SAEP-316 Latest Revision

Engineering Procedure 01 July 2021
SAEP-316
Performance Qualification Requirements of Coating Personnel
Document Responsibility: Project Quality Standards Committee
Previous Revision: 14 February 2021 Next Revision: 14 February 2026

Contact: Megren, Abdulaziz A (megraa0a) Page 1 of 25
© Saudi Arabian Oil Company, 2021
Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Document Responsibility: Project Quality Standards Committee SAEP-316
Issue Date: 01 July 2021
Next Revision: 14 February 2026 Performance Qualification Requirements of Coating Personnel
Contents
Summary of Changes.................................................................................................... 3
1. Scope....................................................................................................................... 4
2. Conflicts and Deviations .......................................................................................... 4
3. References .............................................................................................................. 4
3.1 Saudi Aramco References ....................................................................................... 4
4. TERMINOLOGY ........................................................................................................... 5
4.1 Acronyms .......................................................................................................... 5
4.2 Definitions.......................................................................................................... 5
5. General Requirements ............................................................................................. 7
6. Qualification Procedure and Test Requirements...................................................... 9
7. Performance Qualification for Pipeline Renovation Coating Contractor and

Maintenance Personnel ......................................................................................... 15
8. Qualification Documentation and Record ............................................................... 18
Document History ........................................................................................................ 18
Appendix A System Roles ........................................................................................... 19
Appendix B Qualification/Experience/Training Req. and Certification Validity............. 20
Appendix C Experience and Training Requirements ................................................. 21
Appendix D Coatings Personnel Qualification Report ................................................ 22
Appendix E Examination of Coating Inspector Roles and Responsibilities ................ 23
© Saudi Arabian Oil Company, 2021 Page 2 of 25

Summary of Changes
Paragraph Number Change Type

(Addition, Modification, Technical Change(s)
Previous Revision Current Revision Deletion, New)
(31 July 2016) (01 July 2021)
Stated that IK/OOK

- 1.3 Addition manufacturers are out of this
procedure scope.
Coating applicators changed

4 4 Modification to coating application
personnel
Coating crew supervisor

4 4 Addition
definition
Definition of the qualification

4 4 addition examiner and his
responsibilities
Deleted the PIEU

5.1 5.1 Deletion responsibilities to qualify
coating personnel.
Removed the statement as it

5.3 - Deletion refers to appendix G which is
deleted from the procedure.
Qualification examiner from
5.9/6.1.1/6.1.3/6.2/6.3/6.4/ 5.10/6.1.1/6.1.3/6.2/6.3/6.4/
Addition PIU will qualify coating
7.2/7.4/7.5 7.2/7.4/7.5
personnel
Deleted PIEU responsibilities

8.3 - Deletion
to receive SAP requests
Appendix E (Saudi
Deleted as all certification
Aramco Coating
- Deletion cards are now issued through
Applicator Certification
the system
Card)
Appendix G (Saudi
Deleted as all certification
Aramco Coatings
- Deletion cards are now issued through
Inspector Certification
the system
Card)

Scope
1.1 This Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure (SAEP) specifies the minimum
mandatory qualification and certification requirements for personnel associated
with protective coatings activities.
1.2 This SAEP applies to all Saudi Aramco or contractor employees, working under
Saudi Aramco Plant Maintenance and Projects Construction Departments, and
other personnel associated to protective coatings work.
1.3 This SAEP does not apply to Manufacturers (IK/OOK), however their coating
inspectors shall have relevant minimum experience of at least two years and
valid certification from a recognized International Paints and Coatings Certifying
Institutions (NACE, SSPC, or equivalent).
Conflicts and Deviations
Any conflicts between this document and other applicable Mandatory Saudi
Aramco Engineering Requirements (MSAERs) shall be addressed to the
EK&RD Coordinator.
Any deviation from the requirements herein shall follow internal company
procedure SAEP-302.
References
All referenced specifications, standards, codes, drawings, and similar material
are considered part of this engineering procedure to the extent specified,
applying the latest version, unless otherwise stated.
Saudi Aramco References
Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures
SAEP-302 Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a Mandatory Saudi
Aramco Engineering Requirement
Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards
SAES-H-001 Coating Selection and Application Requirements for

Industrial Plants and Equipment
SAES-H-002 Internal and External Coatings for Steel Pipelines and
Piping

