1.1 This method establishes a practice for evaluating degree of biofouling settlement on and physical performance of marine coating systems when panels coated with such coating systems are subjected to immersion conditions in a marine environment. Guidance for preparation or exposure and handling of test specimens can be found in related ASTM standards as noted below (see Section 2).

1.2 This practice and related exposure methodologies are designed as tools for the relative assessment of coating performance, and in no way are to be used as an absolute indicator of long-term performance under all conditions and in all environments. There can be high variability among and within exposure sites with respect to water quality and population or species of fouling organisms, and coating performance may vary with these and other properties.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. A specific hazard statement is given in Section 6.