Engineering Procedure

SAEP-316

4 August 2008

Performance Qualification of Coating Personnel

Document Responsibility: Inspection Department

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents
1
2
3
4
5

Scope............................................................. 2
Definitions...................................................... 2
General Requirements................................... 3
Qualification Procedure
and Test Requirements.......................... 4
Qualification Documentation
and Records......................................... 10

Attachment A - Coatings Applicator

Qualification Report.....................................
Attachment B - Saudi Aramco Coating
Applicator Certification Card........................
Attachment C - Coating Inspector
Qualification Report.....................................
Attachment D - Saudi Aramco Coatings
Inspector Certification Card.........................
Supplement I - Performance Qualification for
Pipeline Renovation Coating Contractor
and Maintenance Personnel........................

12
13
14
16

17

Previous Issue: 4 February 2008 Next Planned Update: 4 August 2013

Page 1 of 20
Primary contact: Al-Ajaji Abdul Aziz Omar on 966-3-8746604
CopyrightSaudi Aramco 2008. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Inspection Department

Issue Date: 4 August 2008
Next Planned Update: 4 August 2013

SAEP-316
Performance Qualification of Coating Personnel

Scope
1.1

This Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure (SAEP) describes the performance

qualification and certification requirements for all Saudi Aramco and contractor
personnel associated with Saudi Aramco protective coatings work performed in
the Kingdom. All personnel performing either coating inspection, surface
preparation, coating application, or supervising coating application shall be
qualified and certified to perform their tasks. It shall be administered by the
Inspection Engineering Unit (IEU) of the Inspection Department, Dhahran.

1.2

The requirements of this SAEP-316 may be extended to other types of coatings

work such as decorative painting at the option of the Saudi Aramco proponent
organization.

1.3

This SAEP-316 applies to in-Kingdom Saudi Aramco approved vendor coatings'

personnel if they are involved in the application of coatings in the field.
Otherwise, vendor coatings' personnel shall follow the vendor's Saudi Aramco
approved quality assurance system.

1.4

For performance qualification requirements for pipeline coatings' renovation,

see Supplement-I of this SAEP.

Definitions
Industrial Coating: Any of the Approved Protective Coatings Systems (APCSs)
described in SAES-H-101 and any of the in-plant piping APCS's described in
SAES-H-002.
Pipeline Coating: Any of the Approved Protective Coatings Systems (APCSs) for
onshore or subsea pipelines described in SAES-H-002.
Coating Applicators: Personnel engaged in the application of industrial and pipeline
coatings. This includes, but is not specifically limited to, abrasive blasters, coating
applicators, and their immediate crew supervisors.
Certified Coatings Inspector: An individual who has proven to be knowledgeable in
the inspection of protective coatings through an evaluation of his experience, the
passing of Saudi Aramco administered examinations (written and practical), and is
certified in accordance with this SAEP to perform the inspection tasks outlined herein.
a)

Certified Coatings Inspector, Level I: A Saudi Aramco or a contractor

employee, who has been certified in accordance with this SAEP, as being capable
of determining if specified coatings' requirements have been met. He must have a
working knowledge of the applicable Saudi Aramco standards and other
Page 2 of 20

Document Responsibility: Inspection Department

Issue Date: 4 August 2008
Next Planned Update: 4 August 2013

SAEP-316
Performance Qualification of Coating Personnel

mandatory documents where the coating requirements are specified. He must be

capable of performing all of the inspection tests and operating all of the inspection
equipment necessary for determining compliance with these requirements.
b)

Certified Coatings Inspector, Level II: A Saudi Aramco contractor employee

who, in addition to being capable of performing all the functions of a Level-I
Coatings Inspector, has been certified in accordance with this SAEP as being
capable and authorized to certify coatings applicators, trouble shoot coatings
failures or other problems and make appropriate corrective recommendations, and
provide direction and general supervision in the field to Level I coatings
inspectors.

Qualification Examiner: Any Saudi Aramco personnel specifically designated by the

Manager of Inspection Department to examine, test, and recommend certification of
Coatings Inspectors, in accordance with Section 4 of this SAEP.
IEU: Inspection Engineering Unit, which is responsible for administering the
performance qualification of coating personnel.
3

General Requirements
3.1

All protective coatings applicator personnel shall be qualified and certified prior
to the start of work.
Exception:
Vendor personnel associated with shop applied coatings; see paragraph 1.3.

