IACS Common Structural Rules Knowledge Centre

IMO PSPC - Q&As and Common Interpretations(CI) Updated:29/09/09

Note: Records in the file have been sorted out in the order of the IMO PSPC Provisions. Identification numbers ( the 1st column) will remain unchanged but appear in a random order.

IMO
Topic Approved Clarification Items Q&As and Common Interpretations
PSPC

1 General fee 12/21/2006 Classification fee including detail scope of verification and inspection. Verification and inspection in accordance with the IACS PR34

Edges mean all sharp edges (non-radiused or with a radius less than 2 mm). Which includes
PSPC 2.5 reads: Edge grinding is the treatment of edge before secondary both thermally and mechanically edges. All sharp edges (non - radiused or radius less than
2 2.5 edges 1/31/2007
surface preparation. 2mm) are subject to edge grinding. All edges with the exception of the natural rounded edges of
sections (or profiled steel bars) are subject to two stripe coats.

Do edges mean sharp edges or flame cut edges? Are automated welds Edges means all edges except the natural rounded edges of sections (or profiled steel bars).
3 2.11 sharp edges 12/21/2006
included or not for stripe coats? Automated welds need stripe coat.

PSPC 3.2 reads: Inspection of surface preparation and coating processes

inspection PSPC inspection requirements are the minimum to be applied, there is no provision for that to
4 3.2 1/31/2007 shall be agreed upon between the ship owner, the shipyard and the
requirements be reduced. There is no provision for a reduction within CSR.
coating manufacturer and presented to the Administration for review.

What is “Record of the shipyard’s and shipowner’s coating work”? For

5 3.4.1 Record 2/21/2007 Yes
shipbuilding, is it the same as 3.4.2-3/6?

What should be included in the specification? if the specification means

coating the coating specification which is defined in ANNEX1, is it possible to use Manufacturers need to provide a specification detailing all the requirements of table 1 of the
6 4.4.2 12/21/2006
specifications PSPC as a coating specification because PSPC is covered the required PSPC.
inclusions.

The specification may be the technical data sheet if all the information required is provided on it.
coating PSPC 4.4.2 reads: Coating manufacturers shall provide a specification of This question should be addressed to paint manufacturers. The specification should contain
7 4.4.2 1/31/2007
specifications the protective coating system to satisfy the requirements of table 1. application procedure, acceptance criteria and inspection etc. as specified in paragraph 2 of
annex 1 of the PSPC.

Coating manufacturers should provide details of the type approved coatings in accordance with
4.4.3/ paint and Type approved paint and manufacturer list including verified technical
8 12/21/2006 PSPC. This is no different from other manufacturers providing details of their products and
table 1-1.3 manufacturer list data sheet.
relevant certification.

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Topic Approved Clarification Items Q&As and Common Interpretations
PSPC

type approval Is further consideration necessary to the coating systems which have a Yes as required by sect 3.2 agreement between all parties. Coating systems must meet all
9 table 1-1. 12/21/2006
certificate type approval certificate? relevant requirements of the PSPC

10 table 1-1.2 light color 12/21/2006 Definition of light color? light colour as agreed by all parties in PSPC sect 3.2

A light colour means a colour that reflects light to an extent that a simple flash light (hand torch)
Table 1-1.1.2,4th bullet reads: The top coat shall be of a light colour in
11 table 1-1.2 light color 1/31/2007 will make inspection easy fast. Normally light grey, off-white, swimming pool blue/green etc.
order to facilitate in-service inspection.
easily distinguishable from rust.

1) Yes winter and summer type coating are considered different unless IR identification and
1) Is winter type epoxy required separate prequalification test including
specific gravity demonstrates that they are the same.
shop primer compatibility test according to Annex 1? 2) Intact shop primer
2) shop primer should be removed if it cannot be demonstrated to be compatible with the
12 table 1-1.3 type epoxy 12/21/2006 should be removed or not, in case 5 years field exposure are validate as a
coating to be used.
type approval test? 3) Is separate compatibility test for shop primer
3) No because it should be included as coating system which is confirmed by the coating
required? If yes, please provide detail test procedure.
manufacturer.

