Korean Register

Implementation of Biofouling Management Requirements for Ships Calling at or Operating in Brazilian Waters (Rev.1)

09 Feb. 2026

* This port rule information supersedes the previous port rule information [2025-BR-01].

** Please refer to the text marked in red for revision (Rev.1)

1. Overview

The Brazilian Maritime Authority (DPC) has introduced biofouling management requirements for

ships calling at or operating in Brazilian waters, in line with the IMO 2023 Biofouling Guidelines

(MEPC.378(80)).

These requirements were published through the revised NORMAM 401/DPC on 10 June 2025,

and have been in effect since 17 June 2025, with full enforcement - including penalty provisions

- applicable from 10 June 2026*.

* According to the initial plan, full enforcement was scheduled for 1 February 2026;

however, following the publication of the revised regulation NORMAM-401/DPC (Rev.2)

on 17 December 2025, it was postponed to 10 June 2026.

2. Scope of Application

The regulation applies to all ships over 24 metres in length that meet either of the following

conditions:

· Enter, anchor, navigate, or moor within Brazilian jurisdictional waters (internal waters,

territorial sea, or exclusive economic zone);

· Navigate between distinct biogeographical zones along the Brazilian coast.

3. Exemptions

The following ships are exempt from the requirements:

1) Ships transiting Brazilian jurisdictional waters continuously without the intention to anchor

or call at Brazilian ports

2) Brazilian Navy ships or other non-commercial government-owned vessels

3) Ships of 24 metres in length or less, for which adherence to the best practice guidelines

is recommended

4) Offshore platforms undergoing environmental licensing procedures and support vessels

subject to the Prevention and Control of Exotic Species Program (PPCEX)

※ Exempted ships must still take precautions to avoid the discharge of harmful residual substances.

4. Exceptional Situations

The following situations are considered exceptions and are not subject tostandard procedural

requirements. However, immediate notification tothe maritime authority is mandatory:

1) Force majeure events or emergencies to protect human life or ship safety

2) Cases where biofouling controls cannot be implemented due to life-saving operations

3) Unintentional release of organisms resulting from marine incidents

5. Ship Requirements

1) BFMP and BFRB

· Ships must maintain an approved Biofouling Management Plan (BFMP) and a Biofouling Record

Book (BFRB), documenting hull inspections, cleaning activities, coating maintenance,etc.

· The plan and records must include measures not only for the hull surface but also for niche

areas, defined as structural "blind spots" that are difficult to clean and prone to fouling

(e.g. sea chests, rudders, propeller shafts, inlets/outlets, thrusters, etc).

2) Clean Hull Standard

· The vessel must maintain a fouling rating of 1 or below, meaning only slime layers(microfouling)

are permitted.

· If a fouling rating of 2 or above is observed, in-water or dry- dock cleaning must be conducted

prior to arrival or before navigating between biogeographical zones.

3) In-Water Cleaning Approval

· If in water cleaning is planned, the operator must apply for approval from the local maritime

authority at least 10 days prior to the scheduled cleaning date.

· Use of capture and recovery systems is mandatory. Cleaning is not permitted in sensitive or

protected areas.

· The application must include a cleaning plan, recent underwater photos, BFMP, BFRB, port call

history, and relevant equipment specifications.

※ IMO MEPC.1/Circ.918 is recommended as non-binding guidance for in-water cleaning operations,

while the enforceable requirements are defined under NORMAM-401/DPC.

6. Penalties

1) Violations are subject to fines of up to BRL 2,000,000, and up to BRL 50,000,000 in cases of

serious environmental damage.

2) Fines may be tripled in cases of repeat offenses, or doubled if the operator has a record of

environmental violations in the past five years.

3) Appeals may be submitted to the local maritime authority or the DPC.

7. References

· NORMAM-401/DPC, Chapter 4 (Brazilian Maritime Authority Regulation)

※ Ship operators are advised to check hullcondition in advance and, if in-water cleaning is required,

begin the approval process well ahead of the scheduled cleaning date.

Shipowners and operators are kindly requested to review the information above and refer to

the attached notice for further details.

Attachment

normam-401 (rev.2).pdf

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