The main objective of this paper is to provide a brief view on the merits, demerits, effects and uses of antifouling paints. The imminent ban of environmentally harmful tributyltin (TBT) and Tin based paint products has been the cause of a major change in the antifouling industry. Fouling organisms such as barnacles, tube worms and algae, which accumulate on any submerged surface, greatly increase drag, and reduce speed and fuel consumption of the vessel other mechanical damages have also been reported due to fouling. A variety of paints were developed in mid 1800s, which were generally based on copper oxide arsenic and mercuric oxide as popular antifoulants. Antifoulants are one of the many additives usually incorporated within the topcoat paint of marine protective coating system. Today’s marine coatings must provide protection and performance under extremely harsh conditions.

Keywords: Antifouling; Coating; Marine Coating; Environment; Paint; Toxic Substance.