SAES-H-002V Saudi Aramco Data Sheets

SAES-H-003 Protective Coatings for Industrial Concrete Structures
SAES-H-004 Protective Coating Selection and Application
Requirements for Offshore Structures and Facilities
SAES-H-101V Approved Saudi Aramco Data Sheets - Paints and
Coatings
SAES-H-102 Safety Requirements for Coating Applications
General Instruction
GI-0006.021 Abrasive Blasting Operations
Terminology
Acronyms
APCS: Approved Protective Coatings System
IEU: Inspection Engineering Unit which is responsible for administering the

performance qualification of Saudi Aramco coating personnel (Inspection
Department/Inspection Technical Support Division/IEU) for operating
facilities.
PIU: Plant Inspection Unit (for Operation Facilities) OR Project Inspection Unit
(for Projects), as applicable
Definitions
Certified Coatings Inspector, Level I: A Saudi Aramco or contractor employee,

who has been certified in accordance with this SAEP, and is able to perform the
following:
a) Determine if specified coating application requirements have been met.
b) Knowledge of the applicable Saudi Aramco H series standards and other

coating specifications.
c) Operates inspection equipment for coating testing to verify compliance to

stated requirements.
d) Inspects surface preparation and coating application.

e) Familiar with inspection procedures for industrial coating application.
Certified Coatings Inspector, Level II: A Saudi Aramco or contractor employee

who is certified in accordance with the requirements of this SAEP, capable of
performing following in addition to the functions of a Level-I Coatings Inspector:
a) Providing instructions and general supervision to Level I coatings inspectors.
b) Responsible for compliance to specification for protective coating work on

Saudi Aramco facilities. He is knowledgeable and experienced to select a
coating specification appropriate to operating conditions.
c) Capable to write job specification and Defect Notification (formerly

Worksheets) for coating materials and application
d) Provide early warning and solve potential quality issues by providing an

appropriate analysis and corrective recommendations to avoid reoccurrence.
e) Capable of inspecting all the APCS system as described in SAES-H-

001/002/003/004 standards.
f) Possess adequate knowledge and experience to certify blasters and

applicators.
g) Review and evaluate Contractor’s records and inspection reports for accuracy
and adequacy together with Saudi Aramco qualification certificates of Crew
Supervisor, Abrasive blasters and Critical coating applicator.
Coating Application Personnel: Personnel involved in the application of

protective coating for industrial facilities and pipeline. This includes, but is not
limited to, abrasive blasters, coating applicators, and their immediate crew
supervisors.
Coating Crew Supervisor: Personnel involved in the supervision of coating

applicators and abrasive blasters. Individual will have at least 3 years’ experience
as coating applicator or abrasive blaster.
Industrial Coating: Any of the Approved Protective Coatings Systems (APCSs)

described in SAES-H-001 and SAES-H-101V.
Pipeline Coating: Any of the Approved Protective Coatings Systems (APCSs) for
onshore or subsea pipelines described in SAES-H-002V and SAES-H-002.

Qualification Examiner: The qualification examiner must be at least a NACE Level

II coating inspector or equivalent and has minimum 5-years of coating inspection
experience.
General Requirements
5.1 All personnel involved in following activities shall be qualified and certified to
perform their tasks according to this SAEP.
• Equipment and material receiving inspection
• Calibration Verification.
• Surface preparation and inspection
• Coating application
• Supervision of coating application
• Coating inspection
• Evaluation of coating failure
• Analysis and issuing of Defect Notification (DN)
5.2 In-Kingdom protective coatings application personnel from Contractor shall be

qualified, certified, and identified with a Coating Certification Card prior to the start of
work in accordance with Section 6 of this SAEP. All Saudi Aramco approved Coating
Inspectors shall have certification registered in the system.
5.3 The Coating Certification Card shall be tracked in the system. When properly signed
and issued, it shall be valid for the job or project it is issued for until one of the following
events occurs:
a) The card's expiration date is overdue
b) The card holder failed to renew the certification per paragraph 5.7.
5.4 When the Contractor coatings application personnel or coatings inspector leave or
is terminated, Coating Certification Card shall be returned to Saudi Aramco PIU
Supervisor to update the system Registry.
5.5 Third Party Training Company certification (NACE, SSPC or equivalent) or Saudi
Aramco approved coating supplier for the type of coating to be applied for coating
personnel as outlined in Appendix B.