The process for type approval of coating systems will be further clarified in the next revision of
PR34 in line with the following; New Systems (after 8 December 2006) - Type approval of
epoxy systems with primer "A" - According to Annex 1 tests. Type Approval Certificate - Epoxy
System (complete with primer "A") plus a list of primers it can be used on (according to Annex 1
cross over tests). Epoxy system approved in accordance with this method can also be used on
PR34-1 Compatibility of shop primer and main coat has been confirmed
bare steel. - Epoxy system tested on bare steel - According to Annex 1 Alternative System test.
more than 20 years. Shop primer is inorganic type of paint and cathodic
58 table 1.1.3 type epoxy 5/16/2007 Type approval Certificate - Epoxy System plus a list of primers (according to Annex 1 crossover
disbonding is verified by Marintek B1. In this regard IACS is considering
test). Existing Systems (before 8 December 2006) - Type Approval of epoxy systems with
accepting this matter for the interim period
primer if used in the test - Marintek B1 plus an Infrared and Specific Gravity report. - Type
Approval Certificate - Epoxy system with primer if used in test plus a list of primers it can be
used on (crossover test). Crossover (Annex 1 ) tests, table 1.3.2 - these tests should be
conducted according to type approval requirements (PR34), and will not be accepted based on
manufacturer's statement and tests only.

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IMO
Topic Approved Clarification Items Q&As and Common Interpretations
PSPC

As per previous replies, automatic welding is considered to be by machine

only as it will be smooth and continuous. Semi automatic welding may
59 table 1.1.4 stripe coats 5/16/2007 also be smooth but it will not be continuous and therefore will have IACS will clarify need for stripe coating on semi-automatic welding on fillet joint.
irregularities at the start and stop points and therefore stripe coating is
required in way of semi-automatic welding.

Who and how to prove that the NDFT can be met in way of welded seam
13 table 1.1.4 NDFT 12/21/2006 measure flat plate adjacent to the weld, approved by the inspector ref table
in order to skip second stripe coat.

Does Stripe coats shall be applied by brush or roller. Roller to be used for
scallops, ratholes, etc. only. interpret that Stripe coats shall be applied by As discussed at MSC 82 by the IMO informal Group of Experts the understanding is that stripe
14 table 1.1.4 stripe coats 12/21/2006
brush or roller. However, stripe coat for scallops, ratholes, etc. to be coat to be applied by brush. However in way of rat holes, scallops etc a roller may be used.
applied by roller?

It was confirmed at MSC 82 that stripe coats are to be applied by brush, this includes all welds.
Table 1-1.4, 1st bullet reads: There shall be a minimum of two stripe coats
However where edges are rounded to a radius greater or equal to 2 mm, stripe coats may be
and two spray coats, except that the second stripe coat, by way of welded
applied by brush or roller. Two stripe coats are to be applied to all edges and all irregular
seams only, may be reduced in scope where it is proven that the NDFT
15 table 1.1.4 stripe coats 1/31/2007 welding beads. One stripe coat may be applied in way of smooth automatic weld beads subject
can be met by the coats applied in order to avoid unnecessary over
to confirmation that the NDFT has been achieved by thickness measurement of the coating after
thickness. Any reduction in scope of the second stripe coat shall be fully
the second spray coat. Measurement of this NDFT is to be immediately adjacent to the weld
detailed in the CTF.
bead.

Table 1-1.4, 2nd bullet reads: Stripe coats shall be applied by brush or
16 table 1.1.4 stripe coats 1/31/2007 Etc. means or similar.
roller. Roller to be used for scallops, ratholes, etc., only.

Wet film thickness shall be regularly checked during application for quality control by the
Table 1-1.5, 3rd bullet reads: Wet film thickness shall be regularly
17 table 1-1.5 wet film thickness 1/31/2007 Builder. PSPC does not state who should check WFT, it is accepted for this to be the builder.
checked during application.
DFT is to be done as part of the inspection section 6.

