Coating Inspector Program recommended supervision guidelines
NOTE: For purposes of the Coating Inspector Program, the term “supervision” refers to technical oversight and not general supervision of employment.
To help clarify the intended roles and responsibilities of the different levels of achievement for the Coating Inspector Program, please reference the table below for recommended supervision and role responsibilities for each level of certified professional, along with years of experience on the job. These recommended guidelines should be considered whenever specifying inspection requirements, or when selecting inspectors for specific assignments.
Project Type & Importance |
Basic Inspector (0 to 24 months of inspection experience) |
Basic Inspector (Over 24 months of inspection experience) |
Certified Inspector (24 – 48 months of inspection experience) |
Certified Inspector (Over 48 months of inspection experience) |
Senior Certified Inspector |
Simple/Low Risk
(Repetitive shop application or field application of coatings to metal products where corrosion or a coating failure is unlikely or of limited concern). |
Direct Supervision* |
Direct or Indirect Supervision** |
Indirect Supervision** |
Not required |
Not Required |
Moderate/ Significant Risk
(Typical shop or field coating of structural steel subject to moderate corrosive environments) |
Direct Supervision* |
Direct or Indirect Supervision** |
Indirect Supervision** |
Indirect Supervision** |
Not Required |
Complex/Critical Risk
(Linings, aggressive environments, critical assets with high consequence of failure or exceptionally long-life expectancy. |
Not Recommended for Assignment |
Direct Supervision*
Limited to projects where multiple inspectors are assigned. |
Direct Supervision*
Should be able to document previous experience /training with work type |
Indirect Supervision**
Should be able to document previous experience/training with work type |
Not Required
Should be able to document previous experience/training with work type |
Supervision Authority |
None |
None |
As required by the owner/agency and/or AMPP guidelines for supervision of Basic coating inspectors. |
As required by the owner/agency and/or AMPP guidelines for supervision of Basic coating inspectors |
As required by the owner/agency and/or AMPP guidelines for supervision of Basic and Certified coating inspectors |
*Direct Supervision
In-person technical supervision during the assignment, with the allowance for supplemental phone or virtual meeting support as needed. This can be accomplished by an AMPP Certified Coatings Inspector or an AMPP Senior Coatings Inspector. In addition to oversight and verification of inspections performed, supervision responsibility will include a review of all contract documents, inspection reports and photos, inspection equipment (including verification of calibration and usage), and safety equipment to ensure that the inspection work is consistent with contract requirements and the coatings specifications.
**Indirect Supervision
Is defined as contact utilizing remote virtual meetings, phone calls, texts, emails, etc. with limited direct supervision when/if needed and periodic field audits to verify inspection results. This can be accomplished by an AMPP Certified Coatings Inspector or an AMPP Senior Coatings Inspector. Indirect supervision shall provide review and feedback for inspection reports and photos, review of inspection equipment (including verification of calibration and usage), and safety equipment as required by AMPP or the Client. The assigned supervisor is responsible for reviewing and becoming familiar with all contract documents and requirements to ensure that the inspection work is consistent with contract requirements and the coatings specifications.