This document provides requirements and best practices for planning, conducting and documenting in-water cleaning (IWC) operations safely, efficiently and in an environmentally sound manner. Additionally, this document provides requirements and best practices for reporting on the effectiveness of IWC operations.

This document addresses all forms of IWC of external submerged surfaces, which are hull and niche areas, all types and levels of biofouling, which means biofilms, microfouling and macrofouling, conducted both with or without capture. It does not address internal piping.

The document has been established to inform ports, regulatory agencies, ship biofouling IWC service providers, inspection service providers, IWC equipment manufacturers, coating manufacturers, shipowners, ship managers, ship operators and other relevant stakeholders.