3.2

All protective coatings applicator personnel shall be issued a coating

certification card in accordance with Section 5 of this SAEP certifying that they
are capable of performing their work.

3.3

The coating certification Card, when properly signed and issued, shall be valid
for protective coating work throughout Saudi Aramco until one of the following
occurs:

3.4

a)

The card's expiration date is reached,

b)

The card holder is no longer employed by the company indicted on the

card, or

c)

The card holder fails a renew certification per paragraph. 3.5

Recertification
3.4.1 Coating Applicators shall be recertified by testing per Section 4 of this
SAEP at least once every 36 months.
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Document Responsibility: Inspection Department

Issue Date: 4 August 2008
Next Planned Update: 4 August 2013

SAEP-316
Performance Qualification of Coating Personnel

3.4.2

Coatings Inspectors Level-I and Level-II certifications are valid for 36

months.

3.4.3

Certification and Recertification of Inspector level-I is administered

utilizing a computer based examination.

3.4.4

Recertification of coating inspector level-II shall be administered as

follows:
3.4.4.1

The frist renewal after 36 months does not require examination.

However, the inspector should provide document that he has
been performing coating inspections on a regular basis
throughout his previous certification period, justified and
attested by his supervisor. Coating Inspectors whose
certification has expired shall cease to conduct inspections until
they have successfully recertified.

3.4.4.2 The second renewal after 6 years, the Inspector shall attend
referesher course, and written examination.

3.5

3.4.5

Testing for certification or recertification is limited to three attempts,

between every attempt minimum of one month is required. In cases
where the three attempts are consumed, a full training covering all six
coating Inspection (PEW-105) courses shall be successfully completed
before he can be accepted for retesting.

3.4.6

If anyone fails a recertification test, a refresher course must be completed

before a further retest is allowed.

3.4.7

Maximum of six month between the refresher course & the written
examination is required.

Protective coating Inspection and application personnel may be asked to retest at

any time a Certified Coating Inspector Level II (or higher authority) determines
that unsatisfactory work is evident. Failures to pass the retest shall be handled
as outlined in Paragraph 3.4.3 above.

Qualification Procedure and Test Requirements

4.1

Coating Inspectors
4.1.1

Evaluation and examination of candidates for Coating Inspectors shall be

administered by a qualified examiner from the Operations Inspection
Engineering Unit, Dhahran. Details of testing documentation are
contained in Section 5. The examination and testing may be terminated

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Department

Issue Date: 4 August 2008
Next Planned Update: 4 August 2013

SAEP-316
Performance Qualification of Coating Personnel

at any time that the applicant fails to satisfactorily progress through the
test sequence.
4.1.2

Coatings inspectors certified in accordance with this SAEP-316 shall be

qualified to inspect either pipeline coatings or both industrial and
pipelines' coatings based on the examination administered. OIEU will
administer the type of examination requested by an employee's unit
supervisor. Coatings applicators shall be certified either for industrial
coatings per this SAEP or for pipeline renovation coatings per
Supplement-I of this SAEP. Coating applicators certified for both
industrial and pipeline renovation coatings shall meet the requirements
of both this SAEP and Supplement-I.

4.1.3 The Coating Inspector candidate shall be interviewed by the IEU

Qualified Examiner to review his training and confirm his experience
and overall capability to perform the tasks of a Certified Coatings
Inspector. The interview will be initiated after receipt of a written
application (Attachment C) from the employee's unit supervisor
documenting the candidate's qualifications. As a minimum, a qualified
candidate shall meet all of the following:
a)

Be able to read, write, and speak English with ITC completion of

level 7B or equivalent, this is required for Level I and Level II.

b)

Have 20/20 vision (normal or corrected).

c)

Completed two years of inspection experience, with one year as

independent coating Inspector.

d)

Meet the qualifications listed in Table 1 for either Level I or Level

II.
Table 1

Level

Inspection Experience

Training

Two (2) years of inspection

experience with at least
complete one (1) year as
independent coating
inspector.

II

Meet the requirements of a

certified Level I coatings
inspector plus have at least
one (1) year of experience
performing inspections
independently as a Level I
inspector or document the
equivalent experience.

