Australia and New Zealand Biofouling (1st Edition, 2026)

The publication also examines the AFS Convention, port entry requirements, penalties for non-compliance and the impact of biofouling on ship hydrodynamics and operating costs. It provides practical guidance on ship inspection and cleaning, supported by a comprehensive set of data sheets for in-water hull cleaning companies, including location maps. The appendices provide a set of official checklists for in-water cleaning, the MPI Vessel Checklist and Reporting Form, the MPI Biosecurity Pre-Arrival Report, and commentary on the 2023 Biofouling Guidelines.

This is an essential guide for maritime professionals operating in or entering Australian and New Zealand waters, providing clear insight into compliance obligations and effective preparation for port entry, helping to minimise disruption, delays and unexpected costs.

Introduction

Australia is the world's largest island nation, surrounded by some of the most iconic marine waters in the world. We have the third largest maritime jurisdiction in the world, with an EEZ of approximately 10 million square kilometres. As a nation, we are justifiably proud of our marine estate, the biodiversity it supports and the connection it provides to the region and the world for our people and industries.

The Australian Government takes protection of these unique natural assets very seriously and has implemented strict maritime biosecurity regulations that serve as a defence against the translocation of non-indigenous marine species.

Australia has a complex and layered system of federal and state government regulation as well as private and public port ownership structures. To ensure shipowners, operators and agents are complying with required entry requirements in an efficient and timely manner, it is essential to understand the framework well.

MIAL is proud to partner with Witherbys and the New Zealand Shipping Federation and endorse this invaluable guide to Australia and New Zealand Biofouling and recommend this as a resource to anyone in the maritime industry with an interest in engaging with Australia and New Zealand.

Angela Gillham
Chief Executive Officer
Maritime Industry Australia Limited

As a distant island nation, New Zealand has a long history of strict biosecurity rules to prevent harm to our agriculture-based economy and numerous native species of flora and fauna.

New Zealand has developed a mature biofouling regime that is more restrictive than what exists in most other countries. Under this biofouling regime, the Craft Risk Management Standard (CRMS), government officials can require a hull inspection, change a vessel's itinerary, require removal of biofouling within 24 hours, or order a vessel to depart New Zealand waters if they have reasonable grounds to suspect a craft contains any unwanted organism.

It is important that ship owners, operators and shipping agents understand the complexity of the CRMS, what is required to demonstrate compliance, and the strictness with which it is enforced if they are to avoid unnecessary disruption, lost time and cost.

Witherby's Australia and New Zealand Biofouling book is an indispensable guide for owners, operators and agents seeking to navigate New Zealand's biofouling regime, and is highly recommended reading.

John Harbord
Executive Director
New Zealand Shipping Federation

Contents Listing

Chapter 1 Australia Biofouling Requirements
1.1 The Australia 'Biosecurity Act 2015'
1.1.1 Reporting and Compliance
1.1.2 Verification on Arrival
1.1.3 First Points of Entry (FPOE)
1.1.4 Non-compliance and Penalties
1.2 The 'Australian anti-fouling and in-water cleaning guidelines' (2024)

Chapter 2 New Zealand Biofouling Requirements
2.1 The 'Craft Risk Management Standard (CRMS) for Vessels (2023)'
2.1.1 Places of First Arrival (PoFA)
2.1.2 Specific Requirements (Short-Stay, Long-Stay and Cruise)
2.1.3 Pre-Arrival Documentation/Information
2.1.4 Biofouling Inspections
2.1.5 Non-compliance and Penalties

Chapter 3 Regulations for the Control of Anti-fouling Systems (AFS)
3.1 The International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships (AFS Convention)

Chapter 4 Biofouling and Ship Performance
4.1 Effect of Biofouling on Ship Hydrodynamics and Energy Efficiency
4.1.1 IMO Measures and Guidance for Energy Efficiency
4.1.2 ISO Standards
4.2 Biofouling Cost Effects

Chapter 5 Ship Inspection and Cleaning
5.1 Inspection
5.2 In-water Cleaning
5.2.1 Brush Systems
5.2.2 Soft Tools
5.2.3 Water Jet and Air Jet (Blast) Systems
5.2.4 AFS Resistance to Cleaning
5.2.5 Propeller Cleaning
5.2.6 Proactive In-water Cleaning
5.2.7 The Future of In-water Hull Cleaning (IWHC)
5.3 Cleaning/Maintenance in Dry Dock
5.3.1 Dry-docking Planning Considerations
5.3.2 Hydroblasting
5.3.3 Abrasive Blasting
5.4 Hull Cleaning and Ship Operations

Chapter 6 Data Sheets for Hull Cleaning Companies
6.1 Data Sheets for Hull Cleaning Companies

Appendix 1 Decision Support
Appendix 2 MPI Vessel Checklist Form
Appendix 3 MPI Biosecurity Pre-Arrival Report
Appendix 4 The 2023 Biofouling Guidelines

About the Author

Witherbys titles are developed using scripts developed by technical experts that are peer reviewed within work groups. Typically, they seek to improve understanding of the regulations, recommendations and guidelines issued by Industry.

Witherbys staff have significant expertise in the fields of navigation and hazardous cargoes as well as in the presentation of complex subjects in a graphic and easy to understand manner.

Maritime Industry Australia Ltd (MIAL)

MIAL is Australia's national shipping industry peak body. MIAL represent maritime interests nationally and internationally for any organisation that owns or operates a ship in Australia. MIAL provides dedicated maritime expertise and advice for members, and represents industry more broadly to promote a sustainable, competitive and agile Australian maritime industry.

New Zealand Shipping Federation

The New Zealand Shipping Federation was established in 1906 and is the representative body for New Zealand's coastal ship operators. As an island nation, coastal shipping is vital to New Zealand's transport infrastructure, emergency preparedness and for our economic, environmental and social welfare.

New Zealand Shipping Federation works with decision-makers to achieve policies that benefit all New Zealanders, including safe, secure and clean shipping.