Mastering Marine and Offshore Coating Inspection: Your Guide to Qualifying at Level 1

Mastering Marine and Offshore Coating Inspection: Your Guide to Qualifying at Level 1

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Preparing for the Protective Coatings Inspector Level 1 Course

Protecting marine and offshore structures from corrosion is vital to the integrity of our oil and gas industry. Correctly applied and maintained coatings are a critical component in this, not only safeguarding against corrosion but also significantly extending the lifecycle of installations in harsh marine environments.

To ensure the effectiveness of coating systems, competent coating inspection is essential. Coating Inspectors are in high demand – it’s a highly rewarding role with great responsibility, and worldwide opportunities.

The Level 1 Coatings Inspection Course equips you with knowledge and skills to oversee and implement protective coatings systems. However, qualifying at Level 1 is not a cakewalk. It takes hard work and a strategic approach.

Based on feedback from previous course attendees, we’ve identified key strategies and tips to help increase your chances of success at this crucial stage of a career in coating inspection.

Preparing for the Protective Coatings Inspector Level 1 Course

You’ll be covering a lot of ground as you prepare to kickstart your career with Level 1 Coating Inspector training. Topics include:

  • Protective Coating Application and Spray Painting
  • Abrasive Blast Cleaning
  • Coating Inspection and Inspection Equipment
  • Marine Coatings

You’ll also explore QA, QC, and the basics of inspection, providing a comprehensive understanding of normative documents, corrosion of iron and steel, surface preparation for ferrous materials, and much more.

Before attending the course, we recommend that you become acquainted with its contents, and familiarise yourself with key concepts, such as tools and techniques used in the industry, how materials respond to different environmental conditions, and the protective qualities of various coatings. Having a foundational knowledge in these areas will prepare you for the deeper dive into the world of coating inspection that the Level 1 course delivers.

Best Practices for Engaging with Course Material

How you use the course materials is crucial – the right learning strategies will not only enhance your learning experience, but also make the course more enjoyable. We’ve condensed feedback into three categories:

1.    Effective Notetaking and Concept Mapping

Structured note-taking methods like the Cornell Note-Taking System help you organise and summarise key information efficiently. You might also employ concept mapping by creating visual relationships between course topics – this is particularly useful when linking theory to practical applications to improve your problem-solving skills.

2.    Utilising Resources Effectively

Consider the content of the course and the topics you will be covering, and supplement this with recommended reading that might include texts on materials science, corrosion protection, and coating technologies.

Don’t neglect the value of interactive tools – if you’re taking the online version of the course, these include the online modules and video tutorials, which can help to deepen your understanding of the subject matter, as well as cater for various learning styles.

3.    Active Learning

Finally, participate in class discussion and workshops. Ask questions and collaborate with others – this all helps to enhance your understanding and knowledge retention.

In practical sessions, ensure that you actively seek to associate application with the foundational theories, to cement your learning and prepare you for fieldwork.

Master Your Skills During Practical Sessions

There will be opportunities to optimise your hands-on training experience in supervised practical sessions to experience the environmental and logistical challenges you’ll face in the field. You should expect structured guidance and step-by-step demonstrations in using various equipment, across realistic tasks such as evaluating surface preparations, applying coatings, and conducting post-application inspections.

To get the most from your practical sessions, you should:

  • Take every opportunity to handle materials and tools; the tactile experience is invaluable
  • Ask questions to clarify procedures and rationales to deepen your understanding of each task
  • Collaborate with your peers to gain new insights and reinforce your knowledge
  • Relate practical tasks back to the theory to help understand why certain methods are preferred
  • Note how coating performance is impacted by environmental performance

Techniques for Excelling in the Exam

The exam is held on a separate day after the end of your course. However, we all know that exams can be funny things – nerves may play a part, and passing to qualify is not guaranteed. Your success depends upon preparation and exam strategy. Here are our tips to help you qualify at Level 1:

·       Create a Structured Revision Plan

Allocate specific times for different topics according to their complexity and your proficiency. Stick to a consistent schedule to build a routine.

·       Consolidate Revision

Break down the course content into manageable topics and review them systematically. Use summary sheets and flashcards for key terms and concepts.