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Topic Approved Clarification Items Q&As and Common Interpretations
PSPC

The last para. reads: Checking of the steel surface cleanliness and
roughness profile shall be carried out at the end of the surface preparation
and before the application of the primer, in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations. Section 6.2 Inspection item-Primary
As agreed in Sect 3.2 of PSPC and noted in the shipyard procedure. If it is an automated
steel surface surface preparation, the statements is very clear about the time for
18 table 1-2.1 2/21/2007 system it may be monitored instead of measuring every plate as long as it is noted in the
cleanliness checking steel temperature, relative humidity and dew point: “before the
shipyard procedure and meets the requirements of Table1-2.
blasting process starts and at time of sudden changes in weather”. How
about the testing of salt content and checking of oil, greese and other
contamination? Shall we check all of the plate or random check can be
accepted?

1) How many measurements of salt shall be required during primary 1) As agreed in Sect 3.2 PSPC
surface stage? 2) measure salt and remove before going into shot blasting or have shipyard procedures
measurement of
19 table 1-2.2 12/21/2006 2) How to measure the salt during automated process? to check occasional readings after shot blasting
salt
3) How to convert only sodium chloride from the 3) The whole conductivity value is calculated to NaCl in accordance with the manufacturer’s
conductivity measure in accordance with ISO 8502-9? test instrument manual.

it is separate into two group: Block & after Erection. How to define the
block and after
20 table 1-3 2/21/2007 painting work for joints and damages of Grand Assembly or Pre-Erection? Can be categorized as “after erection”.
erection
(The blocks had been coated before combine)

One pass edge cut machining or one pass grinding followed by disc
21 table 1-3.1 one pass 12/21/2006 papering on remaining edges are considered equivalent to three pass Only if a radius of 2mm is achieved.
grinding or not.

The PSPC requires all edges to be rounded to a radius of 2 mm minimum or that haven’t been
Edges to be treated to a rounded radius of minimum 2mm, or subjected to subject to three pass grinding. An example of an equivalent process is a dedicated edge
22 table 1-3.1 rounded radius 1/31/2007
three pass grinding or at least equivalent process before painting. grinding machine which will provide the profile equal to radius 2 mm or three pass grinding by a
single pass.

The EG/Coating were of the unanimous opinion that the important issue with regard to
Three pass performance of the coating with respect to the edge preparation, was the finish of the edge
60 table 1.3.1 5/16/2007 Consider KOSHIPA proposal for three pass grinding.
grinding should be a 2mm radius. This is generally achieved by three pass grinding however if another
method is demonstrated to provide a 2mm radius this alternative method would be acceptable.

1) Does ‘The retained shop primer shall be cleaned by sweep blasting,

1) Although visually no contamination may be present, the primer will have aged and the
high pressure water washing or equivalent method.’ interpret that ‘The
surface will contain bi-products of this oxidation and therefore the reference to "clean" in the
contamination on retained shop primer shall be cleaned by sweep
PSPC is the removal of such bi-products by sweep blasting, high-pressure water washing or
blasting, high pressure water washing or equivalent method.’?
23 table 1-3.2 shop primer 21/12/2006 * equivalent method, to ensure good adherence of the top coat onto the primer. (*Updated
2) Is power tool cleaning
29/9/09)
applicable as an equivalent method? 3) Is
2) No
power tool cleaning acceptable to the small areas of insufficiently treated
3) Yes
by blasting?

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Topic Approved Clarification Items Q&As and Common Interpretations
PSPC

Table 1-3.2, 1st and 2dnd bullets read: Sa 2.5 on damaged shop primer Sa 2.5 shall be applied to any damaged area of shop primed steel. This includes damage
24 table 1-3.2 Sa2.5 1/31/2007 and welds. Sa 2 removing at least 70% of intact shop primer, which has arising from welding, thermal and mechanical cutting and any other form of mechanical abrasion
not passed a pre-qualification certified by test procedures in 1.3. damage during fabrication.

