Overview
ISO 6319:2026 is an international standard developed by ISO/TC 8 (Ships and marine technology, SC 2 Marine environment protection), focused on best practices and requirements for conducting in-water cleaning (IWC) of biofouling on ships. This document provides a framework to ensure that IWC operations are performed safely, efficiently, and with minimal environmental impact. The standard applies to all IWC activities on external submerged surfaces of ships, including hulls and niche areas, and covers all types of biofouling-ranging from biofilms and microfouling to macrofouling-whether cleaning is conducted with or without material capture. ISO 6319:2026 is intended as a reference for ports, regulatory agencies, service providers, shipowners, operators, equipment manufacturers, and other marine industry stakeholders.
Key Topics
- Preparatory Requirements: Guidance on documentation, compatibility between in-water cleaning systems and antifouling coatings (AFC), operator training, contingency plans, and health and safety considerations.
- Hull and Biofouling Assessment: Outlines steps for assessing hull condition prior to cleaning and provides best practices for inspection and reporting.
- Operational Practices: Describes planning, coordination, and monitoring procedures for cleaning events. Includes documentation for approval by regulatory authorities and considerations for both single and multiple event approvals.
- Environmental Protection: Emphasizes minimizing the impact of IWC on water quality, proper handling of waste substances, and compliance with local and international regulations.
- Reporting and Documentation: Establishes procedures for detailed post-cleaning reporting, including visual records, effectiveness assessment, and integration with a ship’s biofouling management plan and record book.
Applications
ISO 6319:2026 is highly applicable in a range of maritime contexts, including:
- Ship Operators and Owners: Provides a standardized process for planning and documenting in-water cleaning, critical for regulatory compliance and optimal vessel performance.
- Ports and Regulatory Authorities: Offers harmonized requirements and documentation templates to evaluate and approve IWC operations, promoting consistent environmental protection practices.
- Service Providers and Equipment Manufacturers: Outlines necessary qualifications, compatibility assessments, and documentation to ensure safe and effective in-water cleaning solutions.
- Coating Manufacturers: Supports the development and evaluation of antifouling coatings in relation to cleaning practices, aiding in product compatibility and vessel maintenance strategies.
Implementing the guidance of ISO 6319:2026 helps mitigate the spread of invasive aquatic species (IAS), reduces vessel fuel consumption by maintaining clean hulls, and addresses important health, safety, and environmental concerns. The standard directly supports the International Maritime Organization's 2023 Guidelines for biofouling management and complements ongoing efforts to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and protect marine ecosystems.
Related Standards
- ISO 20679 - Ships and marine technology - Marine environment protection - Testing of ship biofouling in-water cleaning systems.
- IMO 2023 Biofouling Guidelines - International Maritime Organization's guidelines for the control and management of ships’ biofouling to minimize invasive aquatic species transfer.
- ISO 9001 - Quality management systems, often referenced for QMS in IWC operations.
- Other Relevant Local and International Port Authority Guidelines for biofouling and environmental compliance.
By following ISO 6319:2026, marine industry stakeholders can align their practices with globally recognized standards for in-water cleaning, improving environmental outcomes and operational transparency across the shipping sector.