Operational Guide · Registers & Logbooks

# Coating and PSPC (Performance Standard for Protective Coatings)

Corrosion is not a cosmetic problem: the PSPC standard exists to ensure that ballast tank coating truly lasts the intended 15 years, not just on the certificate paper.

coating PSPC corrosion ballast tanks

## Operational Explanation

The Performance Standard for Protective Coatings (PSPC) sets out detailed requirements for surface preparation, application and inspection of protective coating systems in ballast tanks and other spaces subject to critical corrosion, aiming to ensure a "good condition" of the coating over a 15-year reference period.

The quality of the coating applied during a dry dock entry does not depend solely on the product used, but above all on process control during application: ambient temperature and humidity, the roughness profile of the prepared surface, and the thickness of the applied film are all parameters that must be documented and verified in real time, not only at the end of the work.

## Regulatory Reference

IMO Resolution MSC.215(82), as amended (PSPC for dedicated ballast tanks of all ship types and double-side skin spaces of bulk carriers) and MSC.288(87) (PSPC for crude oil cargo tanks): define the requirements for surface preparation, application and inspection of coating.

## Scope of Application

Dedicated ballast tanks and double-side/bottom spaces of new constructions according to applicable size thresholds; analogous principles are often also applied to coating restoration work on existing ships in dry dock.

## Procedure / How to Complete It

1. Verify environmental conditions (temperature, relative humidity, dew point) before and during every phase of surface preparation and application.
2. Check the surface roughness profile after blasting, according to the parameters required by the specified coating system.
3. Verify the applied film thickness (dry film thickness) on a sample basis according to the agreed inspection plan.
4. Photograph the critical stages (prepared surface, each coat of coating applied) for traceability.
5. Conduct the final coating inspection with the surveyor, classifying condition according to the standard criteria (good/fair/poor).

## Practical Example

Example of process control: blasting of ballast tank no. 2 with roughness profile verified at 65 microns per specification, application of the first coat within the required recoating window, film thickness verified on a sample basis with compliant results, photographic documentation archived for each stage.

## Real Cases

Premature coating failures in ballast tanks, resulting in accelerated corrosion well before the 15-year reference period envisaged by the PSPC, have frequently been traced to insufficient process control during application (out-of-specification environmental conditions, non-uniform thickness) rather than a defect in the coating product itself.

## Common Mistakes Mistake Library

Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it
--- | --- | ---
Coating applied under out-of-specification environmental conditions (excessive humidity, unsuitable temperature) | Compromised coating adhesion, premature failure | Monitor and document environmental conditions for the entire duration of application
Film thickness verification limited to a few unrepresentative points | Areas with insufficient thickness not detected | Follow a representative sampling plan for the entire treated surface
Insufficient photographic documentation of intermediate stages | Difficulty demonstrating process compliance in the event of a future dispute | Systematically document every critical stage, not just the final result

## PSC Observations

Ballast tank coating is not typically subject to direct PSC verification (it would require internal tank inspection), but its condition can emerge indirectly in the event of surveys or deficiencies linked to structural corrosion.

## Operational Tips

- Monitor and document environmental conditions for the entire duration of coating work, not just at the start.
- Follow a representative sampling plan for thickness verification, covering the entire treated area.
- Photograph every critical stage of the process, to be able to demonstrate compliance even years later.

## Checklist

- Environmental conditions verified and documented during application
- Surface roughness profile verified per specification
- Film thickness verified through representative sampling
- Photographic documentation of critical stages archived
- Final inspection conducted with the surveyor and condition classified

## FAQ

What is the PSPC and what does it apply to?
It is the Performance Standard for Protective Coatings, which sets out detailed requirements for surface preparation, application and inspection of coating to ensure a 'good condition' for 15 years, applied mainly to dedicated ballast tanks and double-side/bottom spaces under IMO Resolutions MSC.215(82) and MSC.288(87).
Does the PSPC also apply to existing ships during a dry dock coating restoration?
The PSPC originated as a requirement for new construction, but its process control principles (environmental conditions, roughness profile, film thickness) are widely applied as good practice also in coating restoration work on existing ships.
Who classifies coating condition as good/fair/poor?
The Classification Society's surveyor, according to the standard criteria used for assessing coating condition in tanks, generally during the periodic survey.
🎬 Additional photos, videos and interactive diagrams for this topic will be available in a future version of the platform.

## Related Topics

Thickness Measurement (UTM)Survey in Dry Dock

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