Table 1-3.2, 3rd bullet reads: If the complete coating system comprising
Provided the Marintek test report includes the same shop primer, if epoxy coating system have
epoxy based main coating and shop primer has passed a pre-qualification
an existing satisfactory Marintek test reports minimum level B1 issued before December 8 th
certified be test procedures in 1.3, intact shop primer may be retained
25 table 1-3.2 shop primer 1/31/2007 2006 or a documented experience of field exposure for 5 years with a final coating condition of
provided the same epoxy coating system is used. The retained shop
not less that “GOOD”, the contamination on retained shop primer shall be cleaned by sweep
primer shall be cleaned by sweep blasting, high pressure water washing
blasting, fresh water washing or equivalent method such as power tool cleaning.
or equivalent method.

If coating manufacture confirms (in accordance with paragraph 1.7 of appendix 1 to annex 1
without wave movement.) the compatibility of combination between their qualified epoxy
Table 1-3.2, 4th bullet reads: If a zinc silicate shop primer has passed a coating system and other coating manufacturer’s zinc silicate shop primer, the contamination on
pre-qualification test of 1.3 as part of an epoxy coating system, it may be retained shop primer shall be cleaned by sweep blasting, fresh water washing or equivalent
used in combination with other epoxy coating certified under 1.3, provided method such as power tool cleaning.
26 table 1-3.2 zinc silicate 1/31/2007
that the compatibility has been confirmed by the manufacturer by the test If both the shop primer and epoxy coating to be applied has been pre-qualified however
in accordance with paragraph 1.7 of appendix 1 to annex 1 without wave with different epoxy coating and shop primer to the one to be applied, the only test needed for
movement. compatibility is the one described in paragraph 1.7, when combining the actual shop primer and
epoxy coating. All new paints will be type approved but that does not prevent use of the above
prequalification methods.

1) St3 shall be used if Sa 2.5 is impracticable in case contiguous damages

1) In accordance with the standard, over 25m2 or 2% is Sa 2.5
over 25 m2 or over 2% of the total area of the tank?
27 table 1-3.3 St3 12/21/2006 2) Consider damage to be a % of total area of the tank.
2) How to identify and calculate
Using the method of scribing matrix on the photos and calculating area.
damaged area?

Definition of damage is anything that in the opinion of the qualified coating inspector will prevent
Table 1-3.3, 1st bullet reads: Butts St 3 or better or SA 2.5 where the coating from functioning, such as damage reaching the shop primer or bare steel.. The
practicable. Small damages up to 2% of total area: St 3. Contiguous damage is considered to be in % of total area of tank.
28 table 1-3.3 damage 1/31/2007
damages over 25m2 or over 2% of the total area of the tank, Sa 2.5 The method of scribing matrix on the photos and calculating area maybe used.
should be applied. The PSPC states that SA 2.5 is to be
used if contiguous damages is over 25m2 or over 2% of the total area of the tank.

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Topic Approved Clarification Items Q&As and Common Interpretations
PSPC

After erection, small damages up to 2% of the tank area, St3 can be

29 table 1-3.3 small damages 2/21/2007 accepted. What will be the standard if small damages area over 2%? Will Yes
it be Sa2-1/2?

In case small damage areas over 2%, can we do it this way: treat the
30 table 1-3.3 small damages 2/21/2007 concentrated area with blasting to Sa2-1/2, the remaining ≦ 2% area be No. All small damages are to be blasted to Sa2-1/2.
power tooling to St3?

contguous
31 table 1-3.3 2/21/2007 How to define ‘contiguous damage’? Closely located or adjacent damages.
damage

Usually, the fillet welding on tank boundary watertight bulkhead is left

contiguous vs without coating on block stage(because not yet be leakage tested), how
32 table 1-3.3 2/21/2007 Can be categorized as erection joint (“butt”) to be power tooling to St3.
butt will this area be considered ? ‘butt’ or ‘contiguous damage’ or ‘small
damage’?

1) How to distinguish the size of dust with naked eye?

1) if you can see it is dust
33 table 1-3.5 dust 12/21/2006 2) How many measurements for dust per block shall
2) to the satisfaction of the inspector
be required?

