Getting it Right - Your Guide to OBM

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive guide to onboard maintenance (OBM) of coating systems for vessels. It emphasizes the importance of surface preparation, correct paint application, and safety measures in prolonging the lifespan of coatings. The guide walks through the necessary steps, from planning the OBM program and selecting the right materials, to ensuring proper application techniques and post-job cleanup. By following these procedures, vessels can maintain their appearance, minimize corrosion, and reduce maintenance costs, ensuring compliance with industry standards and enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Takeaways

• 😀 Onboard maintenance (OBM) of coating systems is essential for maintaining the appearance of your vessel, minimizing corrosion, and reducing costs associated with dry dockings.
• 😀 A planned maintenance schedule for coating systems is crucial to ensure high performance and cost-effective maintenance in competitive environments.
• 😀 International coatings help reduce surface preparation and application costs, making the most of crew time between dry dockings.
• 😀 Efficient OBM involves following a series of steps to maximize coating performance, from surface preparation to application and examination of the applied film.
• 😀 Start OBM work by planning the program, ensuring the correct types of coating for major areas of the vessel such as decks, superstructure, engine room, and ballast tanks.
• 😀 Keep copies of OBM charts and a simple coating logbook in the paint locker to track coatings used, and avoid unnecessary repainting of areas.
• 😀 Always check that you have the right paints, equipment, and safety measures in place before starting any painting work, and consult the technical data sheets for necessary guidelines.
• 😀 Ensure the quality of surface preparation by removing oil, grease, old coatings, rust, and other contaminants. Poor surface preparation can lead to paint detachment.
• 😀 The correct application tools (brushes, rollers, or spray equipment) should be chosen based on the size and accessibility of the area to be painted, with multiple coats likely needed for adequate protection.
• 😀 Proper disposal of cleaning waste and the use of suitable cleaning agents is essential to prevent contamination and to protect the environment during OBM work.
• 😀 Thoroughly clean tools and log paint usage to maintain an organized and efficient paint locker, ensuring that future work is quick and cost-effective.

Q & A

What is the main goal of onboard maintenance (OBM) for coating systems?

The main goal of OBM is to maintain the cosmetic appearance of the vessel, minimize corrosion, and ensure that the vessel stays in good condition. This reduces the costs and time of scheduled dry dockings.

Why is surface preparation so critical in the coating process?

Surface preparation is crucial because it removes contaminants like oil, grease, rust, and old coatings. This ensures the new paint adheres properly and provides effective protection against corrosion.

What types of areas should be protected by onboard coatings?

Key areas to be coated include decks, cargo holds, superstructure, engine rooms, and water ballast tanks. These areas require specific coating systems for protection against corrosion.

How should OBM planning be approached?

OBM planning involves checking the types of coatings required for each area of the vessel and ensuring that the correct products are available. Maintenance charts and a logbook should be used to track which coatings are applied.

What are the two main types of paints mentioned in the script?

The two main types of paints are single-pack paints and twin-pack paints. Twin-pack paints consist of a base and curing agent that must be thoroughly mixed before use.

What safety precautions should be taken before starting a painting job?

Before starting, it's important to read and follow the technical data sheets and material safety data sheets. Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including overalls, masks, goggles, gloves, safety boots, and hard hats.

What role do weather conditions play in the painting process?

Weather conditions, particularly temperature and humidity, significantly affect paint performance. Moisture on the surface to be painted should be avoided, as it can cause the paint to flake off or detach later.

What is the importance of adhering to the paint's pot life?

The pot life refers to the time period after mixing the two components of twin-pack paint during which the paint can still be used. If the pot life is exceeded, the paint becomes unusable and may not adhere properly.

How should the surface be cleaned before painting?

The surface should be cleaned by removing grease, oil, dirt, and contaminants. This can be done by scraping, using biodegradable cleaning agents, and washing with fresh water. It's essential to thoroughly remove salt contamination to prevent paint detachment.

What is the recommended film thickness when applying paint by brush or roller?

The recommended film thickness for paint applied by brush or roller is between 40 and 60 microns. Achieving the correct thickness is important to ensure the coating provides adequate protection without defects.