·       Practice Your Knowledge Recall

Test your understanding regularly by practicing with past exam questions or creating your own quizzes. This reinforces learning and identifies areas needing further review.

·       Manage Your Time

Figure out how much time to spend on each question, and prioritise those that you find easiest to secure marks quickly.

·       Understand Questions Before Answering

Break down complex questions to understand exactly what is asked. Only then should you tackle the answer.

Choose the Course That Suits Your Preferred Learning Style

We all have diverse preferences, schedules, and learning styles. Whether you thrive in the dynamic atmosphere of a classroom or prefer the flexibility of self-paced study, we partner with leading training providers to align with your unique educational needs and career goals:

·       Classroom Learning with IMechE Argyll Ruane

Experience the immersive environment of classroom learning in Sheffield, equipped with cutting-edge facilities. IMechE Argyll Ruane offers a comprehensive five-day course that covers all aspects of Level 1 certification. This option is ideal for those who benefit from face-to-face interactions and immediate expert feedback.

·       Online Learning with Corrodere Academy

Embrace the flexibility of online learning with Corrodere Academy, where you can progress at your own pace. You have 12 months to complete 40 hours of interactive, professionally curated content. This format is perfect for those who need to balance their educational pursuits with professional or personal responsibilities.

The Institute of Corrosion has chosen IMechE Argyll Ruane and Corrodere Academy as preferred training providers because they deliver the highest standards in global corrosion training.

Whether opting for classroom learning or online courses, rest assured that you are receiving top-tier training designed to equip you for the supervisory challenges of a Coating Inspector role.

Your Pass to a Successful Career as a Coating Inspector

Mastering Level 1 Coating Inspection equips you to protect marine and offshore structures from corrosion, taking a course that blends theory with practical skills. With commitment and a strategic approach, you’ll not only gain certification but also lay a strong foundation for a successful career in coating inspection.

For more information, and to discuss which course is best for you, contact ICorr’s admin team by email today.

The Significance of Chlorides and Carbonation in the Corrosion of Reinforced Concrete Structures

The Significance of Chlorides and Carbonation in the Corrosion of Reinforced Concrete Structures

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​Strategies to Prevent and Mitigate Reinforced Concrete Corrosion

Reinforced concrete (RC) structures provide the backbone for infrastructure such as bridges, buildings, and highways. This composite material, consisting of concrete and steel reinforcement, combines the compressive strength of concrete with the tensile strength of steel, yielding a robust and durable construction material.

However, despite its inherent strength, RC is susceptible to corrosion, a process that can significantly compromise structural integrity. Understanding the mechanisms, contributors, and impacts of reinforced concrete corrosion is crucial when designing structures that are both sustainable and safe. Two factors that we must always consider are chlorides and carbonation.

Mechanisms of Reinforced Concrete Corrosion

Corrosion in reinforced concrete is fundamentally an electrochemical process involving anodic and cathodic reactions. At the anodic site, iron from the steel reinforcement oxidizes to form iron ions, releasing electrons. These electrons travel through the steel to the cathodic site, where they reduce oxygen and water to form hydroxyl ions.

The steel reinforcement within concrete can act as both the anode and cathode in the electrochemical cell, making it a prime site for corrosion. Because its deterioration directly affects the structural performance of the concrete, the integrity of thus steel is crucial.

Chlorides in Concrete

Chlorides in concrete can originate from various sources, including de-icing salts, seawater, and admixtures. These chlorides permeate the concrete matrix and reach the reinforcement, initiating and propagating corrosion.

Chlorides penetrate concrete through mechanisms like diffusion, capillary action, and permeation. The transport rate depends on the concrete’s porosity, moisture content, and environmental exposure.

A critical factor is what is known as the chloride threshold level – the concentration at which corrosion initiates. This level depends on factors such as the type of steel, the composition of the concrete, and environmental conditions.

Carbonation in Concrete

Carbonation is the reaction of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere with calcium hydroxide in the concrete, forming calcium carbonate. This process reduces the alkalinity of the concrete, lowering the pH from around 12.5 to below 9.

