Coating and PSPC (Performance Standard for Protective Coatings)
Steel protection depends on coating preparation, compatibility, application and checks. In dry dock, observed condition and specification guide the repair; the CTF and records make the work verifiable.
Operational Explanation
Coating protects steel against corrosion. Its performance depends on the selected system, the surface to which it adheres and how it is applied and maintained: buying an approved product is only part of the work.
Dry-dock work connects the observed condition to the repair to be performed. Identify deteriorated areas and steel that may need assessment or renewal; then define preparation, a compatible system, checks and conditions for returning the space to service. Recoating does not establish that thickness loss or a structural defect has been resolved.
IMO guidance distinguishes maintenance, involving limited restoration using normal shipboard means, from repairs intended to restore more durable protection during a repair period. Preparation and resources must suit the intended result. MSC.1/Circ.1330/Rev.1, §§2, 5–7.
Regulatory Reference
SOLAS II-1/3-2 and MSC.215(82), as amended, address dedicated ballast tanks and double-side skin spaces within their scope. SOLAS II-1/3-11 and MSC.288(87) separately address cargo oil tanks of crude oil tankers. Maintenance/repair guidance does not extend newbuilding scope to every dry-dock job.
For SOLAS II-1/3-2 scope, check a building contract from 1 July 2008; in the absence of a contract, keel laying from 1 January 2009; or delivery from 1 July 2012. Combine these criteria with the space and ship dimensions: the date of a dry-dock repair is not the construction date. IMO: protective coatings applicability.
Where PSPC applies, record maintenance, repairs and partial recoating in the Coating Technical File, retained onboard throughout the ship’s life. Document the system used, preparation, inspections and results; a DFT (dry film thickness) reading alone does not establish preparation quality or correct application. IMO MSC.215(82), 3.4.
Within SOLAS II-1/3-2 scope, for ships of at least 500 GT meeting the construction criteria stated above, the standard addresses all dedicated seawater ballast tanks and double-side skin spaces of bulk carriers of 150 m in length and upwards. Check dimensions, space and dates together; these thresholds do not define a universal repair specification. MSC.216(82), annex 1, II-1/3-2.
Inspector qualifications under the standards were updated from 1 January 2026: MSC.557(108) and MSC.558(108) replace the NACE reference with AMPP Certified Coatings Inspector, retaining FROSIO Inspector Level III or equivalent verified by the Administration. MSC.557(108); MSC.558(108).
For in-service repairs, consult the 2024 MSC.1/Circ.1330/Rev.1 guidance within its scope, together with the CTF, manufacturer’s specifications and survey conditions. The guidance distinguishes repair work from the standard for application during construction. IMO coating maintenance and repair guidance.
Scope of Application
This page explains and prepares coating work in dry dock, particularly in ballast tanks. Before applying PSPC, identify the space, ship type and dimensions, dates and pertinent instrument. Cargo oil tanks have a distinct regime; one standard does not transfer to every ship surface.
On an in-service ship, the actual work derives from the CTF where required, coating and structural condition, survey findings and the agreed specification. Space access and safety follow ship and yard procedures. This page does not set universal preparation values, DFT or drying times.
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Identify the space and references. Gather the CTF, existing system, survey reports and repair history; verify whether PSPC applies and which standard addresses the space.
- Establish condition and extent. Locate detachment, rust and damage. Clarify steel assessment or repairs with the competent parties before covering it; retain images and area references.
- Agree the specification. Define areas, preparation, product and compatibility with remaining coating, checks and responsibilities. Plan access, cleaning, drying and environmental conditions compatible with the technical data sheet.
- Check before and during application. Check preparation and contamination, a dry surface, climatic conditions, coat sequence and specified treatment of edges/welds. A final check alone cannot reconstruct stages already concealed.
- Check and repair defects. Relate DFT readings and observations to areas; assess defects and deviations against the specification. Record corrections and subsequent checks.
- Close out the documented work. Gather product, areas, preparation, conditions, checks and results; update the CTF where required and the ship’s maintenance arrangements. Verify the specified conditions before return to service.
Practical Example
A ballast tank has local coating detachment near welds. The Company and yard identify the areas and verify steel condition; the specification defines surface preparation and how the new system interfaces with intact remaining coating.
The report connects area, product, preparation, environment and checks. If DFT is satisfactory but preparation is undocumented, the number alone does not complete work assessment: the missing evidence must be resolved with the competent parties.
What Typically Goes Wrong
Coating can deteriorate early if applied over residues, scale or contamination, if the new system is incompatible, or if the surface has condensation. Edges and welds need the specified treatment; a uniform tank appearance does not itself demonstrate quality in these areas.
Traceability is lost when a report gives only a product name and final DFT. Also distinguish construction-standard applicability from the repair specification: neither the PSPC label nor the docking date automatically defines the work.
Common Mistakes Mistake Library
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Recoating without checking preparation and compatibility | The coating may detach or deteriorate prematurely. | Agree preparation and a compatible system; verify them before application. |
| Using final DFT alone as proof of the work | Surface, environment and application stages remain unverified. | Record checks by stage and area, defects and checks after correction. |
| Covering suspect steel before assessment | A defect or thickness loss may be concealed. | Coordinate structural examination, measurements and repairs before coating restoration. |
| Applying the construction standard to every repair | The specification may be chosen without considering space, condition and required work. | Check applicability, CTF, repair guidance and agreed conditions. |
What the PSCO Checks
Operational Tips
- Keep an area map before and after repairs: a photo is useful when its location can be identified.
- Agree inspection points before later work conceals the substrate or makes defect correction difficult.
- Collect records during the work so the CTF documents what was actually done and subsequent checks can use the same locations.
Preparation checklist
- Space and PSPC applicability identified.
- Existing system, CTF and findings available.
- Steel condition and areas to treat defined.
- Preparation, compatibility and checks agreed.
- Application conditions and stages recorded.
- Defects corrected, checks and documentation update completed.
FAQ
Related Topics
Certified substantive revision: 13 October 2026 · page fingerprint 9a45b58eb2df