This method is designed as a screening test in evaluating antifouling coating systems. Results of the standard system in a specific marine environment are included to assist in interpreting results (see Annex A2).

Antifouling systems providing positive comparisons with the standard system should be considered acceptable for use in protecting underwater marine structures.

The degree and type of fouling will vary depending on the environment. Hence, differences in geographic location of test sites, in time of year when panels are exposed, and in weather conditions from 1 year to the next can affect results. Therefore, a fouling census on a nontoxic surface is taken. For the exposure to be valid the nontoxic surface should show heavy fouling, and the standard system should show significantly less fouling than the nontoxic surface (see Annex A3 and Annex A4).