@CoatingBook - SAEP 316 2016

Engineering Procedure
SAEP-316 31 July 2016

Performance Qualification Requirements of Coating Personnel
Document Responsibility: Project Quality Standards Committee
Contents
1 Scope.................................................................. 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations...................................... 2
3 Applicable Documents........................................ 2
4 Definitions........................................................... 3
5 General Requirements........................................ 4
6 Qualification Procedure and
Test Requirements........................................ 6
7 Performance Qualification for Pipeline
Renovation Coating Contractor and
Maintenance Personnel............................... 12
8 Qualification Documentation and Record.......... 15
Revision Summary................................................. 16
Appendix A - SAP Roles......................................... 17

Appendix B - Qualification/Experience/Training
Requirements and Certification Validity....... 18
Appendix C - Experience and Training
Requirements.............................................. 19
Appendix D - Coatings Applicator
Qualification Report..................................... 20
Appendix E - Saudi Aramco Coating
Applicator Certification Card........................ 21
Appendix G - Saudi Aramco Coatings
Inspector Certification Card......................... 22
Appendix H - Examination of Coating Inspector
Roles and Responsibilities........................... 23
Previous Issue: 11 March 2015 Next Planned Update: 11 March 2020

Revised paragraphs are indicated in the right margin Page 1 of 25
Contact: Al-Ghamdi, Khalid Salem (ghamks0k) on +966-13-8801775
©Saudi Aramco 2016. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Project Quality Standards Committee SAEP-316
Issue Date: 31 July 2016
Next Planned Update: 11 March 2020 Performance Qualification Requirements of Coating Personnel
1 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 contractors, working under Saudi Aramco Plant
Maintenance and Projects Construction Departments, and other personnel
associated to protective coatings work.
1.3 This SAEP is applicable to all coating personnel within-Kingdom performing

coating related activities for Saudi Aramco, in shop or field.
2 Conflicts and Deviations
2.1 Any conflicts between this procedure and other applicable Saudi Aramco
Engineering Standards (SAESs), Materials System Specifications (SAMSSs),
Standard Drawings (SASDs), or industry standards, codes, and forms shall be
resolved in writing to the Project Quality Standards Committee Chairman
(PQSC).
2.2 Direct all requests to deviate from this standard in writing to the Company
Representative, who shall forward such requests to Manager, Inspection
Department of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran according to the internal company
procedure SAEP-302.
3 Applicable Documents
The following documents are referenced in this procedure:
 Saudi Aramco References
Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

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
Page 2 of 25
SAES-H-004 Protective Coating Selection and Application

Requirements for Offshore Structures and
Facilities
SAES-H-101 Approved Protective Coating Systems for Industrial
Plants & Equipment
SAES-H-101V Approved Saudi Aramco Data Sheets - Paints and
Coatings
SAES-H-102 Safety Requirements for Coating Applications
General Instruction
GI-0006.021 General Instruction Manual
4 Definitions
APCS: Approved Protective Coatings Systems.
Certified Coatings Inspector: A qualified person who has proven knowledge and
experience to inspect/ evaluate protective coating applications and who has fulfilled
Saudi Aramco requirements according to this SAEP.
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
Page 3 of 25
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 Applicators: 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.
PIESU: Project Inspection Support Unit which is responsible for administering the
performance qualification of coating personnel (Inspection Department/Inspection
Support Service Division/PIESU).
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.
PIU: Plant Inspection Unit
Qualification Examiner: Saudi Aramco personnel specifically designated by the

Manager of Inspection Department to examine, test, and recommend certification of
Coatings Inspectors, in accordance with Section 6 of this SAEP. The qualification
examiner must be at least a NACE Level II coating inspector or equivalent and has
minimum 5-years of coating inspection experience.
5 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
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 evaluation of coating failure

 analysis and issuing of Defect Notification (DN)
It shall be administered by the Project Inspection Support Unit (PIESU) of the

Inspection Department.
5.2 All protective coatings application personnel 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.
5.3 The Coating Certification Card should indicate all information specified in
Appendix G.
5.4 The Coating Certification Card shall be tracked in the SAP system. When properly
signed and issued, it shall be valid for protective coating work until one of the
following event occurs:
a) The card's expiration date is overdue
b) The card holder failed to renew the certification per paragraph 5.8.
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.
5.6 Meet requirements in Appendix H relevant to the personnel job title and
qualification.
5.7 Recertification
5.7.1 Coating Applicators shall be recertified by testing per Section 5 of this