Table 1-3.5 reads: Dust quantity rating “1” for dust size class “3”, “4” or If dust is visible anywhere on the block then it should be removed to the satisfaction of the
34 table 1-3.5 dust 1/31/2007 “5”. Lower dust size classes to be removed if visible on the surface to be inspector. The whole block shall be to the satisfaction of the inspector, see PSPC 3.2. One
coated without magnification. measurement is minimum per Block.

The PSPC requires a tape to be taken to see if levels 3, 4 or 5 dust ratings

are present (ISO 8502-3: 1993) therefore this same tape measurement
60 table 1.3.5 dust 5/16/2007 How many dust measurements per block, how to distinguish with naked eye
should be the method to distinguish whether smaller dust sizes are
present, that is , they are visible with the naked eye on the tape.

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Topic Approved Clarification Items Q&As and Common Interpretations
PSPC

1) How to extract sodium chloride only from the conductivity measure in

accordance with ISO 8502-9? Or
2) How to convert sodium 1) The whole conductivity value is calculated to NaCl in accordance with the manufacturer’s test
35 table 1-3.6 ISO 12/21/2006 chloride from total soluble salt content extracted from the surface? instrument manual.
3) to the satisfaction of the inspector
3) Salt measurements for block joint area and
damaged area shall be required? If yes, how many?

Table 1-3.6 reads: Water soluble salts limit equivalent to NaCI after ISO standard mandated by CSR no provision in PSPC for equivalence. The whole block shall
36 table 1-3.6 ISO 1/31/2007
blasting/ grinding ≤ 50 mg/m2 of sodium chloride be to the satisfaction of the inspector, PSPC 3.2.

The value in mg/m2 obtained from the test method 8502-9 is to be used without conversion, on
the basis; All soluble salts have a detrimental effect on coatings to a greater or lesser degree.
8502-9 does not provede the actual concentration of NaC1. The% NaC1 in the total soluble
salts will vary fromsite to site. Minimum readings to be taken are one (1) reading per
61 table 1.3.6 ISO 5/16/2007 Soluble Salt measurement
block/section/unit prior to applying coating or one (1) per plate in the case of manually applied
shop primer. In cases where an automatic process for application of shop primer is used, there
should be means to demonstrate compliance with PSPC through a Quality Assurance System,
which should include a monthly test.

1) Measurement result of dry film thickness for 1st coat to be also included
in the CTF? 1) No, the total DFT required only
37 table 1-4.3 CTF , DFT 12/21/2006 2) 25 µm offset to be considered or not for 2) MSC 82 has finally decided to replace the reference to ISO 19840 with that to SSPC-PA2
calibration of DFT Gauge according to ISO 19840, even the wording which does not contain the provisions on correction values.
“calibrated using 30 µm offset” had been deleted at DE 49?

All DFT measurements are to be measured and recorded. Only the final DFT measurements
Table 1-4.3 reads: Dry film thickness shall be measured after each coat need to be measured and reported for compliance with the PSPC by the qualified coating
for quality control purpose and the total dry film thickness shall be inspector. The Coating Technical File may contain a summary of the DFT measurements which
38 table 1-4.3 DFT 1/31/2007
confirmed after completion of final coat, using appropriate thickness typically will consist of min / max DFT measurements, number of measurements taken and
gauges. percentage above and below required DFT. The final DFT compliance with the 90/10 practice is
to be calculated and confirmed, see PSPC 2.8.

What is “shipyard’s verified application procedure for applying the Shipyard application procedure verified by coating inspectors and coating manufacture and the
39 4.4.4 shipyard 2/21/2007
protective coating”? Administration.

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PSPC

1) Who is the third party issued Type Approval Certificate or SOC?

1) Certificate by the Society
2) Is there the terms of validity for Type approval?
type approval 2) As per Society standard practice
40 5 12/21/2006 3) If yes, How to do it?
certificate 3) As per Society standard practice
4) Who
4) Paint manufacturers quality system approved by the Society.
and how will check the quality of paint during production of paint?

1) Who/how will do inspection?

