Blog · Hull Cleaning & Coatings
In-Water Hull Cleaning Rules for Australian Ports in 2026
The 2026 Baseline for Biofouling Compliance
For masters and vessel operators preparing to call at the Port of Brisbane, understanding the distinction between federal arrival requirements and local in-water cleaning regulations is critical in 2026. Biofouling management is mandatory for all vessels arriving in Australian territorial seas from international locations. This regime has been in force since June 15, 2022, under the Biosecurity Act 2015. It is important to remember that this arrival scheme is administered by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), not the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). AMSA handles port state control and anti-fouling systems (AFS) certification, but DAFF evaluates the biological risk of your hull through the Maritime Arrivals Reporting System (MARS).
Why Coatings Alone Are Not Enough
A common pitfall for operators is assuming that a well-maintained, compliant antifouling coating system automatically satisfies Australian entry requirements. Under DAFF regulations, a compliant coating alone is not recognized as an accepted proactive biofouling management practice.
Instead, DAFF strictly limits commercial vessels to three acceptable proactive management practices. Operators must either operate under a comprehensive Biofouling Management Plan and Record Book, implement a pre-approved alternative management practice, or clean all biofouling from the hull and niche areas within 30 days prior to arrival. As outlined in DAFF's commercial vessel biofouling requirements, electing the 30-day cleaning option requires strict documentation to prove that all niche areas and hull surfaces were effectively treated.
Capture and Containment Technologies
If an operator chooses to conduct reactive cleaning prior to arrival, the technology used by the diving contractor matters immensely. The shipping industry has moved decisively toward cleaning with capture. This means the cleaning system must extract removed macrofouling and filter the effluent before it returns to the sea.
According to BIMCO's biofouling management standards, independent testing and certification of in-water cleaning companies is essential. Their procedures focus heavily on verifying a system's capability to capture waste substances without damaging the underlying AFS coating. A certified cleaning contractor will provide a detailed post-cleaning report. Under the Australian Biofouling Management Requirements (ABFMR-CV) Version 4, which took effect on April 30, 2026, Appendix B clearly dictates the minimum content required in these in-water cleaning reports. Missing data regarding niche areas, such as sea chests, thruster tunnels, and gratings, will lead to delays during MARS processing.
Navigating Queensland In-Water Cleaning Approvals
Some operators may attempt to schedule an in-water clean upon arrival in Queensland waters. However, local environmental protections make this a complex administrative task. Federal regulations govern the biosecurity risk of the vessel arriving, but state regulations control the physical act of cleaning in port waters.
As detailed on the official state portal for Queensland marine pests, in-water hull cleaning is heavily restricted to prevent the establishment of invasive species like the Asian green mussel or the black-striped false mussel. Ship operators or their agents must secure separate Queensland approvals on top of using mandatory capture technologies. This requires direct contact and notification with Biosecurity Queensland (via 13 25 23) and the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI). Approval is never guaranteed, making it far safer to conduct necessary cleaning with capture at an international port prior to the 30-day arrival window.
Actionable Takeaways for Ship Agents and Operators
To ensure a seamless arrival at the Port of Brisbane or any other Australian terminal in 2026, operators should adopt a highly proactive stance on hull maintenance.
- Verify Contractor Technology: Always ensure that your chosen cleaning contractor uses certified capture and containment technology, especially if you are relying on the 30-day cleaning option. Request sample cleaning reports in advance to ensure they meet the minimum data requirements of ABFMR Version 4, Appendix B.
- Document Niche Areas: DAFF inspectors consistently target sea chests, bow thruster tunnels, and cooling pipes during submerged inspections. If your diver report lacks photographic evidence of these specific zones, your MARS pre-arrival report may be flagged for further intervention.
- Leverage Compliance Software: You can utilize Berthfile and its biofouling copilot to streamline the drafting of your MARS pre-arrival paperwork. By cross-referencing your documentation against current DAFF rules and the voluntary IMO 2023 Guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of biosecurity delays.
Proper preparation ensures that your coating condition, cleaning records, and port state control readiness all align perfectly before the pilot boards.