This practice is designed to provide guidance to a panel inspector for quantitative and consistent evaluation of coating performance from test panels coated with marine antifouling coating systems. The practice assesses performance of coating systems based on both antifouling and physical properties.

The user is cautioned that the results are representative for the specific region and time of year in which the specimens are immersed. It shall be noted that interpretation of results will depend on the geographical location where the test is conducted, whether the coated specimens are exposed either totally or partially immersed, under static or dynamic conditions, and position and orientation.

Simultaneous testing of a proven standard antifouling coating system (known to minimize fouling accumulation, for example, containing biocide or active agent(s) to prevent fouling settlement/growth) in the specific marine environment shall be included as a reference to assist in interpretation of results. In addition, a negative control (inert surface susceptible to heavy fouling) shall be included on a regular basis. For the exposure to be valid, the surface of the negative control should show heavy fouling relative to the standard system(s).

Marine coating systems that produce positive results relevant to the standard system(s) show potential for use in protecting underwater marine structures.

The format can be utilized independent of exposure protocol and coating type, and provides the end user with a consistent practice and format for reporting of performance rating.

1.1 This practice establishes a practice for evaluating degree of biofouling settlement on and physical performance of marine coating systems when panels coated with such coating systems are subjected to immersion conditions in a marine environment. Guidance for preparation or exposure and handling of test specimens can be found in related ASTM standards as noted below (see Section 2).

1.2 This practice and related exposure methodologies are designed as tools for the relative assessment of coating performance, and in no way are to be used as an absolute indicator of long-term performance under all conditions and in all environments. There can be high variability among and within exposure sites with respect to water quality and population or species of fouling organisms, and coating performance may vary with these and other properties.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. A specific hazard statement is given in Section 6.