Organotin Antifouling Paint Control Act of 1988

(Senate agreed to House amendments with amendment)

Organotin Antifouling Paint Control Act of 1988 - Prohibits the use of organization-based antifouling paint on a vessel which is less than 25 meters in length, except as specified.

Prohibits the sale of antifouling paint containing organization or its application to a vessel unless the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency certifies that the release rate of such paint is below a specified level. Prohibits the sale of organization paint additives. Permits the sale of existing stockpiles for no more than 180 days following enactment, and the application of such paints for no more than one year.

Sets forth certification procedures.

Directs the Administrator to monitor and report annually for ten years to specified congressional officials on the concentrations of organization in representative estuaries. Requires the Secretary of the Navy to periodically test and report to the Administrator and the State Governor on organization contamination in the waters and harbors serving as the home port for any Navy vessel. Requires the Administrator to report at the end of five years to the Congress on the effectiveness of existing measures and on compliance with water quality criteria concerning organization compounds which are to be issued by March 30, 1989.

Imposes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act.

Requires the Administrator and the Secretary to study and report to specified congressional officials on alternative antifouling chemicals and systems.

Requires sale and use prohibitions to continue until a final decision on the release of organization into the aquatic environment through such paints takes effect.