Take and pass all six Coating Inspection

(PEW 105) training modules presented by
Inspection Department training group or
present documentation for having
equivalent coating related training.
Meets the requirements of level one plus
successfully complete a 40 hr. PE&TDD
Paints, Coating and Protective Lining
Course (or equivalent).
or
Hold a NACE Level II or NACE
International Coatings Inspector
Certification (or equivalent).

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Department

Issue Date: 4 August 2008
Next Planned Update: 4 August 2013

4.1.4

SAEP-316
Performance Qualification of Coating Personnel

The Coating Inspector candidate shall take and pass a written

examination:
A written examination will be administered, by the Operations
Inspection Engineering Unit's qualified examiner, to all inspection
personnel requesting either Level I or II coating inspector certifications.
The examination for the Level II Coating Inspector shall include, but is
not limited to, relevant Saudi Aramco and industry coating standards,
materials, surface preparation, application techniques, quality control,
and applicator testing. It shall also include the items in paragraphs 4.2,
4.3, 4.4. and 5.1.
For the Certified Coatings Inspector Level I, a separate examination
based on an appropriate reduction in scope and depth will be given.
For those primarily involved with pipeline coating systems (APCS 100
through APCS 113), at least 50% of the questions will be related to that
type of inspection, including both shop and field applied coatings.
For those involved primarily with industrial coatings, 70 to 80% of the
questions will be related to that type of inspection; the pipeline coating
questions will cover both shop and field applied coatings.
A minimum score of 80% on the examination will be required to pass.

4.1.5
4.2

Satisfactorily demonstrate coating inspection skills to Examiner.

Coating Crew Supervisor

4.2.1

Performance qualification testing and certification for the Crew

Supervisor, shall be administered by a Certified Coatings Inspectors
(Level II).

4.2.2

Qualification procedure for the Crew Supervisor for industrial coating

jobs shall be administered by a Certified Coating Inspector Level II.
(See Supplement-I for Crew Supervisor qualification requirements of
pipeline's renovation coatings). It shall include:
4.2.2.1

An orientation session including an in depth interview of the

candidate's previous work history, training, experience and
capabilities. The candidate must be able to communicate a
proper understanding of the relevant Saudi Aramco standards,
procedures, and minimum requirements.

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Department

Issue Date: 4 August 2008
Next Planned Update: 4 August 2013

4.2.2.2

SAEP-316
Performance Qualification of Coating Personnel

The Crew Supervisor candidate must demonstrate to the

satisfaction of the Certified Coatings Inspector, Level II, his
understanding of, and ability to successfully meet, all
applicable specifications and Saudi Aramco standards.
Evaluation of the Crew Supervisor shall include an assessment
of his ability to:
a)

Exhibit a working knowledge of SAES-H-100.

b)

Communicate with and direct his workmen; communicate

with the Saudi Aramco Representatives.

c)

Understand and apply the safety requirements in

SAES-H-102.

d)

Set up, maintain, and trouble shoot blasting and coating

equipment.

e)

Demonstrate his capability to properly establish

compressor capacities and establish air and blast hose
sizes that will achieve satisfactory nozzle pressures.

f)

Demonstrate how to inspect moisture and oil separators

and how to check that the delivered air quality is free of
oil, moisture, or other contamination.

g)

Recognize minimum and maximum blast profiles per

applicable APCS specifications.

h)

Use of proper solvent and detergent cleaning techniques.

i)

Proper use of materials and techniques for mixing.

j)

Instruct personnel regarding importance of air and metal

temperatures, relative humidity, dew point, wind, and
other factors affecting successful application.

k)

Demonstrate spray pattern control for different

applications.

l)

Adhere to proper time intervals between successive

coatings, as established by Saudi Aramco Standards and
or manufacturer's specifications.

m) Use wet and dry film thickness gauges; conduct relative

humidity tests; make adhesion checks; perform holiday
testing; detect coating defects and make timely, effective
corrections.

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Department

Issue Date: 4 August 2008
Next Planned Update: 4 August 2013

4.3

SAEP-316
Performance Qualification of Coating Personnel

Abrasive Blaster
4.3.1

Performance qualification testing and certification for Abrasive Blaster

shall be administered by a Certified Coatings Inspectors (Level II).