A decrease in pH due to carbonation leads to the depassivation of the steel reinforcement. At a high pH, a protective oxide layer forms on the steel surface, but as the pH drops, this layer breaks down, making the steel vulnerable to corrosion.

Measuring the depth of carbonation involves using phenolphthalein indicator solution, which changes color in the presence of high pH levels. This test helps determine the extent to which carbonation has progressed within the concrete.

Interplay Between Chlorides and Carbonation

Chlorides and carbonation often act synergistically, exacerbating the corrosion process: carbonation lowers the pH, reducing the threshold for chloride-induced corrosion.

While both chlorides and carbonation individually contribute to corrosion, their combined effect is more detrimental. Comparative studies highlight that structures exposed to both factors deteriorate faster than those subjected to only one.

The Effects of Corrosion on Structural Integrity

Corrosion of the steel reinforcement results in a loss of cross-sectional area, reducing the load-bearing capacity of the structure. This can lead to failures under loads that the structure was originally designed to withstand.

In addition, as steel corrodes, it expands, creating tensile stresses within the concrete. These stresses lead to crack formation and propagation, further facilitating the ingress of aggressive agents like chlorides and carbon dioxide, perpetuating the cycle of deterioration. Indeed, the cracking of concrete is an effective early warning system that alerts us to the need for further investigation.

How to Assess the Condition of Reinforced Concrete Structures

There are various non-destructive that we use to assess RC structures to give us timely information as to their condition. These include:

  • Ground-penetrating radar (GPR)
  • Ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV)
  • Half-cell potential measurements
  • Electrochemical methods, including linear polarization resistance (LPR)

Prevention and Mitigation Strategies

Preventing and mitigating corrosion in reinforced concrete structures is critical to ensuring their longevity and structural integrity. Therefore, it’s crucial to employ comprehensive strategies that address the detrimental effects of chlorides and carbonation to protect new construction and maintain existing structures. A multi-faceted approach encompassing three key strategies helps us to significantly reduce the incidence and impact of corrosion in RC structures:

1.    Material Selection

Selecting materials with higher resistance to corrosion, such as stainless steel or epoxy-coated reinforcement, can significantly mitigate the risk of corrosion in RC structures.

2.    Protective Coatings

Applying protective coatings to both concrete and reinforcement can provide a physical barrier against the ingress of chlorides and carbon dioxide, prolonging the service life of the structure.

3.    Cathodic Protection

Cathodic protection involves applying an external electrical current to the reinforcement, counteracting the electrochemical process of corrosion. This method is highly effective in halting the progression of corrosion.

4.    Innovative Monitoring Technologies

Innovative monitoring technologies, including sensors embedded within the concrete, provide real-time data on the condition of the reinforcement. These facilitate proactive maintenance and early intervention, reducing the long-term costs of corrosion management.

What is the Future for Reinforced Concrete Corrosion

Ongoing research in materials science and monitoring technologies promises to enhance our ability to combat corrosion in RC structures. Development of corrosion-resistant materials and real-time monitoring systems are areas that hold great potential for significant improvements.

By investing in these research areas and implementing robust maintenance and mitigation strategies, we can significantly extend the lifespan and safety of RC structures. It’s a proactive approach that not only improves the sustainability of our infrastructure, but also helps to reduce long-term repair and maintenance costs, and, most crucially, ensure public safety.

Final Thoughts

While the interplay between chlorides and carbonation presents a formidable challenge in the maintenance of reinforced concrete structures, continuous research innovation of technologies, effective monitoring, and improvements in preventative measures will help us to continually improve the mitigation of these factors in the corrosion of RC structures.

At the Institute of Corrosion, we’re committed to advance understanding and capability in this critical industry. We work for our members to deliver tangible progress in bot corrosion science and corrosion engineering. The benefits of becoming a member of the Institute don’t stop there.

We provide exceptional routes for networking, help you to increase your visibility in the industry, and offer unrivalled opportunities for professional development, as well as discounts on training courses, free downloads of EuroCorr papers in the Members Area of ICorr website, and much more.

Click here to learn more about the benefits of ICorr membership and how to become a member.

