Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for use during in-water scrubbing of a vessel hull, which system and method are designed to substantially reduce or eliminate environmental contamination of the water surrounding a vessel during in-water cleaning. The system includes a curtain formed of a substantially impermeable fabric material, the curtain being sized and configured whereby, upon installation into a body of water about a vessel, the curtain is capable of encircling the vessel in its entirety to define a confined region; a fluid pump having an inlet in fluid communication with the confined region defined by the curtain; and one or more ports that deliver water into the confined region during operation of the fluid pump.