1) the coating inspector as agreed in 3.2
2) Who will organize inspector?
41 6 inspection 12/21/2006 2) as agreed PSPC Section 3.2
3) Who will pay the
3) as agreed PSPC Section 3.2
inspection fee?

Are the inspectors of Builder and Manufacturer for self quality control also
42 6.1.1 quality control 12/21/2006 only the coating inspector required to provide the reports must be qualified
qualified by NACE, FROSIO, or equivalent?

Coating inspector can be anyone qualified in accordance with the PSPC, prior to 1 July 2008
6.1.1 reads: To ensure compliance with this Standard, the following shall the administration are not involved with the PSPC, however the IACS CSR invoke the PSPC so
be carried out by qualified coating inspectors certified to NACE Coating prior to 1 July 2008 verification is by IACS PR34. Who supplies the coating inspectors is a
43 6.1.1 coating inspector 1/31/2007
Inspector Level 2, FROSIO Inspector Level III or equivalent as verified by matter for shipyard, paint manufacturer and owner to decide in accordance with paragraph 3.2
the Administration. of the PSPC. However, the responsibility for the inspection and quality of the product belong to
the yard.

6.2 - primary surface

44 1/31/2007 Who shall do this ? This is inspection and shall be done by a qualified inspector for each job.
PSPC preparation

1) Are periodical tests or checks necessary if shop primer and surface

6.2 –
preparation is carried out by automatic plant? yes, measure salt and remove before going into shot blasting or have shipyard procedures to
45 PSPC – automatic 12/21/2006
2) How to test or check the contamination in check occasional readings after shot blasting.
1,2
automated process?

“before secondary surface preparation starts, a visual inspection-----------.

Any oil, grease or other visible contamination to be removed”. Does that
6.2-Block mean water washing should be done? (According to the normal practice,
46 water washing 2/21/2007 As agreed in Sect 3.2 of PSPC.
Assembly -1 only serious oil/grease contamination should be removed prior blasting,
otherwise, oil/grease contaimination will be removed by thinner cleaning
prior coating.)

6.2 –
Any qualified inspector can carry out DFT readings as agreed in 3.2. However the readings will
Block According to our investigation, more than 3 inspectors are required to
47 DFT 12/21/2006 be required to be reviewed and the report signed by the qualified inspector as referred to in
assembly minimize the extension of building schedule for DFT measurement only.
PSPC section 6.1.3
–5

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6.2 - Block The readings will be required to be reviewed and the report signed by the qualified coating
Item 5 reads: DFT measurements shall be taken to prove that the coating
48 assembly DFT 1/31/2007 inspector as referred to in PSPC section 6.1.3. PSPC states a minimum and does not allow
has been applied to the thickness as specified and outlined in annex 3.
-5 reduction.

Stripe coats must be applied as a coherent film achieving the required NDFT, and showing good
film formation and no visible defects, such as pores or de-wetted areas.
The application method of stripe coats must ensure that all areas which cannot be adequately
coated by spray application are properly stripe coated by alternative application methods, which
includes brush and roller. Where areas cannot be adequately coated by roller, for example in
6.3.1 Stripe coats shall be applied by brush or roller Roller to be used for way of SMAW welds, a brush should be used.
59 Table (1) stripe coats 5/8/2007 scallops, ratholes, etc only. It is fair to state tht there is an element of Although thinner can be used to improve wetting of rough surfaces but it is important that
1.4 confusion in the exact interprettion of this statement. material is still used within it’s designated pot life.
Although thinning may be carried out to assist wetting of rough surfaces, as provided for on the
product data sheet and recommended by Technical Service staff, this must not be done as a
means of extending pot-life.

Is the coating specification necessary for coating qualification? And how

coating can verify the coating specification with appendix 1 & 2?
49 Annex 1 12/21/2006 Yes
specifications *Coating specification should contain
application procedure, acceptance criteria and inspection, etc.

In the example daily log of the inspection records, it is mentioned that

inspection WFT readings to be attached.
50 Annex 2 12/21/2006 No
records Is the WFT need to be
recorded?

