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Ship Coating Inspector Jobs in Burnaby, BC (NOW HIRING)

Paint Superintendent

North Vancouver, BC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Manage and supervise all painting and blasting operations on shipbuilding projects. * Ensures work ... Interface with clients, inspectors, and surveyors as needed to discuss coating plans and resolve ...

Ship Coating Inspector information

What is a ship coating inspector?

Ship Coating Inspectors are professionals responsible for examining and verifying the quality of protective coatings applied to ships and marine structures. Their main role is to ensure that coatings, such as paint or anti-corrosive layers, meet industry standards and project specifications to protect vessels from rust, corrosion, and other environmental damage. They use specialized tools and testing methods to assess surface preparation, coating application, and curing processes. Ship Coating Inspectors also document their findings, ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and may provide recommendations for corrective actions. Their expertise helps extend the lifespan of ships and maintain safety at sea.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a ship coating inspector?

To thrive as a Ship Coating Inspector, you need a solid understanding of marine coating systems, corrosion control, and inspection techniques, usually supported by certifications like NACE or FROSIO. Familiarity with inspection tools such as dry film thickness gauges, surface profile meters, and reporting software is essential. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving skills help inspectors effectively identify issues and collaborate with shipyard teams. These abilities are vital to ensuring vessel longevity, safety, and compliance with industry standards.

What are common challenges faced by ship coating inspectors during ship maintenance projects?

Ship Coating Inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in harsh marine environments, coordinating with multiple teams under tight schedules, and ensuring strict adherence to industry standards for surface preparation and coating application. They must also address unexpected issues like weather delays or surface contamination, which can impact project timelines and coating quality. Effective communication with contractors, crew members, and project managers is essential to resolve issues promptly and maintain safety standards throughout the inspection process.

What is the difference between Ship Coating Inspector vs Ship Painter?

AspectShip Coating InspectorShip Painter
CertificationsSurface preparation, coating application, and inspection certificationsPainting and coating application certifications
Work EnvironmentInspection sites, shipyards, and coating application areasShip surfaces, paint booths, and shipyard environments
Job FocusEnsuring coating quality, adherence to standards, and surface preparationApplying paint and coatings to ship surfaces
Industry UsageUsed in shipbuilding, repair, and maintenance industriesPrimarily in shipbuilding and repair sectors

The Ship Coating Inspector and Ship Painter roles are closely related but differ mainly in focus. The inspector emphasizes quality control, standards compliance, and surface inspection, while the painter concentrates on applying coatings. Both roles require relevant certifications and work in similar environments within the maritime industry.

How much do ship coating inspectors make in the US?

Ship coating inspectors in the US typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Experienced inspectors with specialized skills or certifications like NACE or SSPC can earn higher salaries, especially in maritime or industrial environments.

How to become a ship coating inspector?

To become a ship coating inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in surface preparation and coating application. Industry certifications such as NACE or SSPC are often required, and experience in marine environments or industrial coating inspection is beneficial. Knowledge of safety protocols and inspection tools is also important.
Infographic showing various Ship Coating Inspector job openings in Burnaby, BC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Paint Superintendent

Seaspan ULC

North Vancouver, BC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

The Paint Superintendent reports to the Director, Trades outfitting and oversees all surface preparation, coating, and painting operations on marine vessels during construction at Vancouver Shipyards. The role ensures compliance with industry standards, customer specifications, environmental regulations, and safety protocols. The Paint Superintendent leads and coordinates teams of painters, blasters, and subcontractors to ensure on-time, high-quality project delivery, provides leadership and directions, ensuring that efficiency and quality levels are consistently maintained to successfully deliver required outputs.

Note: Due to business needs, this position is required to be fully on-site based at 50 Pemberton Avenue, North Vancouver, B.C. V7P 2R1.

