Antifouling 

Environmental good practice and antifouling need not be the opposite ends of the spectrum. But do you know how to choose the right antifouling, apply the right quantities, carry out that mid-season scrub and remove and dispose of the old coatings?

Since the banning of TBT in 1987, copper biocides are now the most commonly used alternative for antifouling paints. However, it is now thought that certain species are copper sensitive with even low levels of copper compounds being toxic to them and the use of copper based antifouling has even been banned in some European countries. However, it is recognised that the potential for impact is greatest where concentrated copper scrapings are allowed to enter the water, rather than the slow leaching process of the antifouling from the boat hulls.

 Antifouling products themselves are also covered by a variety of different regulations. As hazardous substances, they are covered by Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations (COSHH) and under the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 they are subject to legal requirements and approval by Government Ministers. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) administers this approval process and it is the duty of the user to comply with the conditions of use printed on the product’s label. The Biocidal Products Regulations (2001) is now in force in the UK and covers the use of biocide products.

 We, as boat owners and users, have a responsibility to prevent as much antifouling as possible from entering the UKs coast and waterways.  The reality is that all over the county people scrub down their boats and antifouling paint and residue does leech into the water but there are some simple steps that can be taken to prevent this.  To find out more on this issue and to gain practical advice on antifouling your boat visit The Green Blue website.