5.6 Meet requirements in Appendix E relevant to the personnel job title and qualification.
5.7 Recertification
5.7.1 Coating Applicators, Abrasive Blasters, and Crew Supervisors shall be

recertified by testing per Section 6 of this SAEP every 36 months.
Commentary Note:
Coating applicator can be re-certified for 36 months if he will work in similar coating
system however continuity record is required to prove his performance.
5.7.2 Coatings Inspectors Level-I and Level-II certifications are valid for
36 months.
5.7.3 Certification and Recertification of Inspector Level-I is administered

utilizing a computer-based examination, interview, and site practical test.
5.7.4 Recertification of coating inspector Level-II shall be administered as

follows:
5.7.4.1 The first renewal after 36 months does not require examination.
The inspector shall provide documents, attested by his supervisor, to
prove that he has been performing coating inspections on a regular basis
throughout his previous certification period. Coating Inspectors whose
certification has expired shall cease to conduct inspections until they have
successfully recertified.
5.7.4.2 The second renewal after 6 years requires the Inspector to attend
refresher course, and pass a written examination.
5.7.5 Testing for certification or recertification is limited to three attempts. A

minimum of one-month interval is required between attempts. In case of failure
after the third examination, personnel shall take a full training course on CTG-
300 or CIP 100 or equivalent prior to be accepted for retest.
5.7.6 If any candidate fails a recertification test, a refresher course must be

completed before further retest is allowed.
5.7.7 Maximum of six months is allowed between the refresher course and written
examination.
5.8 Protective coating Inspection and application personnel certification may be revoked
if, at any time, a Certified Coating Inspector Level II (or higher authority) or PIU
Supervisor determines unsatisfactory work performance. In that case, concerned

personnel will be asked to retest. Failures to pass the retest shall be handled as outlined
in Paragraph 5.7.5.
5.9 A Contractor who is certified as Coating Inspector Level II by Qualification Examiner

is not authorized to certify his company blasters, applicators, and crew supervisor.
Qualification Procedure and Test Requirements
6.1 Coating Inspectors – Level I and Level II
6.1.1 Evaluation and examination of candidates for Coating Inspectors shall be

administered by a Qualification Examiner from PIU. Details of test documentation
are contained in Section 8. The examination may be terminated immediately if
the applicant fails to satisfactorily progress through the test sequence.
6.1.1.1 Project Inspection Divisions may certify Contractor Coating

Inspectors as Level I at Unit level under the following conditions:
• Receive approval from Qualification Examiner for an Examiner Delegate
• Qualification Examiner delegate shall be NACE Level 1 inspector or

equivalent as a minimum with at least (5) years of coating inspection
experience
• Contractor Coating Inspector candidate shall meet the qualification

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

qualified to inspect either pipeline coatings or both industrial and pipelines'
coatings based on the scope of certification. PIU will inform the employee’s
supervisor of the type of examination required. Coatings applicators personnel
shall be certified either for industrial coatings per this SAEP or for pipeline
renovation coatings per Section 7. Coating applicators certified for both industrial
and pipeline renovation coatings shall meet the requirements of this SAEP.
6.1.3 The Coating Inspector candidate shall be interviewed by the Qualification

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 application using role as per Appendix A. As a minimum,
the qualified candidate shall meet all of the following:
a) Visual acuity (normal or corrected).
b) Completion of two years of inspection experience, with one year as

independent coating Inspector.

