The importance of antifouling application monitoring on leisure boats

Underwater part of ship´s and boat´s hull is affected by marine biofouling which are adhering on it. Fouling of underwater part of hull is huge problem in shipping causing speed reduction and higher maintenance cost. Adhering of marine biofouling organisms can be reduced or eliminated applying antifouling coatings, but the release of hazardous substances also causes serious problems to the environment. This paper gives a brief overview of the international law and conventions relating application of anti-fouling paints. One of the most effective antifouling paints, developed in the 1960s, contains the organotin tributyltin (TBT) was banned 2001. by IMO International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships. Alternative antifouling coatings also may contain toxic elements causing problems to the environment. The paper indicates on possible environmental effects of using biocide antifouling at leisure boats on Croatian coast. Also authors suggest that anti-fouling paints application at marinas and also other small local ports should be adequately supervised and also boaters should be provided by anti-fouling educational materials.