptance with respect to such amendments.”
The Convention will enter into force for the United States of America on 21 November 2012, in accordance with the provisions of article 18(3).
There are, at present, sixty-one Contracting States to the Convention, representing approximately 80.22%*of the gross tonnage of the world’s merchant shipping.
*This tonnage percentage is based on world tonnage figures provided by IHS-Fairplay, effective as of 31 December 2011. Tonnage figures are liable to fluctuate from year to year.
Click here to read AFS.1/Circ.49
AFS convention, anti-fouling, IMO, USCG
