Isle of Man: prohibition of Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid

The Isle of Man Ship Registry has published a technical advisory notice on the prohibition of the use of Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid in fire-extinguishing media.

This technical advisory notice was published on 4 August 2023.

Introduction

To protect seafarers and the marine environment from exposure to dangerous chemicals, the IMO has issued an amendment to SOLAS prohibiting the use of Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) in fire-extinguishing media.

PFOS is part of a wider group of chemicals known as PFAS, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances.

These chemicals are characterized by strong fluorine-carbon bonds that make the chemicals virtually indestructible.

This characteristic makes them ideally suited for firefighting applications but also means they are persistently present in an environment long after they are applied.

The chemicals have been shown to build up in the body and environment over time and have significant negative effects on health.

Application

The requirements of the amendment will apply to all ships subject to the requirements of SOLAS II-2 as follows:

To new ships constructed on or after 1 January 2026;
Ships constructed before 1 January 2026 must comply with the requirements no later than the first annual, renewal or periodical survey on or after 1 January 2026.

Requirements

The amendment introduces two requirements:

Use or storage of extinguishing media containing PFOS is prohibited.
When removed from the ship, substances containing PFOS must be delivered to appropriate shore-based reception facilities.