Recreational vessels

All vessels entering Australian waters, regardless of their size or frequency of visits, pose a biofouling risk to Australia’s marine biosecurity.

This factsheet provides an overview of the biofouling risk posed by the recreational vessel sector and information on how this risk can be minimised.

The recreational vessel sector comprises all recreational vessels less than 25 metres in length, including yachts, cabin cruisers, and non-commercial fishing vessels. Recreational vessels longer than 25 metres are considered as non-trading vessels.

Why are recreational vessels a biofouling risk?

All vessels carry marine species that have attached to vessel surfaces as biofouling. Some of these species  have the potential to survive the voyage, establish viable populations and become invasive pests. The likelihood of a biofouling species of concern arriving in Australia in this way increases with the number of overseas ports visited and the length of time the vessel spends in each port. It is further influenced by factors such as the type and
age of the antifouling coating and the time since the vessel was last slipped and cleaned.

Recreational vessels arriving in Australia are likely to have travelled through several bioregions on their way to Australia and spent prolonged periods at berth or anchor in various ports throughout the journey. Furthermore they typically travel at relatively slow speeds making them prone to biofouling.

International recreational vessels that travel to other Australian destinations following their initial arrival also pose a threat for domestic spread of marine pests, again due to their slow speed and tendency to spend long periods in port.

Managing the risk

The build-up of biofouling on vessels can affect travelling speeds, reduce efficiency and increase fuel consumption. As a result, many recreational vessels already have systems in place to reduce biofouling through regular and well-targeted application of antifouling coatings on exposed hull surfaces and other vessel hygiene practices.

However, long periods at sea or at anchor will mean an increased accumulation of biofouling. Continued vigilance in biofouling reduction practices, with particular attention to niche areas, will both improve the operational efficiency of vessels and help to protect Australia’s marine environment and industry.

Below are some actions that can help manage the biofouling risk posed by recreational vessels:

• apply an effective antifouling coating suited to the operation of the vessel
• re-apply antifouling coatings well within the life-span specified by the manufacturer, paying particular attention to coverage of docking strips, niche areas and inside pipe openings and accessible internal areas
• inspect and if necessary clean the hull and niche areas prone to biofouling [see diagram below] including internal sea water systems, sea chests, rudder stock, propellers and shafts and the anchor well and chains immediately prior to departure for Australia
• once inspected and cleaned at an overseas port, depart immediately and travel directly to Australia to minimise re-accumulation of biofouling.

For more information on how to reduce the biofouling risks on commercial vessels, refer to the publication National biofouling management guidelines for commercial vessels or email IMS Program.

Niche areas on a recreational vessel where biofouling can accumulate.

Diagram courtesy of the Boating Industry Association of Victoria