Experiences in the Application of Performance Standards for Protective Coatings Intended for Seawater Ballast Tanks

Abstract

The present work is related to the acquired experiences during the supervision jobs developed by the author in the ship construction of 10 bulk carriers in the People’s Republic of China from 2010 to 2013, specifically in relation to the application of painting in ballast tanks, according to what is established in IMO Resolution MSC215(82), “Performance Standard for Protective Coatings intended to seawater ballast tanks in all types of ships and double-skin spaces of bulk carriers,” better known as PSPC (Performance Standard for Protective Coating) for its English initials, adopted in December, 2006. This denomination of PSPC is maintained throughout this paper. The fundamental objective of this work is to sensitize all personnel involved in the ships’ construction process in our geographical area and specifically to those who supervise or work in the application of paint in ballast tanks and spaces of double skin in bulk carriers, in the importance of correctly following the steps in the whole process to achieve the required quality.