c) Meet the qualifications listed in Appendices B and C for either Saudi

Aramco or contractor coating inspector Level I or Level II.
6.1.4 The Coating Inspector candidate shall take and pass a written
examination. The Qualification Examiner will arrange the examination for all
inspection personnel requesting certifications either to Level I or II coating
inspector.
The examination for the Level II Coating Inspector shall include, but 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 Sections 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 and 7.1.
The examination for Coating Inspectors Level I will be based on a reduced scope
and depth.
For those primarily involved with pipeline coating systems (APCS 113 A,,C), at
least 50% of the questions will be asked about pipelines coating systems
including both shop and field applied coatings.
For those involved primarily with industrial coatings, 70 to 80% of the questions
will be asked about inspection of industrial coating systems including both shop
and field applied coatings.
A minimum score of 80% is required to pass the examination.
6.1.5 Satisfactorily demonstrate coating inspection skills to Examiner.
6.2 Coating Crew Supervisor
6.2.1 Performance qualification testing and certification for the Crew Supervisor
shall be supervised by an approved Coating Inspector within the PIU.
6.2.2 Qualification procedure for the Crew Supervisor for industrial coating jobs
shall be administered by an approved Coating Inspector within the PIU. (See
Section 7 and Appendix B for Crew Supervisor qualification requirements of
pipeline's renovation coatings). It shall include:
6.2.2.1 An orientation session including an interview of the candidate's,

previous work history, training, experience and capabilities. The candidate
must have proper understanding of the relevant Saudi Aramco standards,
procedures, and minimum requirements.
6.2.2.2 The Crew Supervisor candidate must demonstrate, to the

approved Coating Inspector within the PIU. his understanding of

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-002
and interpretation of SAES-H-002V, SAES-H-001, SAES-H-101V,

SAES-H-003, and SAES-H-004.
b) Communicate and supervise his crew and report to Saudi Aramco

representatives as and when required.
c) Understand and apply the safety requirements per
SAES-H-102 and GI 6.021.
d) Set up, maintain, and troubleshoot 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 ensure 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 proper solvent and detergent cleaning techniques.
i) Use proper materials and mixing techniques.
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,

ensures that the right application tool is used for particular APCS
application, well versed with airless spray / plural component
machines, knowledgeable about different types of paint system and
their properties and application techniques, proper paint mixing
methods, pot life, induction time, shelf life, etc.

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 take proper corrections.
6.3 Abrasive Blaster
6.3.1 Performance qualification testing and certification for Abrasive Blaster

shall be supervised by an approved Coating Inspector within the PIU.
6.3.2 The qualification procedure for Abrasive Blaster personnel for industrial
coatings shall consist of both oral examination and practical demonstration of his
job knowledge and skills. (See Section 7 and Appendix B for Abrasive Blaster
qualification requirements for pipeline renovation coatings). He shall perform and
demonstrate his job knowledge, manual skills, and ability to self-evaluate the
results of his work, to the satisfaction of the approved Coating Inspector within
the PIU and in presence of the Crew Supervisor.
6.3.3 The candidate for Abrasive Blaster shall be able to demonstrate to:
a) Set up abrasive blasting equipment including spot blasting and internal

blasting unit.
b) Know when and how to properly use safety equipment and adhere to the
basic safety requirements per SAES-H-102 and GI 6.021.
c) Demonstrate hand signaling techniques.
d) Properly set up forced ventilation equipment for work in confined spaces.
e) Demonstrate how to 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, knowledgeable in different types of abrasives and metal surfaces,
geometry of surfaces to be blasted and fittings to use to achieve required
cleanliness and profiles.

h) Recognize and differentiate between blast finishes; recognize and correct

blasting deficiencies.
6.3.4 The candidate for Abrasive Blaster shall perform a blasting test on
an area designated by the approved Coating Inspector within the PIU.
The minimum and maximum allowable anchor pattern(s) shall be established by

the approved Coating Inspector within the PIU 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.
6.4 Coating Application Personnel
6.4.1 Performance qualification testing and certification for Coating applicator

shall be administered by a approved Coating Inspector within the PIU.
6.4.2 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 on a suitable testing area or
job site acceptable to the approved Coating Inspector within the PIU. Preferably,
onsite equipment will be used for an actual job. Testing shall not be conducted
if the equipment is improper, inadequate, or defective.
6.4.3 The qualification procedure for Coating Applicator shall consist of both oral
examination and practical demonstration of the candidate's knowledge and skills.
(See Section 7 and Appendix B for the Coating Applicator qualification
requirements for pipeline renovation coatings.) The applicator should
demonstrate practical skills in each APCS for which he is seeking approval.
Critical coatings like tank internals, pipeline internals, and internal girth welding
coating by robotic method, should be tested on actual structures. He shall
demonstrate his job knowledge, manual skills, and ability to evaluate his work in
presence of the approved Coating Inspector within the PIU. This demonstration
shall require a suitable job site or testing area, an approved equipment and direct
attendance of the Crew Supervisor.
6.4.4 The candidate for Coatings Applicator shall be required to demonstrate his
ability to:
a) Set up and correctly select 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 and GI 6.021.
d) Demonstrate proper hand signaling techniques.
e) Properly set up forced ventilation equipment for work in confined spaces.
f) Demonstrate how to install a proper ground equipment to prevent shock

or static electrical discharge.
g) Properly mix critical coatings. Know the quantity of thinner being used for
mixing.
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.
k) Use wet film and dry film gages.
l) Recognize and correct coating defects.
m) Knowledgeable of coating material under usage, its pot life, thinning, WFT
& DFT requirements, weather condition restrictions, etc.
6.4.5 The candidate for Coatings Applicator shall be required to spray one or
more strata of an epoxy (or alternative) coating on a designed test area approved
by the approved Coating Inspector within the PIU. Minimum and maximum wet
and dry film thicknesses shall be established by the approved Coating Inspector
within the PIU before spraying commences.
The finished test area shall be free of runs, sags, dry spray, and other
unacceptable flaws. The achieved coating shall be within the specified thickness
ranges and the candidate shall verify the thickness with wet film and dry film
thickness gages.
Performance Qualification for Pipeline Renovation Coating Contractor and

Maintenance Personnel
This section describes the performance qualification requirements for contractor

and maintenance personnel doing repair or new construction pipeline, field or
shop, coatings work for Saudi Aramco. The purpose of this section is to provide

a simplified approval procedure for contractors and maintenance personnel who

will only be doing pipeline coatings work using an approved Saudi Aramco
Coatings System SAES-H-002.
7.1 Scope
7.1.1 Personnel qualified under this section are authorized to perform only the
specific coating systems recorded on their Certification Card and according to
SAES-H-002 (pipelines and piping system, including supports and anchors).
7.1.2 This Section applies only to Crew Supervisors, Abrasive Blasters, and
Coating Applicators.
7.1.3 Validity, recertification, and retesting requirements are the same as

required for other skills in this SAEP.
7.2 General Requirements
7.2.1 Prior to request the coating certification test for their personnel to a
approved Coating Inspector within the PIU, the contractor or maintenance shall
provide evidence to the area Inspection Supervisor that the personnel are trained.
This can be done by providing a certificate of attendance at an approved Third-
Party Training facility.
7.2.2 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.
7.2.3 Requirements for qualification documentation and records are similar with
other skills in this SAEP.
7.2.4 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. For example:
• (/) APCS-113A liquid
7.3 Crew Supervisor Qualification Requirements
7.3.1 The candidate must be able to communicate in English and understand

the relevant APCS under SAES-H-002.
7.3.2 The candidate must demonstrate his ability to:

7.3.2.1 Communicate with and direct his crew and converse with Saudi
Aramco representatives.
7.3.2.2 Understand and comply with the safety requirements as per SAES-
H-102 and must know how to handle emergency situations.
7.3.2.3 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, establish correct spray patterns and able
to gauge the proper timings to start blasting and consecutive coating application.
7.3.2.4 Demonstrate proper use of materials and techniques for mixing.
7.3.2.5 Demonstrate understanding of how the wind, air and metal

temperature, relative humidity, dew point, and surface contaminants affect
coatings performance.
7.3.2.6 Use wet and dry film thickness gauges; conduct humidity tests,
make adhesion checks; detect coating defects, perform holiday testing and make
timely corrections.
7.4 Abrasive Blaster Qualification Requirements
7.4.1 It includes both oral and practical examination. He must be able to

demonstrate job knowledge, manual skills and ability to self-evaluate his work to
the approved Coating Inspector within the PIU. In the oral test, the candidate
must demonstrate his knowledge on the following:
7.4.1.1 Safety requirements in SAES-H-102, Sections 4.1 (fire and

explosion prevention), 4.3 (Health Hazards), and
4.4 Equipment Hazards).
7.4.1.2 Surface profile vs. coating performance.
7.4.2 In the practical test, the candidate shall be tested for:
7.4.2.1 Setting up the blasting equipment including proper

grounding.
7.4.2.2 Demonstrate his knowledge of surface preparation with

hand tool and power tool as per APCS, surface preparation requirement
for maintenance coating.

7.4.2.3 Show hand signaling technique in case of emergency.
7.4.2.4 Blast a test area as directed by approved Coating Inspector

within the PIU. The level of cleanliness required and the
minimum/maximum anchor profile shall be according to coating procedure
and manufacturer specification.
The completed test area shall be verified by measuring directly and/or

comparative techniques.
7.5 Coating Applicator Qualification Requirements
7.5.1 Viscoelastic coating applicators candidates shall demonstrate their

knowledge and abilities to the approved Coating Inspector within the PIU by
means of oral questioning and practical demonstration as follows:
7.5.1.1 Proper viscoelastic, primer, and outer wrap storage.
7.5.1.2 Ability to patch repair inspection windows, cut in the sleeves.
7.5.2 APCS-113A Coating Applicator candidates shall demonstrate their

knowledge and abilities to the approved Coating Inspector within the PIU by
means of oral questioning and practical demonstration, as follows:
7.5.2.1 Understand and apply the safety requirements mentioned in

SAES-H-102, Sections 4.1 (fire and explosion prevention), 4.3 (health
hazards), and 4.4 (equipment hazards).
7.5.2.2 Set up, maintain, and trouble-shoot the coatings equipment,

including inspecting moisture/oil separators, establishing correct nozzle
pressure and establishing correct spray patterns.
7.5.2.3 Demonstrate proper use of materials and techniques for

mixing 2 component coating system.
7.5.2.4 Demonstrate the effects of wind, air and metal temperature,

relative humidity, dew point, and surface contaminants on the quality of
coatings.
7.5.2.5 Use wet and dry film thickness gauges; conduct humidity tests,
perform holiday testing, detect coating defects and make timely
corrections.
7.5.2.6 The candidate shall be required to coat a test area designated by

the approved Coating Inspector within the PIU. The test area shall meet

the requirements of APCS-113A and the Saudi Aramco Data Sheets for
the product being applied. The candidate’s certification card must specify
only the type of coatings he was tested for and approved.
Qualification Documentation and Record
8.1 A Coating Applicator Qualification Report as per Appendix D of this SAEP shall be
completed for each candidate by the approved Coating Inspector within the PIU. For
qualified Applicators, one photo shall be attached to the original Qualification Report,
and another attached to the Coatings Certification Card per Appendix B of this SAEP.
The Card shall specifically identify the type of work that the certification covers and the
project BI/JO. The Card shall be signed by the Certified Coating Inspector Level II and
his Inspection Unit Supervisor and be issued with a certification number and an
expiration date. The Certified Coating Applicator shall carry his certification card at all
time while on site and present for examination when asked. The original Qualification
Report shall be filled and archived on the inspection unit's files for at least six (6) months
after expiration of the card.
8.2 A Coating Inspector Qualification Report shall be completed for each candidate and
recorded as per Appendix A. If candidate meets the requirements, Qualification
Examiner will schedule, evaluate and score the written examination and arrange a
practical test. The candidate's supervisor will be advised regarding the test results. A
Coatings Inspector Certification Card, per Appendix D of this SAEP, will be prepared
and issued to each inspector that meets all requirements. Each coatings inspector will
be assigned a unique certification number that will be noted in 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.
Document History
11 March 2015 Revised the Next Planned Update, reaffirmed the content of the document, and
reissued as major revision.
31 July 2016 Editorial revision to transfer Unit responsibility from Inspection Engineering Unit
(IEU) of OID to Projects Inspection Engineering Support Unit (PIESU) of ISSD. This
transfer is internal within Inspection Department and is mutually agreed by the
affected Division Heads.
14 February 2021 Major revision to Clarify qualification requirements and responsibilities for the
qualification examiner. Alignment with the international requirements.
01 July 2021 Editorial revision to remove appendices E & G, as they are not referenced in the
body.

Appendix A -System Roles
QM:ID:CERT02_IEU_EXAMINER Coating IEU Coating Users with this role can Create IEU Coating
Examiner Application, Schedule Examination, Examiner
Initiate Certification bypass exam, assigned by
Initiate Certificate, Reschedule Test, Inspection
Record Results, Reinstate Certificate, Department
Revoke Certificate, Print Certificate
for Coating Applicators, Coating
Inspector Level I and Level II.
QM:ID:CERT03_CIN_INSPECTOR Coating Coating Inspector Users with this role can Create Coating
Level II Application, Schedule Examination, Inspector
Initiate Certificate, Reschedule Test, Level II
Record Results, Reinstate Certificate,
Revoke Certificate, Print Certificate
for Coating Applicators
Also user with this role can create

applications for Coating Inspector
Level I.
QM:ID:CERT11_CAP_DISPLAY Coating Coating User with this role can only view Any Saudi
Applicator Applications, Certifications and Aramco
Display Examinations records of all coating Employee
Applicators
QM:ID:CERT12_CIN_DISPLAY Coating Coating Inspector User with this role can only view Any Saudi
Display Applications, Certifications and Aramco
Examinations records of all coating Employee
Inspectors
QM:ID:CERT18_CIN_CREATE Coating Coating Users with this role can create Any Saudi
Application applications for coating Aramco
Creator Applicator, inspector Level 1 and Employee
Level II. PMT/PID

Appendix B - Qualification/Experience/Training Requirements and Certification Validity
Duration of
In-house
Personnel Pre-requisite Experience In-house Qualification Validity
3rd Party Training Training
Training
S.A. Coating Inspector English *Level 2 years N/A CIP-100 N/A **WE&PE 3 years
Level I 7B
S.A. Coating Inspector English *Level 3 years N/A CIP-100 N/A **WE&PE 3 years
Level II 7B
Contractor Coating Read & Write 2 years NACE CIP-I, SSPC –PCI- N/A N/A Interview 3 years
Inspector Level I English I,BGAS Level-II or equivalent
Contractor Coating Read & Write 3 years NACE CIP-II, SSPC –PCI- N/A N/A Interview 3 years
Inspector Level II English II,BGAS Grade-1 or
equivalent
Crew Supervisor Read & Write ***3 years (7-10 days) Yes 7-10 days **WE&PE 6 months
English – 3 years
High school or
Coating Applicator 1 years NACE or SSPC or equivalent Yes 7-10 days practical 6 months
less
examination – 3 years
High school or
Abrasive Blaster 1 years NACE or SSPC or equivalent Yes 7-10 days practical 6 months
less
examination – 3 years
High school or
Specialized Coating 1 years NACE or SSPC or equivalent Yes 7-10 days practical 6 months
less
Applicator (specify area examination – 3 years
of)
*For contractor Inspector Level I and Level II Read & Write English.
** written examination and practical examination
*** Min 3 year previous experience of abrasive blasting or coating application

Appendix C - Experience and Training Requirements
Level Inspection Experience Training

Take and pass Corporate inspection coating program CTG 300
Two (2) years of inspection or CIP 100
experience with at least Training modules presented by PEDD Department training
completed one (1) year as group or present documentation for having equivalent coating
I related training.
independent coating
inspector in industrial or
facilities. Hold a SSPC PCI I or BGAS-CSWIP- II or NACE CIP Level 1
Certification (or equivalent).
Meet the requirements of a
certified Level I coatings Meets the requirements of Level one plus successfully complete
inspector plus have at least a 40 hr. PE&TDD Paints, Coating and Protective Lining Course
one (1) year of experience (or equivalent).
II performing inspections
or
independently as a Level I
inspector or document that Hold a SSPC PCI II or CIP Level II Certification or BGAS-
show equivalent CSWIP- I (or equivalent).
experience.

Appendix D - Coatings Personnel 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 of 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.__________
______________________________ Badge No. _____________ Date _________

Certified Coatings Inspector Level II:

Appendix E - Examination of Coating Inspector Roles and Responsibilities
1-A) Coating Inspector Level I

RASCI (Responsible, Accountable, Support, Consulted, and Informed) Table
Supervisor of
Qualification
Supervisor
Supervisor
Inspection
Insp. Field
Examiner
Examiner
Inspector
Coating
No. Activity Description
B.1.1 Complete the requirement of training of

Level I as per Appendix C of SAEP-316 S R S
and Appendix A.
B.1.2 Use system role as per Appendix A2 for

application and approve the request S A R
from PIEU/IEU signed by IU/Supervisor.
B.1.3 ITSD/ Qualification Examiner received

R
the request.
B.1.4 Request accepted/schedule test

date/reject. Notify requestor with A A R
results.
B.1.5 Conduct the test. R
B.1.6 / Supervisor of Qualification Examiner

A R A
approve the result if pass.
B.1.7 Issues card, up-date registry if he

A A R
passes.


