Coating Inspection: Procedures, DFT, Holiday Testing and Reporting
| 06 – 10 Apr. 2026, Abu Dhabi | 03 – 07 Aug. 2026, Dubai |
COURSE OVERVIEW:
Coating inspection is a fundamental pillar of quality assurance in industrial asset protection, ensuring that protective layers meet the rigorous specifications required for long-term durability. This course provides an in-depth examination of the technical procedures and standards governing the inspection of protective coatings on steel and concrete substrates. Participants will explore the critical milestones of the inspection process, from initial surface profile verification to the final assessment of the cured film, focusing on the high-stakes environments found in the oil, gas, and power sectors.
The scope of the training encompasses the practical application of precision measurement tools and the interpretation of international standards such as ISO and SSPC. A significant portion of the curriculum is dedicated to Dry Film Thickness (DFT) measurement techniques and the science of Holiday Testing for detecting microscopic discontinuities in the coating. By understanding the calibration, operation, and limitations of these instruments, inspectors can provide accurate, reproducible data that forms the basis for project acceptance or remedial action.
Coverage also includes the essential administrative aspects of the inspection profession, specifically the development of comprehensive daily logs and final reports. The course highlights the importance of documentation in maintaining a traceable quality record and managing contractor compliance. Through a combination of technical theory and hands-on simulation, attendees will master the reporting of environmental conditions, surface preparation grades, and thickness variations, ensuring that every phase of the coating application aligns with the engineering design and safety requirements.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:
- Define the roles and ethical responsibilities of a certified coating inspector on industrial projects.
- Interpret technical coating specifications and product data sheets (PDS) for field application.
- Conduct accurate environmental monitoring using psychrometers and surface thermometers.
- Evaluate surface preparation cleanliness levels according to international visual standards.
- Measure surface profile depth using replica tape and digital micrometers.
- Perform Wet Film Thickness (WFT) measurements to guide the application process in real-time.
- Execute Dry Film Thickness (DFT) surveys following SSPC-PA 2 and ISO 19840 protocols.
- Operate high-voltage and low-voltage holiday detectors to identify film discontinuities.
- Assess coating adhesion using both destructive and non-destructive testing methods.
- Identify common application defects and verify their successful remediation.
- Maintain detailed and accurate daily inspection reports and non-conformance records.
- Communicate technical findings effectively to project owners, engineers, and contractors.
TARGET AUDIENCE:
This course is specifically designed for aspiring and practicing coating inspectors, quality control technicians, project engineers, and facility owners. It is also highly relevant for painting foremen and site supervisors who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the inspection criteria used to evaluate their work performance and compliance.
TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:
A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximize the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.
The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.
COURSE CERTIFICATE:
National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.

