The Liberian Maritime Authority issued a marine advisory for vessels arriving in Brazilian waters up to the EEZ.
New biofouling regulations (under Chapter 4 of /DPC) in Brazil apply to vessels over 24 meters in length entering Brazilian waters, requiring them to arrive with a “Clean Hull” or perform in-water hull cleaning. Similar restrictions apply to vessels operating between domestic marine biogeographic regions.
According to Brazil’s new biofouling management regulation, which aligns with the IMO 2023 Biofouling Guidelines (MEPC.378(80)), vessels must comply with the following:
1. Implement a vessel-specific Biofouling Management Plan and Biofouling Record Book compliant with IMO guidelines.
2. Maintain a clean hull—where “clean” means no biofouling apart from a slime layer (microfouling). This corresponds to a fouling rating number of 1 or lower as defined by Annex J of the regulation.
3. Schedule a hull cleaning if there is excessive fouling. In-water hull cleaning in port must be requested at least 10 days before arrival using the application form in Annex K of the regulation.
While the operational requirements (cleaning requirements) took effect on June 17, 2025, the penalty phase begins on February 1, 2026, allowing vessel operators a grace period to adapt to new procedures.
Vessels trading to or within Brazilian waters should note these regulatory changes and update onboard procedures accordingly, referring to relevant IMO guidelines on biofouling management (MEPC.378(80)) and in-water cleaning (/Circ.918).
Brazil defines its “jurisdictional waters” as internal waters, the territorial sea, and the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), extending 200 nautical miles from baselines along the coast, as well as waters overlying the extended continental shelf.
For more detailed guidelines, follow the provided link.
For additional questions, contact the Regulations and Standards Department at RegsAndStandards@.
Source: Liberia Marine Advisory