What you'll do

  • Manage and supervise all painting and blasting operations on shipbuilding projects.
  • Ensures work progression in accordance with safety, cost, quality, and schedules.
  • Review paint specifications, surface preparation standards, and customer requirements to ensure proper application.
  • Coordinate daily work schedules, manpower, and equipment for efficient operations.
  • Inspect work in progress and completed work to ensure compliance with standards such as SSPC, NACE, NAVSEA, and ABS.
  • Collaborate with Quality Control, Safety, and Project Management teams to meet project goals and milestones.
  • Monitor environmental and safety compliance (OSHA, EPA) and enforce proper PPE and safe work practices.
  • Order and manage inventory of coatings, blasting media, and painting supplies.
  • Interface with clients, inspectors, and surveyors as needed to discuss coating plans and resolve issues.
  • Train and mentor painting crews, promoting high-quality workmanship and continuous improvement.
  • Maintain accurate records of labor, materials, production, and inspections.
  • Directly manages and develops General Supervisors into a high performing team.
  • Monitors team performance, coaches Managers, and General Supervisors, initiates and follows through on necessary improvements, and recognizes worker performance. 
  • Manages designated department, including recruitment, training, development, and performance management. Maintains succession plans and ensures the creation and follow-through of employee development plans.
  • Establishes high levels of teamwork and morale. Ensures all employees are provided with a work environment that is respectful and inclusive.
  • Leads by example and demonstrates Seaspan's Core Values

What you'll bring

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or industrial management is required.
  • 5+ years of experience in industrial or marine coatings.
  • 5+ years of experience in a supervisory or leadership role.
  • Proven supervisory and management experience in a union environment.
  • Experience with shipyard environments, new vessel construction, and government or military contracts (NAVSEA).
  • In-depth knowledge of production responsibilities specific to shipbuilding (welding, metal fabrication, electrical, pipefitting, paint/sandblasting, mechanical, rigging). 
  • Deep knowledge of marine coatings systems, surface preparation, and application methods (brush, roll, spray, etc.)
  • Strong knowledge of SSPC, NACE, NAVSEA, and ABS standards and their application in shipbuilding and repair environments. 
  • Commitment to safety and quality and demonstrated experience in the application of behavioural based safety. 
  • Ability to read blueprints, work packages, and technical specifications
  • Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to motivate and collaborate with others to achieve desired results. 
  • Demonstrated ability to multi-task, prioritize and problem solve.
  • Proven ability to build effective working relationships and lead others towards a shared goal.
  • Strong conflict resolution and negotiations skills to resolve disagreements quickly and effectively, bringing a problem-solving attitude to conflicting approaches.
  • Ability to work with limited direction and to function as a key team member.
  • Strong written, verbal and electronic communication skills
  • Proficiency with basic computer skills (MS Office, work management systems)

Why you'll love working here

  • This is a full-time, permanent position. With multiple operations and long-term projects, Seaspan employees enjoy job stability as we look ahead to build ships for decades to come. 
  • In addition to an annual bonus and pension plan matching, this role provides you with a very competitive salary in line with the successful candidate's experience. 
  • We also provide the best-in-class health and wellness benefits package for this position, including things such as extended health care (i.e. paramedical services for massage therapy,  speech therapy, mental health coverage, physiotherapy, and more), dental care, vision care, life insurance, medical leave coverage, parental leave coverage, childcare benefit partnership, $500 personal spending account, and an Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP).

The estimated salary for this position is $156,600 - $191,400. In determining final salary, Seaspan considers many factors including the successful Candidate's skillset and experience as well as position location and internal equity. The final base salary offer will be at the Company's sole discretion and presented as part of a competitive total compensation package.

NOC: 70010

For more information, please contact recruit@seaspan.com

#LI-ONSITE

Seaspan Shipyards is one of North America's most modern shipyards and unique in its ability to provide a complete range of services including new construction, conversion, refit, repair and life-cycle maintenance work for Canada's Coast Guard and Navy as well as commercial vessels including cruise-ships and deep-sea vessels. Seaspan Shipyards operations include Vancouver Shipyards, Vancouver Drydock and Victoria Shipyards.  

To learn more, visit our website: www.seaspan.com  

This position may involve defense articles and/or technical data regulated by the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and the U.S. Arms Export Control Act. In compliance with ITAR, the successful candidate will be subject to a security clearance through the Canadian Controlled Goods Program as regulated by the Controlled Goods Regulations and Defense Production Act. The successful candidate will be required to maintain their security clearance throughout their employment in this position.

Seaspan is committed to Employment Equity, supports diversity in the workplace, and encourages applications from all qualified individuals including, women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous persons, and persons with disabilities. If you require any accommodations at any stage of the recruitment process, please reach out to our Talent Acquisition team at recruit@seaspan.com for confidential support. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment.