Ensuring marine coatings meet the rigorous standards required by classification societies and international regulations is a critical function, but vital for underpinning the trust that shipowners and operators place in every product. At Nippon Paint Marine, the people responsible for regulatory compliance and certification management play a vital role in keeping our coatings approved, competitive and ready for use on vessels around the world.
In this edition of our employee blog series, we introduce Suyuan Jiao, a member of the Technology Division / Regulatory Compliance & Certification at Nippon Paint Marine Japan, who works to maintain the regulatory approvals and certifications that mean our products are available across global markets.
Suyuan Jiao, Technology Division / Regulatory Compliance & Certification, Nippon Paint Marine Japan
I work in maritime regulatory compliance and certification management for marine coatings. Our paints are manufactured in Japan and overseas, and are used on vessels registered under various flags, certified by different classification societies and operating in many regions around the world.
This global reach makes it essential for our products to comply with applicable regulations and maintain the required certifications of safety, performance and environmental compliance in a huge number of different markets. Nippon Paint Marine Coatings currently holds over 1,000 approvals from major classification societies, including ClassNK, LR, DNV, BV, ABS, KR and CCS.
Navigating the world of approvals
Since joining the company, I have been involved in the management of type approvals for low-flame-spread coatings, IMO PSPC and anti-fouling systems. This work has given me a broad and detailed knowledge of the relevant conventions and regulations that govern our industry.
The opportunity to learn directly about our production processes and factory operations has been a valued aspect of my role. By participating in manufacturer audits conducted by classification societies, I have gained an insight into how our products are made, knowledge that is rarely accessible from a desk. Working closely with the R&D department has also given me a deeper understanding of the components, technologies and properties of the various marine coatings we develop and produce.
The importance of getting compliance right
Regulatory compliance ensures that our products can be used legally and safely in different markets and on vessels operating worldwide. Without the necessary certifications in place, even the most technically advanced coating cannot be applied to a vessel, so this work fundamental to the success of our products and our business.
Obtaining and maintaining the required certifications is not just a matter of procedure; it an important part of ensuring the competitiveness of our marine coating products. When a classification society or a flag state requires a specific approval, we need to be ready.
Looking ahead
I look forward to continuing to deepen my knowledge of regulations, certifications and marine coatings, while also helping others within the company understand the importance of keeping regulatory requirements in mind in our day-to-day work. Compliance is not just a function for one team; it is a mindset that supports everything we do.
