Circular A-52/007
Biofouling Management in Chile
Everything you need to know about DIRECTEMAR's biofouling regulation: what it requires, who it applies to, when it takes effect and how to comply with MARES CHILE.
See cleaning serviceWhat is Circular A-52/007?
Circular A-52/007 is the regulation issued by Chile's Directorate General of Maritime Territory and Merchant Marine (DIRECTEMAR) governing the management and control of marine biofouling on ships and vessels operating in Chilean jurisdictional waters.
Its main objective is to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive marine species through organisms attached to ship hulls. Biofouling is one of the main vectors of marine biological invasion worldwide.
The circular sets technical requirements for hull cleaning procedures in port areas, with particular emphasis on proper capture and disposal of biological debris generated during cleaning.
Circular A-52/007 comes fully into force in July 2026. Ships and vessels cleaning their hulls in Chilean waters must meet its requirements or risk penalties and prohibition of port operations.
What does the circular require?
Active capture system
Hull cleaning must use systems that simultaneously capture biological debris. A minimum 80% recovery of removed material is required.
Certified technical report
Each operation must be documented in a report including: date, vessel, port, recovered volume, cleaning method and executing company.
Qualified company
Cleaning must be performed by a company with proven ROV soft-cleaning experience and knowledge of current DIRECTEMAR regulations.
Waste disposal
Captured biological debris must be disposed of in accordance with marine waste regulations. It cannot be returned to the sea in the work area.
Records and traceability
Photo and/or video records of pre- and post-cleaning condition are required, plus chain-of-custody documentation for the debris.
Application in Chilean ports
The regulation applies to all ships and vessels cleaning their hulls in port areas, anchorages and inland waters under DIRECTEMAR jurisdiction.
How does MARES CHILE comply with A-52/007?
Our ROV soft-cleaning service was designed to meet every requirement of Circular A-52/007.
≥80% recovery
Simultaneous active suction system capturing biofouling at the source, exceeding the minimum requirement.
Certified report
We deliver a complete technical report with all data required by DIRECTEMAR.
FullHD video included
Complete visual record of pre- and post-cleaning condition of the entire underwater hull.
No dry dock
Operation at the same berth or anchorage, with no need to move the vessel.
Chain of custody
We document the final disposal of all recovered biological debris.
What is marine biofouling and why is it dangerous?
Marine biofouling is the build-up of biological organisms on submerged hull surfaces: algae, bivalves, barnacles, polychaetes, bryozoans and other invertebrates. These organisms travel attached to the hull from port to port, colonizing new ecosystems where they have no natural predators.
In Chile, the main threat comes from invasive species such as tunicates, bryozoans and exotic algae carried on hulls, which have caused significant damage to Patagonian and central-zone marine ecosystems. DIRECTEMAR's Circular A-52/007 was created precisely to stop this dispersal vector.
Invasive species
Foreign organisms without local predators can collapse native marine biodiversity within a few years.
Higher fuel consumption
Moderate biofouling increases hydrodynamic drag by 20-40%, raising the vessel's operating costs.
Regulatory compliance
From July 2026, operating without complying with A-52/007 may result in penalties, fines and port restrictions.
Frequently asked questions about Circular A-52/007
Everything you need to know about biofouling, regulatory compliance and hull cleaning services in Chile.
What penalties does non-compliance with A-52/007 carry?
Non-compliance may lead to administrative penalties from DIRECTEMAR, including fines, prohibition of hull cleaning in Chilean jurisdictional waters and potential restriction of access to national ports. Foreign vessels are not exempt.
Does Circular A-52/007 apply to foreign vessels?
Yes. The regulation applies to all vessels performing hull cleaning in Chilean jurisdictional waters, regardless of flag or country of registry. Vessels in transit that use Chilean ports to clean their hulls are subject to the same requirements.
How often should the hull be cleaned?
A-52/007 does not set a mandatory frequency, but the IMO recommends cleaning before biofouling exceeds level 2 on its scale. In practice, for vessels operating regularly in Chilean ports, we recommend preventive cleaning every 3 to 6 months.
What is the difference between soft-cleaning and hard-cleaning?
Soft-cleaning uses soft brushes and active suction, ideal for early-stage biofouling. Hard-cleaning uses high pressure and abrasives for advanced biofouling. Both must achieve 80% recovery under A-52/007, but ROV soft-cleaning is more efficient, protects the antifouling paint and reduces operation times.
Does the MARES CHILE service include the report for DIRECTEMAR?
Yes. Every operation includes a complete technical report with all fields required by Circular A-52/007: date, vessel, port, recovered volume, cleaning method, executing company, FullHD video record and debris chain of custody. The document is ready to submit to DIRECTEMAR.
In which Chilean ports does MARES CHILE operate?
We operate in ports of central and southern Chile, including Valparaíso, San Antonio, Concepción, Talcahuano, Puerto Montt and other terminals on request. Contact us to confirm availability at your port.
Complementary MARES CHILE services
Beyond A-52/007 compliance, we offer comprehensive underwater and port service solutions.
ROV Hull Cleaning
A-52/007-compliant in-water soft cleaning with active suction and ≥80% recovery.
See service →Underwater Inspection
Hull, propeller and appendage inspection with high-resolution ROV. No dry dock.
See service →Mooring & Port Facilities
Inspection and maintenance of mooring systems, piers and submerged port structures.
See service →Anti-Narcotics Inspection
Underwater ROV hull search for concealed cargo. ISPS protocol.
See service →Does your vessel comply with A-52/007?
It takes effect in July 2026. Get ready now with MARES CHILE, the company specialized in biofouling regulatory compliance in Chile.
See ROV cleaning service