Overview
ISO 16145-2:2012 - Ships and marine technology - Protective coatings and inspection method - Part 2: Void spaces of bulk carriers and oil tankers specifies a standardized method for applying and inspecting protective coatings in void spaces of bulk carriers and oil tankers. It implements the IMO PSPC/VOID requirement (IMO Res.MSC.244 (83)) for newbuildings contracted to apply PSPC from 5 October 2007. The standard is intended as a practical reference for consistent surface preparation, coating application, inspection and record-keeping during shipbuilding.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and applicability: Covers void spaces below the bulkhead deck within/forward of cargo areas; lists excluded spaces (e.g., dedicated seawater ballast tanks, cargo tanks, machinery spaces, normally occupied spaces).
- Surface preparation: Defines primary (shop) and secondary (block/erection) surface preparation practices, reference to visual grades (ISO 8501 series) and edge/weld treatment.
- Shop priming and coating systems: Requirements for shop primers, subsequent coatings and treatment of coating defects; emphasizes following coating manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Inspection regime: Detailed inspection steps at each construction stage (storage, primary prep, block coating, pre‑erection/erection joints, completion) with QA/QC roles including line quality controller and certified coating inspector (e.g., NACE Level 2, FROSIO Level III or equivalent).
- Dry film thickness (DFT) control: Representative DFT measurement and the 90/10 rule (90% of measurements ≥ nominal DFT; none of the remaining 10% below 90% of nominal).
- Measurement and testing: Annexes cover measurement of abrasive conductivity, water‑soluble salts, and recommended inspection items; includes a template for the Coating Technical File (CTF).
- Documentation & compliance: Emphasizes inspection records, QA system checks (surface cleanliness, profile, DFT, salts), and statement of compliance for PSPC/VOID.
Applications and who uses it
ISO 16145-2:2012 is used by:
- Shipyards and shipbuilders to standardize coating workflows for void spaces during new construction.
- Shipowners and operators to ensure PSPC/VOID compliance on newbuild contracts.
- Coating manufacturers and applicators to align product use and application with inspection criteria.
- Coating inspectors, class societies and regulators for acceptance, audits and certification of coating quality.
Practical benefits include improved corrosion protection, reduced rework, consistent inspection outcomes and clearer contractual acceptance criteria.
Related standards
- ISO 16145-1 (Dedicated seawater ballast tanks)
- ISO 16145-3 (Cargo oil tanks of crude oil tankers)
- IMO Res.MSC.244 (83) - PSPC for void spaces
- ISO 8501, ISO 8502, ISO 8503 series (surface preparation and testing)
- IACS UI SC223 (PSPC-related guidance)
Keywords: ISO 16145-2:2012, protective coatings, void spaces, bulk carriers, oil tankers, PSPC/VOID, coating inspection, surface preparation, dry film thickness (DFT), coating technical file (CTF).