4.3.2

The qualification procedure for Abrasive Blaster for industrial coatings

shall consist of both an oral examination and a practical demonstration of
his job knowledge and skills. (See Supplement-I for Abrasive Blaster
qualification requirements for pipeline renovation coatings). He shall
demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Certified Coatings Inspector Level
II, his job knowledge, manual skills and ability to self evaluate the
results of his work. The Crew Supervisor shall be present during the
testing.

4.3.3

The candidate for Abrasive Blaster shall be able to demonstrate his

ability to:

4.3.4

a)

Set up abrasive blasting equipment.

b)

Know when and how to properly use safety equipment and adhere
to the basic safety requirements of SAES-H-102.

c)

Demonstrate hand signaling techniques.

d)

Properly set up forced ventilation equipment for work in confined

spaces.

e)

Demonstrate how to properly ground equipment to prevent shock

or static electrical discharge.

f)

Select properly sized nozzle and hose assemblies to achieve correct

air pressure and proper flow of abrasives.

g)

Adhere to cleanliness requirements for metal before, during and

after blasting.

h)

Recognize and differentiate between blast finishes; recognize and

correct blasting deficiencies.

The candidate for Abrasive Blaster shall be required to blast a test area
designated by the Certified Coatings Inspector Level II. The minimum
and maximum allowable anchor pattern(s) shall be established by the
Certified Coatings Inspector Level II before blasting commences. The
completed test area shall be within the specified anchor pattern(s)
range(s) and finish(es). The results shall be verified with direct
measuring and or comparative techniques.

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Department

Issue Date: 4 August 2008
Next Planned Update: 4 August 2013

4.4

SAEP-316
Performance Qualification of Coating Personnel

Coating Applicator
4.4.1

Performance qualification testing and certification for Coating applicator

shall be administered by a Certified Coatings Inspectors (Level II).

4.4.2

Coatings applicator performance testing shall be conducted with

equipment supplied by the contractor or maintenance organization whose
employee is taking the test. Testing shall take place at a suitable testing
area or job site. Preferably, the equipment shall be that which will be
used on the actual job. Testing shall not be conducted if the equipment
is improper, inadequate, or defective.

4.4.3

The qualification procedure for Coating Applicator for industrial

coatings shall consist of both an oral examination and a practical
demonstration of the candidate's knowledge and skills. (See
Supplement-I for the Coating Applicator qualification requirements for
pipeline renovation coatings.) He shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction
of the Certified Coatings Inspector Level II, his job knowledge, manual
skills, and ability to self evaluate the results of his work. This
demonstration shall take place at a suitable job site, or testing area. The
Crew Supervisor shall be present during the testing.

4.4.4

The candidate for Coatings Applicator shall be required to demonstrate

his ability to:
a)

Set up coating application equipment.

b)

Know when and how to obtain emergency medical care.

c)

Know when and how to properly use safety equipment and adhere
to the basic safety requirements of SAES-H-102.

d)

Demonstrate proper hand signaling techniques.

e)

Properly set up forced ventilation equipment for work in confined

spaces.

f)

Demonstrate how to properly ground equipment to prevent shock

or static electrical discharge.

g)

Properly mix critical coatings.

h)

Adhere to cleanliness requirements for the material before coating.

i)

Use properly sized nozzle and hose assemblies to achieve correct

air pressure and proper flow of coating materials.

j)

Know spray equipment requirements and demonstrate proper

spraying techniques.
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Document Responsibility: Inspection Department

Issue Date: 4 August 2008
Next Planned Update: 4 August 2013

4.4.5

SAEP-316
Performance Qualification of Coating Personnel

k)

Use wet film and dry film gages.

l)

Recognize and correct coating defects.

The candidate for Coatings Applicator shall be required to spray one or

more coats of an epoxy (or alternate) coating on a test area as designated
by the Certified Coatings Inspector, Level II. Minimum and maximum
wet and dry film thicknesses shall be established by the Certified Coatings
Inspector, Level II, before spraying commences. The finished test area
shall be free of runs, sags, dry spray, and other rejectable flaws. The
coating shall be within the specified thickness ranges and the candidate
shall verify the thickness with wet film and dry film thickness gages.

Qualification Documentation and Records

5.1

A Coating Applicator Qualification Report per Attachment A of this SAEP shall

be completed for each candidate by the Certified Coatings Inspector, Level II.
For qualified Applicators, one photo shall be attached to the original
Qualification Report, and another attached to the Coatings Certification Card per
Attachment B of this SAEP. The Card shall specifically identify the type of
work that the certification covers. The Card shall be signed by the Certified
Coatings Inspector, Level II and his Inspection Unit Supervisor and be issued
with a certification number and an expiration date. The Card shall be carried by
the Certified Applicator or be available for examination at the work site, at any
time the Applicator is engaged in coating work. The original Qualification
Report shall be retained in the inspection unit's files for at least six (6) months
after expiration of the card.

5.2

A Coatings Inspector Qualification Report shall be completed for each candidate

(see Attachment C) by his supervisor. A copy of the completed report with 2
photographs of the candidate shall be sent to IEU with a request to evaluate the
candidate for certification. If candidate meets the requirements, IEU will
schedule, administer and score the written examination and perform a practical
test by observing the candidate as he demonstrates the required coating
inspection skills. The candidate's supervisor will be advised regarding the test
results. A Coatings Inspector Certification Card, per Attachment-D of this
SAEP, will be prepared and issued by IEU to each inspector that meets all
requirements. The Card shall be laminated in plastic after being signed by the
Qualified Examiner and the Superintendent, Operations Inspection Division.
Each coatings inspector will be assigned a unique certification number that will
be noted on his card. The Card shall be carried, or be available for examination
at the work site, at all times the Inspector is performing coatings inspection
functions. The original Qualification Report with one photo shall be retained by
the IEU for at least two (2) years after expiration of the Card.

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Department

Issue Date: 4 August 2008
Next Planned Update: 4 August 2013

SAEP-316
Performance Qualification of Coating Personnel

5.3

To renew a Coatings Inspector's Certification, IEU must receive a written

request that includes the conditions of recertification per Paragraph 3.4, from the
Certified Coatings Inspector's Supervisor. The request must contain information
required for recertification, together with two photos of the Inspector and be sent
to the Superintendent, Operations Inspection Division, Dhahran.

5.4

IEU of the Inspection Department, Dhahran, shall monitor the implementation

of this SAEP, maintain an up to date lists of the Certified Coatings Inspectors in
Saudi Aramco, and distribute copies of the lists on a periodic basis.

4 August 2008

Revision Summary
Revised the "Next Planned Update". Reaffirmed the contents of the document, and
reissued with no other changes.

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Department

Issue Date: 4 August 2008
Next Planned Update: 4 August 2013

SAEP-316
Performance Qualification of Coating Personnel

Attachment A Coatings Applicator Qualification Report

Name: ____________________________________________________________________
Badge No. __________________Organization_____________________________________
Mail Address _______________________________________________________________
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------___________Crew Supvr,___________Abrasive Blaster, __________Coating Applicator
____________________Industrial Coatings, ____________________Pipeline Coatings
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Experience Details:___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Field Demonstration:__________________________________________________________
BLASTING TEST

APPLICATION TEST

Equip. Type __________________________

Type Coating ________________________

Nozzle Size __________________________

Spray Equip. Type ____________________

Nozzle Pressure ______________________

___________________________________

Compressor Capacity __________________

___________________________________

Type of Abrasive ______________________

Finish Req'ts ________________________

Finish Req'ts _________________________

___________________________________

Comments on Test Results: ___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Applicant has (passed or not passed) all requirements for a __________________________
_______________________on Mo.________________Day______________Yr.__________
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------______________________________
Certified Coatings Inspector Level II:

Badge No. _____________

Date _________

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Department

Issue Date: 4 August 2008
Next Planned Update: 4 August 2013

SAEP-316
Performance Qualification of Coating Personnel

Attachment B Saudi Aramco Coating Applicator Certification Card

FRONT OF CARD:
This certifies that:
CERTIFICATION NO.:_____________________________
Name / ID No.:___________________________________
Employer: ______________________________________
(PHOTOGRAPH)

Has satisfied the requirements of SAEP-316 governing certification of

applicators of protective coatings and is authorized to perform all the functions
indicated on the reverse side.

________________________________________
Inspection Unit Supervisor

Expiration Date: __/ __/ __,

MM DD YY

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BACK OF CARD:
QUALIFIED PER SAEP-316
TO PERFORM THE DUTIES OF:
|___| Crew Supervisor
|___| Abrasive Blaster
|___| Coating Applicator
TYPE OF COATING QUALIFIED FOR:
|___| Industrial Coating (SAEP-316)
|___| Pipelines (Supplement I, SAEP-316)
|___| Tape Wrap
|___| Heat Shrink Sleeves
|___| APCS 113 Liquid |___| APCS 113 Putty
|___| APCS 113 STOPAC

________________________
Level II Coating Inspector

Date: __/ __/ __

MM DD YY

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Department

Issue Date: 4 August 2008
Next Planned Update: 4 August 2013

SAEP-316
Performance Qualification of Coating Personnel

Attachment C Coating Inspector Qualification Report

Page 1

Name:__________________________________PHOTOGRAPH
Badge No._______________Organization________________________
Mail Address:__________________________Phone No.___________E-mail_____________________
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Completed ITC English Level 7B or Equivalent

Yes ( ) ________No ( )

20/20 vision (normal or corrected) ______________, Grade Code______________

Completed one year as independent coating Inspector

Yes ( )

No ( )

Experience:
From:
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____

To:
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____

Company:
____________
____________
____________
____________
____________

Description of Coating Experience

_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________

Total months of applicable experience ________________________

NACE certified (Y/N) _______ Certif. No. ___________________ Expires ________________
Other certification______________________________________ Expires ________________
Training:
Course
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________

Completion Date
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________

Pass/Fail
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________
_________

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

___________________________
Inspection Unit Supervisor:

Badge No. _________ Date __________

___________________________
OIEU's Qualified Examiner:

Badge No. _________ Date __________

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Department

Issue Date: 4 August 2008
Next Planned Update: 4 August 2013

SAEP-316
Performance Qualification of Coating Personnel

Attachment C Coating Inspector Qualification Report (Cont'd)

(Page 2)

Inspector Level 1 ___

Inspector Level 2 ___

Computer based Examination Administered for:

Industrial Coatings_______ Pipeline Coatings _______ Date ___________
Exam Score ________ Pass / Fail ______
Stimulated Field Demonstration of Inspection Skills*

Date____________

Air supply ______________________________________________________________________

Setup ___________________________________________________________________________
Capacity/Pressure _______________________________________________________________
Quality of air __________________________________________________________________
Abrasive material _______________________________________________________________
Blasted steel surface cleanliness________________________________________________
Sa1 _______ Sa2 _______ Sa2 1/2 _______ Sa3 ________ St2 ________ St3
Blasted steel surface profile ___________________________________________________
Wet film thickness ______________________________________________________________
Dry film thickness ______________________________________________________________
Defect inspection _______________________________________________________________
Blistering ______________________________________________________________________
Blushing ________________________________________________________________________
Checking ________________________________________________________________________
Cratering _______________________________________________________________________
Delamination ____________________________________________________________________
Dry spray _______________________________________________________________________
Embedded dust, dirt, sand _______________________________________________________
Fish eyes _______________________________________________________________________
Misses, skips ___________________________________________________________________
Mudcracking _____________________________________________________________________
Orange peel _____________________________________________________________________
Pinholing _______________________________________________________________________
Runs, sags, curtains ____________________________________________________________
Wrinkling _______________________________________________________________________
Holiday testing__________________________________________________________________
Adhesion testing ________________________________________________________________
Safety awareness ________________________________________________________________
*

Evaluate all items appropriate for the inspector's qualifications.

Note that not all items listed may apply; additional items may be included.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_________________________________
Qualified Examiner

Badge No.________

Date ________

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Department

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Next Planned Update: 4 August 2013

SAEP-316
Performance Qualification of Coating Personnel

Attachment D Saudi Aramco Coatings Inspector Certification Card

FRONT OF CARD:

PHOTO
LEVEL
--OR--LEVEL II

CERTIFICATE NO._______________________
NAME /I.D. _____________________________
ORGANIZATION ________________________
Has satisfied the requirements of SAEP-316 governing
Certification of inspectors involved in protective coatings
and is authorized to perform all functions indicated on
reverse side.

_________________________________
SUPERINTENDENT
OPERATIONS INSPECTION DIVISION
Expiration Date: ___/ ___/ __,
MM DD YY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BACK OF CARD:
QUALIFIED PER SECTION 2.3 OF SAEP-316
LEVEL I

To inspect coatings under the direction and general supervision of a Level

II coatings inspector.

OR
LEVEL II

To inspect coatings and test and qualify applicators.

|___| INDUSTRIAL COATINGS
|___| PIPELINES & PIPING COATINGS
PER SECTION 4.2 of SAEP-316

__________________________________
QUALIFIED EXAMINER

DATE ___/ ___/ ___

MM DD YY

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Department

Issue Date: 4 August 2008
Next Planned Update: 4 August 2013

SAEP-316
Performance Qualification of Coating Personnel

Supplement I Performance Qualification for Pipeline Renovation

Coating Contractor and Maintenance Personnel
Content
This SAEP Supplement describes the performance qualification requirements for contractor
and maintenance personnel doing repair or new construction pipeline field coatings work for
Saudi Aramco. The purpose of this SAEP is to provide a simplified approval procedure for
contractors and maintenance personnel who will only be doing pipeline coatings work using
tape wrap (APCS-107 or APCS-109), heat shrink sleeves (APCS-110/111/112) or renovation
coatings (APCS-113) and STOPAQ System.
1.

2.

3.

Scope
1.1

Personnel qualified under this supplement are only authorized to apply the
specific coating systems shown on their Certification Card and are only
authorized for work on pipelines, including supports and anchors.

1.2

This Supplement applies only to Crew Supervisors, Abrasive Blasters, and

Coating Applicators. Coatings Inspectors shall be certified in accordance with
SAEP-316.

1.3

Validity, recertification, and retesting requirements are the same as given in

SAEP-316, Paragraph 3.4.

General Requirements
2.1

Prior to requesting that their personnel be tested by a Saudi Aramco Coating

Inspector Level II, the contractor or maintenance must supply evidence to the
area Inspection Supervisor that the personnel are trained. This can be either a
certification of attendance at a Saudi Aramco CSD approved training course or
documentation by other Saudi Aramco Level II Coatings Inspectors that the
personnel have satisfactorily performed the same work on other jobs within the
past 12 months.

2.2

Performance testing shall be conducted with equipment supplied by the

applicable maintenance or contractor, preferably the equipment that will be used
on site. Testing shall not be conducted if the equipment is improper, inadequate,
or defective.

Crew Supervisor Qualification Requirements

3.1

The candidate must be able to communicate, in English, his understanding of the

relevant Saudi Aramco standards as follows:
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Document Responsibility: Inspection Department

Issue Date: 4 August 2008
Next Planned Update: 4 August 2013

3.2

4.

SAEP-316
Performance Qualification of Coating Personnel

3.1.1

For tape wrapping certification: SAES-H-203

3.1.2

For heat shrink sleeve certification: SAES-H-204

3.1.3

For APCS-113 certification: SAES-H-002, Sections 5.1, 5.4, and

APCS-113, as well as the Saudi Aramco Data Sheets for the products
approved to APCS-113.

The candidate must demonstrate his ability to:

3.2.1

Communicate with and direct his workmen; communicate with Saudi

Aramco representatives.

3.2.2

Understand and apply the safety requirements in SAES-H-102,

Sections 4.1 (fire and explosion prevention), 4.3 (health hazards), and
4.4 (equipment hazards).

3.2.3

Set up, maintain, and trouble-shoot abrasive blasting and coating

equipment, including establishing proper blast nozzle pressures,
inspect moisture/oil separators, use proper solvent cleaning techniques,
obtain correct surface profiles and cleanliness levels, and establish
correct spray patterns.

3.2.4

Demonstrate proper use of materials and techniques for mixing.

3.2.5

Demonstrate understanding of how wind, air and metal temperature,

relative humidity, dew point, and surface contaminants affect coatings
performance.

3.2.6

Use wet and dry film thickness gauges; conduct humidity tests, make
adhesion checks; detect coating defects, perform holiday testing and
make timely corrections.

Abrasive Blaster Qualification Requirements

4.1

The qualification procedure for abrasive blaster shall include both an oral
examination, in English, and a practical examination. He must be able to
demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Certified Coating Inspector, Level II, his
job knowledge, manual skills, and ability to self-evaluate the results of his work.