An Introduction to Top-of-Line-Corrosion (TLC)

An Introduction to Top-of-Line-Corrosion (TLC)

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​Understanding the Mechanisms Behind Pipeline Corrosion

Top-of-Line-Corrosion (TLC) is a phenomenon characterized by localised corrosive attack at the upper internal surface of pipelines.  TLC is primarily a consequence of internal condensation of water at favourable locations along a pipeline and typically occurs in untreated wet natural gas transport lines. 

Here the wet natural gas phase will invariably contain the corrosive agent carbon dioxide (CO2)-resulting in conditions often referred to as ‘’sweet’’ corrosion) but may also contain hydrogen sulphide (H2S) known as ‘’sour’’ corrosion, and volatile organic acids most commonly acetic acid (HAc).  However TLC can also be a credible corrosion threat in wet multiphase hydrocarbon transport lines operating under stratified flow conditions.

Understanding TLC is crucial due to its potential to severely compromise the structural integrity of pipelines if left undetected and not actively addressed.  Effective management of TLC can prevent costly repairs, environmental damage, and catastrophic failures, thereby safeguarding both assets and personnel.

Mechanisms of TLC

Corrosion is the process in which oxidation caused by chemical or electrochemical reactions causes a metallic material to deteriorate. Where the corrosive phase present is electrically conductive – contains ionic species – the resulting corrosion reaction is electrochemical in nature. Anode and cathode sites form on the metal surface which is connected ionically through the conductive corrosive phase and electrically through the metal resulting in formation of active electrochemical (corrosion) cells. 

In fact, all metal loss corrosion processes in the presence of an aqueous phase are electrochemical in nature and can result in general and/or localised metal loss corrosion depending on the anode-to-cathode area ratio, composition/chemistry of the aqueous environment present, the formation of corrosion product films and the level of protection they afford – as well as factors such as the properties of the metal, temperature, and presence of a static or flowing/refreshed aqueous phase.

TLC, where condensation plays a pivotal role, is a particular form of aqueous based corrosion that, if left undetected, can (in extreme cases) result in highly localised attack at the top section of the pipe. Under favourable conditions, this can lead to rapid penetration resulting in a leak, and, under certain extreme circumstances, complete failure of the pipeline material.

As warm, moisture-laden natural gas flows through cooler sections of the pipeline, water vapour droplets condense on the inner surface, creating a favourable environment for corrosion. The condensed water will rapidly dissolve corrosive gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and HAc from the wet gas phase.

In the most common case of the presence of CO2 in the wet gas phase the chemical and electrochemical reactions involved in TLC are:

  • Chemical Formation of Carbonic Acid – resulting from CO2 dissolving in condensed water droplets, forming carbonic acid (H2CO3).
  • Dissociation of H2CO3 – to bicarbonate ions (HCO3–), carbonate ions (CO32-) and hydrogen ions (H+), the latter lowering the condensed water’s initial pH typically to <5 which determines its initial corrosivity.
  • Anodic Electrochemical Reaction – where iron (Fe) from the steel pipe dissolves into the condensed water droplets to form iron ions (Fe2+).
  • Cathodic Electrochemical Reaction – where hydrogen ions (H+) are reduced to hydrogen gas (H2) to complete the electrochemical corrosion cell.
  • Overall Corrosion Reaction – as the concentration of Fe2+ ions increase as corrosion progresses it has an increasing buffering effect on pH to a maximum when the water phase becomes Fe2+saturated (pH >5) with subsequent supersaturation resulting in surface formation and growth of an iron carbonate (FeCO3) film/scale that, dependent on its stability and surface coverage, can provide a level of protective under favourable conditions.

The presence of HAc affects Fe2+ saturation solubility and supersaturation limits and hence interferes with the formation of a protective FeCO3 layer.  The effect on FeS films formed when H2S is also present is less clear as these films are less soluble, i.e. they require a much lower concentration of dissolved Fe2+ to form and so form earlier then FeCO3 in the overall corrosion process. 

Incomplete filming where FeS is present can support and accelerate highly localised corrosion (pitting) due to the electrically conductive nature of FeS compared to FeCO3.  Furthermore FeS can poison the hydrogen gas (H2) cathodic reaction raising the potential for atomic hydrogen (H) – intermediate step in formation of H2 – diffusing into the steel matrix and introducing a risk of localised hydrogen embrittlement and threat of cracking if the quality/type of steel and associated welds are not cracking resistant.    