SAEP every 36 months.
Commentary Note:
Coating applicator can be re-certified for 36 month 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 and site practical test.
5.7.4 Recertification of coating inspector Level-II shall be administered as

follows:
Page 5 of 25
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 anyone 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) 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 5.7.4.
5.9 A Contractor who is certified as Coating Inspector Level II by PIESU is not

authorized to certify his company blasters, applicators, and crew supervisor.
6 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 qualified examiner from the Inspection Engineering
Unit (IEU PIESU). Details of test documentation are contained in
Section 7. The examination may be terminated immediately if the
applicant fails to satisfactorily progress through the test sequence.
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. (PIESU) will
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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 PIESU

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 application
using SAP role as per Appendix A. As a minimum, the 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) Visual acuity (normal or corrected).
c) Completion of two years of inspection experience, with one year as
independent coating Inspector.
d) 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 PIESU Examiner will arrange a written 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 100
through APCS 113 A,B,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.
Page 7 of 25
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 a Certified Coating Inspector Level II,
as defined by this procedure.
6.2.2 Qualification procedure for the Crew Supervisor for industrial coating
jobs shall be administered by a Certified Coating Inspector Level II.
(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

Certified Coatings Inspector Level II, 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.
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.
Page 8 of 25
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, potlifes, etc.
l) Adhere to proper time intervals between successive
coating’s s 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 a Certified Coating Inspector Level II, as defined
in this procedure.
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 Certified Coating Inspector Level II 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.
b) Know when and how to properly use safety equipment and adhere to
the basic safety requirements per SAES-H-102.
c) Demonstrate hand signaling techniques.
Page 9 of 25
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 Certified Coating Inspector Level II.
The minimum and maximum allowable anchor pattern(s) shall be
established by the Coating 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.
6.4 Coating Applicator
6.4.1 Performance qualification testing and certification for Coating applicator

shall be administered by a valid certified Coating Inspectors Level II, as
defined in this procedure.
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 Coating Inspector II. 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, 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
Page 10 of 25
the Certified Coating Inspector Level II. 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.
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.
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 Certified Coating Inspector Level II. Minimum and
maximum wet and dry film thicknesses shall be established by the
Certified Coating Inspector Level II 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.
Page 11 of 25
7 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
Saudi Aramco Coating Inspector Level II, 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
 ( / ) APCS-113B putty
Page 12 of 25
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 including SAES-H-204.
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 Certified Coating Inspector Level II. 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.
Page 13 of 25
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 Certified Coating Inspector

Level II. 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 Certified Coating Inspector Level II 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-113 Coating Applicator candidates shall demonstrate their

knowledge and abilities to the Certified Coating Inspector Level II 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.
Page 14 of 25
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 Certified Coating Inspector Level II. The test area shall
meet the requirements of APCS-113 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.
8 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 Certified Coating 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
Appendix 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 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 in SAP as per Appendix A. If candidate meets the requirements,
PIESU 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 by PIESU to each inspector that meets all
requirements. The Card shall be laminated in plastic after being signed by the
Qualified Examiner and the Supervisor, Operations Inspection Division.
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. The original Qualification Report with one photo shall be retained by
the PIESU for at least two (2) years after expiration of the Card.
8.3 To renew a Coating Inspector's Certification, PIESU must receive a SAP request
that includes the conditions of recertification per paragraph 5.7, from the
Certified Coating Inspector's Supervisor. The request must contain information
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required for recertification, and shall be submitted through SAP as per

Appendix A.
Revision Summary
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.
Page 16 of 25
Appendix A - SAP Roles
QM:ID:CERT02_IEU_EXAMINER Coating PIESU Coating Users with this role can Create PIESU
Examiner Application, Schedule Examination, Coating
Initiate Certification bypass exam, Examiner
Initiate Certificate, Reschedule Test, assigned by
Record Results, Reinstate Certificate, Inspection
Revoke Certificate, Print Certificate Department
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. PIMT/PID
Page 17 of 25
Appendix D - 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 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:
Page 20 of 25
Appendix E - 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
|___| Robotic Operator
TYPE OF COATING QUALIFIED FOR:
|___| Industrial Coating (SAEP-316)

|___| Brush and Rollers
|___| Pipelines (Section 1, SAEP-316)
|___| APCS (specific)
|___| Concrete –H-003 Specially
________________________ Date: __/ __/ __

Level II Coating Inspector Certification & Badge # MM DD YY
Page 21 of 25
Appendix G - Saudi Aramco Coatings Inspector Certification Card
FRONT OF CARD:
PHOTO
CERTIFICATE NO._______________________
LEVEL NAME /I.D. _____________________________
--OR--- ORGANIZATION ________________________
LEVEL II
Has satisfied the requirements of SAEP-316 governing

Certification of coating inspectors involved in protective
coatings and is authorized to perform all functions indicated
on reverse side.
_____________________________________
SUPERVISOR ID\ ISSD PIESU Supervisor
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 INSPECT COATINGS AND CERTIFY AND QUALIFY APPLICATORS.
|___| INDUSTRIAL COATINGS
|___| PIPELINES & PIPING COATINGS
|___| BLASTERS & APPLICATORS CERTIFIED
PER SECTION 4.2 of SAEP-316
__________________________________ DATE ___/ ___/ ___

Qualified Examiner Certification # Badge # MM DD YY
Page 22 of 25

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Engineering Procedure

SAEP-316 31 July 2016

Appendix A - SAP Roles......................................... 17

Previous Issue: 11 March 2015 Next Planned Update: 11 March 2020

©Saudi Aramco 2016. All rights reserved.

1.3 This SAEP is applicable to all coating personnel within-Kingdom performing

2 Conflicts and Deviations

The following documents are referenced in this procedure:

 Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-H-004 Protective Coating Selection and Application

APCS: Approved Protective Coatings Systems.

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

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

Coating Applicators: Personnel involved in the application of protective coating for

Industrial Coating: Any of the Approved Protective Coatings Systems (APCSs)

PIU: Plant Inspection Unit

Qualification Examiner: Saudi Aramco personnel specifically designated by the

 evaluation of coating failure

It shall be administered by the Project Inspection Support Unit (PIESU) of the

5.5 Third Party Training Company certification (NACE, SSPC or equivalent) or

5.7.1 Coating Applicators shall be recertified by testing per Section 5 of this

Coating applicator can be re-certified for 36 month if he will work in

5.7.3 Certification and Recertification of Inspector Level-I is administered

5.7.4 Recertification of coating inspector Level-II shall be administered as

5.7.4.2 The second renewal after 6 years requires the Inspector to

5.7.5 Testing for certification or recertification is limited to three attempts.

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

5.8 Protective coating Inspection and application personnel certification may be

5.9 A Contractor who is certified as Coating Inspector Level II by PIESU is not

6 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

6.1.2 Coatings inspectors certified in accordance with this SAEP shall be

inform the employee’s supervisor of the type of examination required.

6.1.3 The Coating Inspector candidate shall be interviewed by the PIESU

The Qualification PIESU Examiner will arrange a written examination

The examination for Coating Inspectors Level I will be based on a

For those involved primarily with industrial coatings, 70 to 80% of the

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

6.2.2.1 An orientation session including an interview of the

6.2.2.2 The Crew Supervisor candidate must demonstrate, to the

g) Recognize minimum and maximum blast profiles per

6.3 Abrasive Blaster

6.3.1 Performance qualification testing and certification for Abrasive Blaster

d) Properly set up forced ventilation equipment for work in confined

6.4 Coating Applicator

6.4.1 Performance qualification testing and certification for Coating applicator

6.4.2 Coatings applicator performance testing shall be conducted with

the Certified Coating Inspector Level II. This demonstration shall

6.4.4 The candidate for Coatings Applicator shall be required to demonstrate

7 Performance Qualification for Pipeline Renovation Coating Contractor and

7.1.3 Validity, recertification, and retesting requirements are the same as

7.2 General Requirements

Equip. Type __ Type of Coating

________________________ Badge No. _ Date ___

______________________ Date: / /

Expiration Date: _/ _/ ___,

________________________________ DATE _/ _/ _