4.2

In the oral test, the candidate must demonstrate his Knowledge of the following:
4.2.1

Safety requirements in SAES-H-102, Sections 4.1 (fire and explosion

prevention), 4.3 (health hazards), and 4.4 equipment hazards).

4.2.2

Effect of surface profile and cleanliness on subsequent coating

performance.
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Document Responsibility: Inspection Department

Issue Date: 4 August 2008
Next Planned Update: 4 August 2013

4.3

5.

SAEP-316
Performance Qualification of Coating Personnel

In the practical test, the candidate shall:

4.3.1

Set up the blasting equipment, including proper grounding.

4.3.2

Blast a test area for the Certified Coatings Inspector Level II. The
level of cleanliness required and the minimum/maximum anchor
profile shall be established and understood before blasting commences.
The completed test area shall meet these requirements, being verified
by direct measuring and/or comparative techniques.

Coating Applicator Qualification Requirements

5.1

5.2

Tape Wrap Applicator candidates shall demonstrate their knowledge and

abilities to the Certified Coatings Inspector Level II by means of oral
questioning and practical demonstration as follows:
5.1.1

Proper tape, primer, and outer wrap storage.

5.1.2

Different primer requirements for APCS-107 and APCS-109 and why

tapes and primers from different manufacturers cannot be interchanged.

5.1.3

Proper primer mixing and application technique.

5.1.4

Proper tape application, including overlap and end lap.

5.1.5

Proper outer wrap application.

5.1.6

Health and fire hazards of primers.

Heat Shrink Sleeve Applicator candidates shall demonstrate their knowledge

and abilities to the Certified Coatings Inspector Level II by means of oral
questioning, in English, and practical demonstration as follows:
5.2.1

Proper materials storage.

5.2.2

Solvent cleaning, including which types of solvents are not allowed.

5.2.3

Surface preparation requirements (bare steel as well as adjacent,

existing pipeline coating, usually fusion-bonded epoxy FBE)

5.2.4

Surface temperature measurement by means of contact pyrometers.

5.2.5

Proper torch heating methods, including use of wind guards.

5.2.6

Ability to properly apply closure patches so that wrap-around sleeves

do not slip during shrinking-down.

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Department

Issue Date: 4 August 2008
Next Planned Update: 4 August 2013

5.3

6.

SAEP-316
Performance Qualification of Coating Personnel

5.2.7

Ability to properly apply the heat shrink sleeves, including use of a

roller to expel entrapped air.

5.2.8

Ability to patch repair inspection windows cut in the sleeves.

APCS-113 Coating Applicator candidates shall demonstrate their knowledge

and abilities to the Certified Coatings Inspector Level II by means of oral
questioning, in English, and practical demonstration as follows:
5.3.1

Understand and apply the safety requirements in SAES-H-102,

Sections 4.1 (fire and explosion prevention), 4.3 (health hazards), and
4.4 (equipment hazards).

5.3.2

Set up, maintain, and trouble-shoot the coatings application equipment,

including inspecting moisture/oil separators, establishing correct
nozzle pressure and establishing correct spray patterns.

5.3.3

Demonstrate proper use of materials and techniques for mixing 2

component coating system.

5.3.4

Demonstrate understanding of how wind, air and metal temperature,

relative humidity, dew point, and surface contaminants affect coatings
performance.

5.3.5

Use wet and dry film thickness gauges; conduct humidity tests, perform
holiday testing, detect coating defects and make timely corrections.

5.3.6

The candidate shall be required to coat a test area designated by the

Certified Coatings Inspector Level II. The candidate must be able to
coat the area such that it meets the requirements of APCS-113 and the
Saudi Aramco Data Sheets for the product being applied. Since
APCS-113 contains both liquid coatings and putty-type coatings, the
candidate's certification card must specify which of these types of
coatings he was tested for and approved.

Qualification Documentation and Records

6.1

Requirements for qualification documentation and records are the same as in

Paragraph 5 of SAEP-316 except as noted below.

6.2

The Coating Applicator Certification Cards issued to the qualified candidates

shall be limited to the specific pipeline coating system(s) checked off on the
card: ( ) Tape wrap, ( ) Heat shrink sleeves, ( ) APCS-113 liquid, ( ) APCS-113
putty, and STOPAC wrapping.

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