Conditions Leading to TLC

Environmental factors such as temperature, rate of condensation, and the presence of corrosive agents significantly influence TLC. Fluctuating temperatures promote condensation cycles, which are highly influential for TLC initiation and progression.

Operational parameters including flow rate/regime, gas composition, and pipeline pressure affect the rate and severity of TLC. High flow rates can increase the frequency of condensation events, thereby accelerating corrosion processes.

Presence of acidic gases CO2 and H2S in the transported wet gas phase and volatile organic acids which singly and collectively contribute to TLC as they readily dissolve in the condensed water, forming weak acids that can aggressively attack the pipeline material.

Where is TLC most Common?

TLC is most prevalent in oil and gas pipelines where a wet natural gas is transported over long distances. The temperature gradients and varying flow regimes influenced by pipeline profile and surrounding topography – subsea and on land – and flow rate within a pipeline can conspire for condensation and subsequent TLC to occur.

Consequences of Top-of-the-Line Corrosion

Undermining the structural integrity of pipelines, leading to thinning of the pipe wall, leaks, and, in the extreme, catastrophic rupture especially if hydrogen embrittlement has subsequently occurred, TLC can result in significant operational downtime and maintenance costs. Direct costs such as repair and replacement, and indirect costs like production losses and environmental cleanup combine to substantial total economic impact.

Safety hazards associated with TLC include the risk of pipeline failure, which can lead to fires, explosions, and toxic gas releases. Protecting personnel and communities from these dangers is a paramount concern.  In the extreme the consequences may affect continuing Licence to Operate.

Detection Methods for TLC

Given TLC only occurs and becomes established at specific locations along a pipeline where conditions favour water condensation, how and where to conduct meaningful inspection and monitoring presents a significant logistical challenge. Particularly because flow rates and operating conditions along the pipeline can alter corrosive conditions, and because detection needs to be non-intrusive to have no lasting detrimental effect on condensation.

This highlights the importance of first undertaking systematic corrosion risk assessments which need to be routinely reviewed and updated accordingly.

Direct Detection

The most detailed and assured means of detection is to undertake periodic Intelligent Pigging of the pipeline which is a key to assessing and satisfactorily establishing a pipeline’s overall continuing Fitness-For-Service (FFS).  It is also a key feature of a Pipeline Integrity Management System (PIMS) with frequency of running determined by all the credible corrosion threats identified and current condition of the pipeline.

An intelligent pig commonly uses either magnetic-flux leakage (MFI) or ultrasonic (UT) on-board inspection technology via a circumferential array of sensors; but ‘combo’ MFL-UT tools are also available.  Also development of secondary eddy current in-line inspection technology has proved effective at detection of shallow internal corrosion which TLC can exhibit.

It is important to note that Intelligent Pigging is a lagging indicator of the presence and rate of corrosion which may well vary over time and in response to changing operating conditions.

‘Real Time’ Monitoring

Simply relying on conventional intrusive weight loss coupon (WLC) and electrical resistance (ER) probe corrosion monitoring at the inlet and outlet of the pipeline, a common and convenient general approach, is of highly questionable value and relevance where TLC is concerned.

There are several non-intrusive and highly sensitive externally mounted Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) systems available using ultrasound or eddy current transducer technology suited to ‘real time’ pipe wall corrosion monitoring at selected locations along a pipeline.  They can be retrofitted including subsea and using sensor arrays give 3600 pipe wall coverage.  However, knowing where to meaningfully locate them requires very careful consideration and where correlation with Intelligent Pig inspection data is invaluable.     

Prevention/Mitigation Measures Against Top-of-Line Corrosion

Key to effective prevention and mitigation is having a ‘real time’ picture of how the pipeline operating conditions affect the threat presented by TLC and its likely locations.  This should be a key feature during design and supporting subsequent operation over life of the pipeline drawing on dynamic multiphase flow modelling to define flow rate of phases present, flow regime (e.g. stratified, annular, slug), temperature and condensation rates as they all vary through the length of the pipeline.

