AMPP QP Programs supporting the maritime industry

In the maritime sector—where corrosion and coating failures can compromise safety and readiness—ensuring contractor and inspector qualifications is critical. AMPP’s Qualified Contractor (QP) Programs are trusted across shipyards, ports, and offshore operations to verify capabilities in surface preparation, coatings application, and inspection. These certifications set the standard for quality, safety, and compliance in marine environments.

Most used QP certifications in the maritime industry:

QP1 - Field Coating Application: For contractors performing coatings work on ships, dry docks, and port infrastructure. A standard requirement for Navy and shipyard coating projects.

QP3 - Shop Coating Application: For shops applying protective coatings to ship components and modules prior to installation or deployment.

QP5 - Inspection Company Accreditation: For third-party inspectors verifying coating quality, often required on government and defense-related maritime projects.

QP 6 – Contractor Metallizing: For contractors applying thermal spray aluminum or zinc, commonly used in ballast tanks, splash zones, and hull protection

AMPP standards are essential for ensuring the safety and longevity of maritime assets and infrastructure.

Maritime coatings

Technical Specification for Ship Coating Repair

Use and Retention of Pre-Construction Primers on Steel in Shipbuilding

Ship hull maintenance and repair

Dry-Docking Hull Surface Maintenance and Repair Standard Practice

Maritime corrosion control

Citric Acid-Based Passivation of Maritime Stainless Steel Storage Tanks

Corrosion Prevention and Control for Marine Scrubbers

Test to Determine the Potential Corrosion Effects of Ballast Water Treatment Systems on Ballast Tanks Coating and Other Materials

Joining AMPP connects you with Technical Communities of Interest (TCIs) focused on maritime concerns:

• Marine TCI
• Military and Defense TCI

These communities facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among professionals dedicated to corrosion prevention in maritime environments.

AMPP advocates for the adoption of corrosion control standards, training, and certifications across the maritime industry. Our standards—developed through decades of industry expertise—are cited in federal and international regulations, demonstrating their critical role in maritime infrastructure and operations.

Driving impact across the industry

From global partnerships to policy engagement in Washington, AMPP is leading the conversation on maritime corrosion control:

• Bringing the Maritime Crisis to Capitol Hill: In June 2025, AMPP met with federal lawmakers to highlight the urgent need for corrosion mitigation across U.S. shipyards and naval assets.
• AMPP Awarded Gates Foundation Grant: Also in June 2025, AMPP received a Gates Foundation grant to help scale corrosion prevention technologies for maritime infrastructure in developing countries.
• Launch of the AMPP Shipbuilding Network: In May 2025, AMPP launched a new professional network to connect shipbuilding experts, share resources, and support industry innovation.

Referenced in global maritime standards

AMPP’s technical guidance is integrated into key maritime regulations, including:

• IMO Performance Standard for Protective Coatings (PSPC) – Cites AMPP’s Coating Technical File requirements (NACE SP0111).
• Ballast Water Management Convention – Incorporates AMPP testing protocols for corrosion effects on coatings (NACE TM0112).

To learn more about AMPP’s role in government and regulatory initiatives, visit: ampp.org/government-affairs.

AMPP monographs and handbooks set the standard for maritime corrosion control research and best practices. Learn more with selections from the AMPP library.

Books

Corrosion Prevention by Protective Coatings (Third Edition)
A comprehensive reference on high-performance coatings, updated with the latest technologies for professionals working to prevent corrosion across industries and environments.

The Marine Coating Unser’s Handbook
A practical guide for marine professionals covering coating selection, application, inspection, and compliance for both new builds and maintenance projects.