Environmental protection: Netherlands also checks antifouling in the water

The previous regulation that only paints with a Dutch test number may be applied was often circumvented. Users have subsequently stirred in copper powder or topped up old buckets with a test number the following year with an often more effective and cheaper paint from Germany. Neither of these practices could be proven during inspections during the painting process and were therefore not penalised with the fine that would otherwise have been imposed.

"Of course, it couldn't stay that way," says Manon van Meer from Varen doe je samen, an association of organisations that aims to increase safety on the water. "After all, many, especially German, water sports enthusiasts have indicated that clean water is one of the main reasons why they spend their holidays in the Netherlands. This applies in particular to the province of Friesland, which is the driving force behind the new regulation," continues van Meer.

"There is a device that can also indicate whether the antifouling is approved for boats that are in the water," claims van Meer. The representative from Varen doe je samen did not want to give any further details about the methodology of the ominous device. It probably measures the copper content of the surface. If this is higher than the currently permitted 12 per cent, it is assumed that the antifouling does not have approval in the Netherlands. The coating must then be removed and a fine of 2500 euros will be imposed.

The regulation applies to all ships that have their home port in the Netherlands, including those flying the German flag. The request to present the legal basis for the new procedure has not yet been honoured. However, the question revolves around the term "Gebruik" - which could be translated as use or utilisation. Until now, "Gebruik" was seen as a process of application, i.e. painting. However, as this did not produce the desired effects, the term is now apparently simply being defined more broadly and extended to include use in water. This means that controls in water are also possible.

"The government is aiming for a solution with completely biocide-free antifoulings. I'm sure that will happen in a few years' time," says van Meer with conviction. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of these products, tests of various systems have been carried out at different locations in the Netherlands. The results are due to be published at the end of February. So anyone who wants to apply new antifouling should wait for the tests and possibly switch to an effective alternative. This may save you a lot of trouble.

The Netherlands is once again ahead of the rest of Europe. However, German water sports enthusiasts have been confronted with the issue of water quality for quite some time. For example, the rules on discharging toilet wastewater are becoming increasingly strict. What at first glance appears to be harassment is in fact an attempt to protect the waters so that we can continue to enjoy water sports in the Netherlands without worrying. However, it would be just as important to tackle other water-polluting industries such as cargo shipping and agriculture. Efforts in this direction have so far been largely successfully prevented by various lobbies. "But that too will come!" reassures van Meer.