Prevention

Most likely addressed at design but could in principle be a retrofit action:

  • Drying before entry into the pipeline – removal of all co-produced liquid phases and drying the associated wet gas to a water dew point temperature below the lowest operating temperature to be expected along the pipeline. This has a cost impact on upfront CAPEX and life of pipeline OPEX but if well managed is extremely effective as gas export pipelines containing very high levels of corrosive CO2 (>20%) have shown.
  • Using a suitably qualified Corrosion Resistant Allow (CRA) – either fully fabricating the pipeline out of or as an inner liner in a low alloy carbon steel pipeline. This a very high CAPEX option that really receives consideration for short safety-critical sections of pipeline – e.g. export risers, pipeline entry into onshore processing facilities.

 Mitigation

  • Treatment with corrosion inhibitor is the most commonly employed mitigation method and invariably a first consideration over prevention options at the design stage. While having a CAPEX element associated with installation of deployment facilities, the main associated cost is life of pipeline OPEX.  The active presence of corrosion inhibitor is a continuous requirement to be effective where inhibitor efficiency at best lies between 95% and 99% supported by a Corrosion Allowance built into the pipe wall thickness.
  • Corrosion inhibitors have a somewhat chequered history with reliance solely on deployment by continuous injection in effectively mitigating TLC. This is due to commercially formulated inhibitor products having limited volatility to be transported for any significant distance in a wet gas phase along the length of a pipeline and so not being accessible to readily dissolve into top of line condensation where conditions are favourable pH stabilisation – promoting formation of a very protective FeCO3 surface film by directly raising the pH of an aqueous phase to pH≥ 7 – has received attention and limited use as an alternative lower recyclable OPEX approach for inhibiting corrosion in wet gas pipelines but again its ability alone to directly inhibit TLC is questionably.
  •  

Other methods of inhibitor deployment such as regular batch treat and/or use of specifically designed pigs that spray inhibitor to top-of-line may be required in support of continuous injection or even replace it for achieving overall effective corrosion control including TLC.

Mitigation of TLC by corrosion inhibitor requires rigorous prequalification testing preferably including use of large diameter flow loop testing supported by a sound and regularly reviewed corrosion management programme.

  • Presence of external insulation to minimise through-wall thermal loss and rate of fall in operating temperature profile across the pipeline to limit and possibly prevent condensation accumulation, thereby mitigating TLC. External insulation is only suited for use with land-based pipelines; and care needs to be exercised to prevent ingress of moisture into/under the insulation introducing the risk of Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) occurring which could become a comparable or more severe corrosion threat than TLC.

Upshot of Top-of-Line Corrosion

Mitigating Top of Line Corrosion in wet gas pipelines requires a multifaceted approach, including appropriate material selection, operational adjustments, and advanced monitoring and inspection technologies. Understanding the conditions that lead to TLC, such as condensation of water containing corrosive agents, and implementing effective preventative/mitigating measures can significantly enhance pipeline longevity and safety.

Integral to maintaining our infrastructure in the oil and gas and other industry primary product pipelines is effective inspection. It’s an exciting area of work, with job opportunities around the world.

If you are new to the subject of TLC and want to know more about it, then ICorr’s Fundamentals of Corrosion Engineering training course would be an excellent starting point.

Mastering Marine and Offshore Coating Inspection: Your Guide to Qualifying at Level 1

Level 2 Coating Inspector Training: Preparing You for a Supervisory Role in Coating Inspection

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Accreditation That Takes you from Learning to Leading

Making the leap to the Institute of Corrosion’s (ICorr) Level 2 Coating Inspector training is the next logical step when you have completed your Level 1 Coating Inspector Course and gained two years of experience in the field.

This more advanced stage is designed not just to deepen your understanding and skills in coating inspection – it is an essential steppingstone in preparation for supervisory and leadership roles. It’s your gateway to making a bigger impact, ensuring the safety and longevity of infrastructures on which billions depend (both people  and money).

Here’s how ICorr’s Level 2 Coating Inspector training propels you from learning to leading.

Why Do I Need Level 2 Coating Inspector Training?

Level 2 Coating Inspector training is the logical next step in your career in the field of coating inspection. While Level 1 will have given you the essential foundation, Level 2 training takes you deeper into the complexities of corrosion protection, inspection techniques, and project management, providing you with the skills you need to climb the next rungs of your personal career ladder.

