From tank floors to offshore risers, the integrity of maritime terminals depends on more than materials— it depends on people. The skilled professionals who apply coatings, perform inspections, and implement corrosion control strategies are the true frontline of terminal safety and reliability. The human factor isn’t just one axis of success—it’s the center of it.
The cost of inaction
Corrosion-related issues cost the maritime and offshore sectors billions of dollars every year. A global study by the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) estimated the worldwide cost of corrosion at $2.5 trillion annually, representing more than 3% of global GDP. The stakes are even higher for tanks, terminals, offshore platforms, and monobuoy systems. Failures can trigger unplanned shutdowns, costly environmental incidents, and risks to human life.
Advanced materials, remote monitoring, and predictive analytics are transforming asset protection, but there is no substitute for a properly trained, engaged workforce. Poor surface preparation, misapplied coatings, skipped inspection steps, or reliance on outdated practices can quickly undermine even the most sophisticated infrastructure investments.
That’s where training becomes the most strategic investment an operator can make. As a global leader in training and certifications, AMPP education programs equip the maritime workforce with 21st-century skills, access to the latest research, and a network of peers working toward the same goal—protecting critical assets while safeguarding people and the environment. These programs are internationally recognized, making it easier for maritime companies to demonstrate compliance with global standards, prequalify contractors, and meet client expectations in cross-border operations.
Training for today’s terminals and offshore operations
AMPP is committed to reducing risk and maximizing asset life across the maritime sector. Our coatings, corrosion, and inspection training programs empower workers with the knowledge and credentials to execute asset protection with precision and confidence.
Whether it’s the Basic Corrosion Course, which builds foundational skills to identify and mitigate corrosion, or the Protective Coatings (C1) course, which covers selection, application, and inspection for harsh marine environments, each program is designed for real-world performance.
Courses are offered in English or Spanish, in-person, virtual and on-demand, removing barriers for busy crews and global teams. Many programs also carry Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to maintain credentials and meet engineering board requirements worldwide.
Every course is developed by panels of industry experts— from engineers and specifiers to field inspectors and asset owners—ensuring alignment with global standards and real-world demands.
Building certified talent pipelines
Investing in education builds more than individual skills—it’s a commitment to operational resilience. Across Latin America and beyond, AMPP works with terminal operators, shipbuilders, and asset owners to create pipelines of certified professionals capable of meeting rigorous quality and safety standards.
Our growing network of in-country trainers, chapter leaders, and technical partners allows workforces to access internationally recognized credentials without crossing borders. This model strengthens regional expertise, increases self-reliance, and supports local economic growth.
Companies that invest in workforce development report a direct return on investment, including fewer reworks, higher inspection pass rates, and improved coating performance and service life. The result? Fewer delays, stronger compliance, and better outcomes across every phase of a terminal or offshore project lifecycle.
Engaging teams at every level
There are multiple ways for maritime professionals and companies to engage their teams:
- Join a local AMPP chapter to connect with peers and share technical insights.
- Host a certified course to upskill crew members and strengthen in-house expertise.
- Collaborate on workforce initiatives tailored to regional industry needs.
- Become a certified trainer or provide an on-site training space.
- Request a site-specific assessment to identify corrosion risks or training gaps.
Raising the standard — Together
In an industry where outdated methods can be as risky as material degradation, AMPP members are driving the modernization of standards, specifications, and practices. Together, we are addressing emerging challenges like:
- Advancing corrosion prevention technologies.
- Aligning coating specifications with performance- based standards.
- Digitizing inspection processes to improve traceability and compliance.
- Integrating AI and sensor-based monitoring in terminal design.
What ties everything together are the professionals on the ground. From engineers and applicators to inspectors and program managers, the human factor remains the decisive element in operational success.
Local chapters, global impact
Though AMPP’s Chapter Engagement Program, industry professionals can connect, collaborate, and innovate locally. Chapters across Latin America already host technical workshops, hands-on training events, and networking sessions that build community and improve readiness.
By engaging with a local chapter or becoming a training partner, maritime stakeholders can:
- Host certified courses tailored to specific operational needs.
- Provide feedback on workforce needs and emerging challenges.
- Access a network of subject matter experts for technical support.
Whether operating a coastal terminal or managing offshore logistics, collaboration with AMPP offers a direct link to global expertise and localized solutions.
Strengthening the industry, one professional at a time
As the maritime sector evolves, the common thread across every innovation is the human factor. Skilled, certified, and connected professionals are the foundation of safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
From coatings training for field crews to strategic workforce development initiatives for multinational operators, AMPP is committed to advancing technical excellence and building capacity across the industry. A specialist can connect your organization with local chapters, map out a training plan, or explore partnerships that align with an organization’s operational goals.
The future of tanks, terminals, offshore operations, and monobuoys will be shaped by technology, but led by people. Investing in the human factor today can ensure a safer, smarter maritime future for decades.
Ready to build a safer and more competent terminal workforce?
This article was developed by AMPP and published as part of the sixth edition of Inspenet Brief September 2025, dedicated to technical content in the energy and industrial sector.
