This manual is intended, primarily, for use by maritime Administrations and others concerned with the preparation and broadcasting of maritime safety information. It will also be of interest to seafarers, shipowners and others who need to receive such information in order to safely go about their business at sea.

These Guidelines for the control and management of ships’ biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species are intended to provide a globally consistent approach to the management of biofouling.