Flag State and port state roles in ratifying, implementing and enforcing the convention prohibiting the use of harmful anti-fouling systems on ships (AFS Convention) are on the agenda at a regional workshop being held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (10-11 May). The environmentally sound practices for the disposal of waste generated in applying and removing anti-fouling systems will also be presented and discussed. The workshop will seek to increase awareness of Government officials and other stakeholders on the benefits and implications of ratifying, implementing and enforcing the Convention. This Workshop has been organized under a memorandum of understanding signed between IMO and the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA). PERGSA is hosting the workshop which is being attended by 25 participants from Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Sudan. IMO’s Theofanis Karayannis is coordinating the event.