AFS Linkage

AFS linkage is the cross-reference between a ship’s SOLAS safety regime and its anti-fouling system certification under the separate AFS Convention 2001, not a SOLAS chapter in itself. SOLAS does not regulate anti-fouling paint; the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships (AFS Convention, adopted 5 October 2001, entered into force 17 September 2008) governs it, banning organotin compounds such as TBT. The link surfaces at survey and port State control, where the International Anti-fouling System Certificate sits alongside SOLAS certificates in the document set a recognized organization verifies.