On April 20, 2017, The California State Lands Commission approved Article 4.8, Biofouling Management Regulations to Minimize the Transport of Nonindigenous Species from Vessels Arriving at California Ports. The regulation was also approved by California’s Office of Administrative Law. As a result, Article 4.8 will become effective as of October 1, 2017.
Article 4.8 provisions include:
- Repeal of the reporting requirements for the Hull Husbandry Reporting Form, the Ballast Water Treatment Supplemental Reporting Form and the Ballast Water Treatment Annual Reporting Form
- Adoption of the Marine Invasive Species Program Annual Vessel Reporting Form
In addition, the following requirements will come into effect after a vessel's first regularly scheduled dry dock after January 1, 2018, or upon delivery on or after January 1, 2018:
- Development and maintenance of a Biofouling Management Plan
- Development and maintenance of a Biofouling Record Book
- Mandatory biofouling management of the vessel's wetted surfaces
- Mandatory biofouling management for vessels that undergo an extended residency period (i.e., remain in the same location for 45 or more days).
The official announcement from the California State Lands Commission can be viewed here: http://www.slc.ca.gov/Programs/MISP/4-8_FinalLetter_15Aug2017.pdf
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