This practice provides a means of assuring that products supplied during ship construction and maintenance are substantially the same as the materials on which the original selection was based. The selection of a paint for shipboard use frequently involves laboratory and field evaluations of candidate materials as part of the specification process. When a paint is selected, it shall have the same composition and characteristics throughout the delivery period as the materials originally evaluated.

When significant changes in composition or paint characteristics are observed, it is necessary to determine the cause of the change (production error or formulation change) and its impact on coating performance. Actions to take if a formulation change is required are specified in 6.5.

This practice is not meant to cover all possible chemical or physical tests that may be used to identify a coating. Additional tests may be needed to meet specific user needs.

This practice does not recommend specific tolerance limits for the tests indicated. Tolerance values need to be agreed upon by the coating supplier, the shipbuilder, and the ship's owner.

This practice does not establish critical attributes that must be controlled. These attributes are selected by the shipbuilder and the ship's owner based on specific needs (for example, colors).

1.1 This practice provides the quality control receipt inspection procedures for protective coatings (paints) procured for end item use on ships and other marine structures. The practice includes methods and procedures for verifying that coating materials received are within the range of physical and chemical characteristics as those originally specified and tested.

1.2 This standard does not purport to address the safety concerns associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to consult and establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.