Anti-fouling certificates are now issued by the classification societies 

The recognised classification societies have – with authorisation from the Danish Maritime Authority – assumed the work issuing certificates and carrying out the so-called anti-fouling surveys. Consequently, the classification societies are also authorised to carry out the necessary inspections and samplings.

For ships not classed by a recognised classification society the Danish Maritime Authority will carry out surveys and issue certificates.

It is necessary to hold an anti-fouling certificate so that all ships with a gross tonnage of or above 400 GT can prove that the bottom paint used does not contain organotin compounds. The organotin compounds are harmful to the environment and have been made illegal through the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships (the AFS Convention). Denmark has previously acceded to this convention.

All ships with a length of or above 24 metres but with a tonnage below 400 GT must hold an anti-fouling declaration. It consists of a form to be filled in and signed by the ship’s owner or by his authorised agent. Contrary to the certificate, the declaration is not associated with a requirement for survey and certification by a recognised classification society or the Danish Maritime Authority. It is merely to be filled in truthfully and must always be carried on board and presented upon request.

The amendment applies from 6 January 2010.

Previously, the certificates have been issued by the Agency for Spatial and Environmental Planning. The new order that has caused the amendments authorises the Danish Maritime Authority to carry out AFS surveys and issue certificates on behalf of the Agency for Spatial and Environmental Planning, but also makes it possible to authorise the recognised classification societies to perform these functions.

The new regulations are found in Order no. 1488 of 20 November 2009 on anti-fouling issued by the Ministry of the Environment.