Blog · Biofouling Compliance

Navigating DAFF's 2026 Biofouling Pre-Arrival Requirements

Published 8 September 2026

Navigating Biosecurity for Australian Arrivals

For ship operators and masters preparing for an Australian port call, biofouling management remains a critical compliance hurdle. Administered by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) under the Biosecurity Act 2015, these rules have been mandatory for international commercial arrivals since June 15, 2022.

It is vital to distinguish between regulatory jurisdictions. DAFF enforces the biofouling arrival scheme to protect local marine environments from invasive species. In contrast, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) manages port state control and the separate anti-fouling systems (AFS) certification. Completing your Maritime Arrivals Reporting System (MARS) paperwork accurately is your primary responsibility for DAFF compliance.

Three Proactive Management Options

When you submit a pre-arrival report via MARS, you must declare how your vessel manages biofouling. DAFF mandates that operators utilize one of exactly three accepted proactive management practices. As detailed in DAFF's commercial vessel requirements, your options are:

1. Management Plan and Record Book: Operating under a Biofouling Management Plan and Record Book consistent with the Australian Biofouling Management Requirements (ABFMR).
2. Recent Cleaning: Cleaning all biofouling from the hull and niche areas within 30 days before arrival in Australian waters.
3. Alternative Practice: Implementing an alternative management practice pre-approved by DAFF. Keep in mind that applications for alternative methods must be submitted well in advance.

Operators must note that possessing a compliant antifouling coating alone is not recognized as a proactive biofouling management practice by DAFF. If you cannot demonstrate one of the three accepted methods, your vessel will face increased scrutiny, additional pre-arrival questions, and potential underwater hull inspections upon arrival.

The Global Context: MEPC.378(80)

The international framework for managing biofouling risks evolved significantly when the International Maritime Organization adopted the IMO 2023 Guidelines. Designated as resolution MEPC.378(80), these guidelines supersede the earlier MEPC.207(62) version.

While the IMO guidelines provide a voluntary global standard, Australia has established a binding minimum through the ABFMR. The ABFMR Version 4, which took effect on April 30, 2026, sets clear expectations for documentary evidence. Aligning your vessel's management plan with MEPC.378(80) is an excellent strategy, provided you also meet the specific Australian standards outlined in the ABFMR.

Vessel crews must focus on niche areas, such as sea chests, bow thrusters, and bilge keels. These areas are prone to heavy fouling and are frequent targets for DAFF inspectors. Your Biofouling Record Book must clearly log all inspections and maintenance performed on these specific areas.

Submitting Your MARS Pre-Arrival Report

The MARS pre-arrival report is the gateway for your biosecurity clearance. The biofouling section of the report requires precise answers regarding your chosen management strategy. Shipping agents and operators must verify the vessel's documentary evidence before submitting this report to avoid costly delays.

For vessels operating in regions with limited internet connectivity, DAFF provides updated MARS offline forms. Using the most current version of these forms minimizes processing errors and ensures your biosecurity status document is issued promptly.

If your chosen compliance strategy involves in-water cleaning to meet the 30-day requirement, be aware of regional restrictions. For example, if you plan to conduct in-water cleaning in Queensland waters before a Port of Brisbane arrival, you must secure a separate approval from Biosecurity Queensland in addition to meeting federal capture requirements.

Actionable Steps for Late 2026

To ensure seamless port calls for the remainder of 2026, operators should implement the following steps:

• Review Management Plans: Audit your vessel specific Biofouling Management Plan to ensure it aligns completely with the ABFMR Version 4. Pay special attention to the niche area management protocols.
• Audit Record Books: Verify that the Biofouling Record Book is up to date. DAFF officers frequently request this document during onboard inspections. It must detail all reactive cleaning and proactive maintenance events.
• Coordinate MARS Submissions: Work closely with your port agent to ensure the MARS pre-arrival report accurately reflects the practices documented on board. Discrepancies between the report and the physical record book often trigger interventions.
• Leverage Digital Support: Consider using Berthfile and its biofouling copilot to streamline the drafting of MARS paperwork. Berthfile also helps operators check their overall port state control risk prior to arrival.

By treating biofouling management as a continuous operational priority rather than a last minute paperwork exercise, you can protect your commercial schedule and comply fully with DAFF's biosecurity framework. Note that this article is for general informational purposes and does not constitute formal legal or regulatory advice.