1) Is it possible to reduce the number of measurement on the authority of

inspector?
2) Have to be included in CTF and inspection report all
record of DFT measurements according to ANNEX3? Do you have any
typical format to summarize the record? in case of VLCC, more than 1 1) No, measurements as per Annex 3 PSPC
million measurements should be recorded. 2) No format available, but could be either electronic or paper
3) Does Builder provide the all facilities such as lighting or 3) As agreed in 3.2
51 Annex 3 CTF , DFT 12/21/2006
scaffolding for DFT measurement of inspector according to ANNEX3, if 4) If it’s a hole its an opening
necessary? 5) No
4) .6 Is there any definition to the openings? Are 6) No
scallop, drain hole, air hole and slot hole included in the openings?
5) .7 Is
there any definition to the complex areas?
6) .8 Is there any limitation of additional spot checks?

PSPC 3.5 The shipyard is responsible for implementation of national regulations to ensure
52 Annex 3 DFT 1/31/2007 Concerning safety of Dry Film Thickness Measurements.
health and safety of individuals and to minimize the risk of explosion.

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Can we get detail explanation about ANNEX 3-2 “one gauge reading at 2
Annex 3- One gauge reading at 2 to 3m intervals in line with tank boundary within 15mm off the tank
53 guage reading 2/21/2007 to 3m intervals and as close as possible to tank boundaries, but not
1.2 boundary
further than 15mm from edges of tank boundaries”?

According to GL Rule (2004) III-Part 1 Section 10-D(Tank structure)-

D(Testing for tightness), there is a statement: “If it is ensured that in
IACS UR S14.2.1b) specifies that hydrostatic test is to be carried out before the protective
adjacent tanks the same type of liquid is carried, e.g. in adjacent ballast
Annex 3- coating unless leak test is carried out prior to the application of the protective coating. The
54 tightness tesing 2/21/2007 tanks, the above mentioned weld connections may be coated prior to the
1.2 majority of shipyards carries out the leak test such as air fillet weld test or vacuum test and
leakage test. ”If it can be accepted by IACS, coating on the fillet weld(as
applies the protective coating before hydrostatic test.
above mentioned concerning 'guage reading') can be done on block
stage, then we can get the best coating quality.

IMO PSPC is applicable for all ballast tanks of new ships of 500gt above
and double side skin spaces of new bulk carriers of 150m above. CSR
BC makes IMO PSPC effective for CSR bulk carriers contacted for
construction on and after 8 Dec 06. Therefore, under CSR BC, IMO
Annex PSPC is applicable for all ballast tanks of bulk carriers of 90m above and
58 Measurements 3/7/2007
3/5.1.2.2 double side skin space of bulk carriers of 150m above. If double side skin
space is of ballast tank, PSPC is applicable for such space of bulk carriers
of 90m above. If double side skin space is of void space, PSPC is
applicable to such space of bulk carriers of 150m above.
What is the interpretation of whether under CSR the ballast tanks and the double side skin
spaces of bulk carriers is for length of 150m ad upwards CSR say"… fro ships contracted the
coatings of internal spaces subject to the amended SOLAS regulations are to satisfy the
requirements of the IMO performance standard". This would indicte that this is applicable to
150m L for both the ballast tanks and the double side skin spaces of bulk carrier; although the
CSR for bulk carriers: is for 90m and upwards

Annex 3.6 reads: around opening one gauge reading from each side of In principle, an opening is a hole or any other penetration in the steelwork, however, for a hole
55 Annex 3.6 opening 1/31/2007
the opening; of 10 mm or less DFT measurements from each side may be skipped.

Annex 3.7 reads: five gauge readings per square metre (m2) but no less Complex areas are areas of the tank where the complexity of the structure may have a shielding
56 Annex 3.7 reading 1/31/2007 that three gauge readings taken at complex area (i.e. large brackets of effect on spray coverage during coating operations, possibly leading to under thickness of the
primary support members) coating.

additional Annex 3.8 reads: additional spot checks to be taken to verify coating
57 Annex 3.8 1/31/2007 Additional measurements as required by the coating inspector during the inspection.
measurements thickness for any area considered necessary by the coating inspector.

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