When the convention is in force, ships will no longer be permitted to apply or re-apply organotin compounds that act as biocides in their antifouling systems. Vessels either will not bear such compounds on their hulls or external parts or surface or, for ships already carrying such compounds on their hulls, a coating that forms a barrier to such compounds will have to be applied to prevent them leaching from the underlying non-compliant antifouling systems.
The convention also establishes a mechanism to evaluate and assess other antifouling systems and prevent the potential future use of other harmful substances in these systems.
It will apply to all ships, including fixed or floating platforms, floating storage units, and floating production storage and off-loading units. More information from www.imo.org