What Does Coating Inspector Level 2 Training Cover?

Coating Inspector Level 2 training focuses on practical application of skills and in-depth knowledge, making it indispensable for those aspiring to supervisory roles.

You’ll spend five days on the course (or equivalent if studying online), with an additional day of examination. The curriculum builds upon the Level 1 syllabus, covering topics such as Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA & QC), and inspection in greater depth. Key areas include:

  • Advanced inspection techniques: Usage of density cups, flow cups, and electromagnetic dry film thickness (DFT) instruments with statistical capabilities for large area testing.
  • Document and equipment control: Focus on document control, equipment calibration, national and international standards, and the production of written instructions.
  • Comprehensive understanding of coatings: From paint formulation and manufacture to the application of metal coatings and identification of coating faults.
  • Environmental controls: Learning to identify standards and inspection concerns for centrifugal blast cleaning, water-jetting equipment, and environmental controls using digital tools.

What Else Can I Expect to Learn on ICorr’s Level 2 Coating Inspector Course?

You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the role of cathodic protection, the importance of precise surface preparation, and the application of various coating systems. The training aims to:

  • Equip inspectors with advanced skills: For utilising destructive coating inspection equipment, such as adhesion testers and Holiday Detectors.
  • Develop specialised knowledge: In the application of non-liquid coatings, including powdered coatings and hot-dip galvanising.
  • Enhanced project management capabilities: Through detailed insights into coating survey techniques, maintenance coating operations, and health and safety concerns related to inspection work.

How Does Assessment and Certification Work?

Certification at Level 2 isn’t just about acing a test. You’ll be faced with a rigorous examination that assesses your comprehensive understanding of the course material. Moreover, an experience assessment has been introduced which ensures that you not only meet industry standards, but also have the ability to apply your knowledge in practical scenarios.

Why Does ICorr accreditation Matter?

ICorr accreditation signifies that the Level 2 course meets the highest standards of relevance and quality for the coating inspection industry. It’s an accreditation that demonstrates you have been trained to the highest standards, and that your knowledge and experience equips you not only for technical roles, but also to lead with confidence.

Train as a Coatings Inspector Level 2 Your Way

We understand that corrosion professionals have different preferences, schedules, and learning styles. Whether you excel in the buzz of a classroom or hit the books best in the comfort of your own home, there’s a training provider to meet your specific learning and lifestyle preferences, as well as your career aspirations.

·       Online Learning with Corrodere Academy

Flexibility is the name of the game here. Corrodere Academy lets you learn at your pace, with 12 months to soak up 40 hours of interactive content. It’s perfect if you wish to balance your training with professional or personal commitments.

·       Classroom Learning with Argyll Ruane

There’s something about being in a classroom, right? IMechE Argyll Ruane offers this immersive experience in Sheffield, complete with state-of-the-art facilities and the chance to learn from pros face-to-face. It’s a five-day deep dive into everything Level 2, perfect for those who thrive on direct interaction.

Why did the Institute of Corrosion select Corrodere Academy and IMechE Argyll Ruane as training providers? The short answer is on the criteria of the quality of their training, and their commitment to continue to innovate their course delivery (we’ve recently renewed our strategic partnership with IMechE Argyll Ruane to help us deliver the highest standards in global corrosion training and are currently in the process of renewing our partnership with Corrodere).

Whether you choose the dynamic interaction of classroom learning or the flexibility of online courses, you can be confident that you’re receiving training that prepares you for the challenges and responsibilities of a supervisory role in coating inspection.

Coating Inspector Level 2: The Final Assessment

Completing the Level 2 Coating Inspector course is a significant achievement that opens the door to supervisory and leadership roles in the coating inspection field.

It’s an advanced qualification that ensures you are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and competence to oversee complex projects, lead teams, and contribute to the maintenance and safety of infrastructure on a global scale.

Whether you’re aiming to specialise further or step into a leadership role, Level 2 training is your pathway from learning to leading in the coating inspection industry.

For more information, and to discuss which type of course is best for you, contact ICorr’s admin team by email today.