(Cont’d)
1-B) Coating Inspector Level II

RASCI (Responsible, Accountable, Support, Consulted, and Informed)
Supervisor of
Qualification
Supervisor
Supervisor
Inspection
Insp. Field
Examiner
Examiner
Inspector
Coating
B.2.1 Complete the requirement of training

of Level I as per Appendix A of S R S
SAEP-316 and Appendix A.
B.2.2 Use role as per Table 2 for

application and approve the request
from IU supervisor
S A R
(SAEP-316) and signed by
IU/Supervisor
B.2.3 Qualification Examiner received the

R
request.
B.2.4 Request accepted/schedule test

date/reject. Notify requestor with A A R
results.
B.2.5 Conduct the test. R
B.2.6 SUPERVISOR of Qualification

A R A
Examiner approves the result if pass


(Cont’d)
2-A Coating Inspector Level I

RASCI (Responsible, Accountable, Support, Consulted, and Informed)
Main/PMT Rep
Qualification
PIU/Coating
Supervisor
Supervisor
Inspection
Insp. Field
Inspector
Examiner
Level II
B.3.1 Complete the requirement of Appendix

A-1 of SAEP-316 and submit the
request to PIU or PID supervisor.
B.3.2 PIU will assign coating inspector Level

II to administered, qualification and S S A A
certified.
B.3.3 PIU coating inspector Level II received

the original request and schedule for R A
test.
B.3.4 Notify requestor, issues card if he

A R A
passes.
B.3.5 Notify requestor, if he passes. A R A
B.3.6 Update the tracking. A A R A A

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Engineering Procedure 01 July 2021

Previous Revision: 14 February 2021 Next Revision: 14 February 2026

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

2. Conflicts and Deviations .......................................................................................... 4

3.1 Saudi Aramco References ....................................................................................... 4

4.1 Acronyms .......................................................................................................... 5

5. General Requirements ............................................................................................. 7

6. Qualification Procedure and Test Requirements...................................................... 9

7. Performance Qualification for Pipeline Renovation Coating Contractor and

8. Qualification Documentation and Record ............................................................... 18

Document History ........................................................................................................ 18

Appendix A System Roles ........................................................................................... 19

Appendix B Qualification/Experience/Training Req. and Certification Validity............. 20

Appendix C Experience and Training Requirements ................................................. 21

Appendix D Coatings Personnel Qualification Report ................................................ 22

Appendix E Examination of Coating Inspector Roles and Responsibilities ................ 23

© Saudi Arabian Oil Company, 2021 Page 2 of 25

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Paragraph Number Change Type

(31 July 2016) (01 July 2021)

Stated that IK/OOK

Coating applicators changed

Coating crew supervisor

Definition of the qualification

Deleted the PIEU

Removed the statement as it

Deleted PIEU responsibilities

© Saudi Arabian Oil Company, 2021 Page 3 of 25

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Conflicts and Deviations

Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

SAEP-302 Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a Mandatory Saudi

Aramco Engineering Requirement

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-H-001 Coating Selection and Application Requirements for

© Saudi Arabian Oil Company, 2021 Page 4 of 25

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

SAES-H-002V Saudi Aramco Data Sheets

GI-0006.021 Abrasive Blasting Operations

APCS: Approved Protective Coatings System

IEU: Inspection Engineering Unit which is responsible for administering the

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

a) Determine if specified coating application requirements have been met.

b) Knowledge of the applicable Saudi Aramco H series standards and other

c) Operates inspection equipment for coating testing to verify compliance to

d) Inspects surface preparation and coating application.

© Saudi Arabian Oil Company, 2021 Page 5 of 25

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

e) Familiar with inspection procedures for industrial coating application.

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

a) Providing instructions and general supervision to Level I coatings inspectors.

b) Responsible for compliance to specification for protective coating work on

c) Capable to write job specification and Defect Notification (formerly

d) Provide early warning and solve potential quality issues by providing an

e) Capable of inspecting all the APCS system as described in SAES-H-

f) Possess adequate knowledge and experience to certify blasters and

Coating Application Personnel: Personnel involved in the application of

Coating Crew Supervisor: Personnel involved in the supervision of coating