Marine Coatings Confined Space 1st Class Blaster with US Coatings

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform abrasive blasting and/or water blasting (including high-pressure pressure washing and UHP/hydro blasting as assigned) to remove coatings, corrosion, scale, and contaminants per job specifications.
• Prepare surfaces to required degrees of cleanliness and profile consistent with recognized surface preparation standards (e.g., SSPC surface prep standards as applicable to the work package).
• Select and control appropriate blast media and operating parameters (pressure, nozzle configuration, abrasive flow) to meet specification while minimizing rework and waste.
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot blasting equipment (blast pots/units, hoses, nozzles, compressors) and associated preservation tools with minimal supervision.
• Install and remove masking, shielding, and blast protection to safeguard sensitive ship systems, machinery, and adjacent surfaces; maintain protection integrity during the job.
• Build/maintain containments and environmental controls (as required), including ventilation and dust-collection/exhaust systems to manage airborne dust and capture contaminants.
• Execute daily equipment and PPE checks; properly use and maintain required PPE (air-fed blast hood/respirator systems as assigned, eye/hand protection, protective suits, fall protection).
• Follow shipyard safety practices and hazard controls (including confined space procedures and lockout/tagout where applicable) and stop/report unsafe conditions immediately.
• Cover coordination with foreman/supervision, quality personnel, and craft teammates to meet spec checkpoints/inspection hold points and production milestones.
• Support other preservation tasks as assigned (e.g., assisting with coating prep/cleanup activities when needed) while maintaining primary accountability for blasting quality and safety.

Key Requirements, Education, and Experience

• 3+ years in marine or industrial surface preparation; "1st class" level ability to work independently and complete tasks with little supervision.
• Working knowledge of SSPC surface preparation standards and ability to blast to specified degrees of cleanliness/profile.
• Proficiency with abrasive blasting systems and/or high-pressure washing equipment.
• Strong understanding of shipyard safety expectations, including confined space entry, hazard controls, and proper PPE selection/use for blasting operations.
• Strong understanding of shipyard safety expectations, including confined space entry, hazard controls, and proper PPE selection/use for blasting operations.
• Ability to set up and maintain ventilation/dust control methods used during abrasive blasting operations.
• Ability to read and execute work specifications and comply with inspection/checkpoint requirements and documentation (including product data sheets and SDS).
• Demonstrated equipment troubleshooting/maintenance capability for blasting hoses, nozzles, fittings, and associated preservation tooling.
• Ability to work extended periods in tight spaces, crawl/climb through access openings, and work around other blasters in close proximity.
• Comfort working at heights/elevated staging/manlifts and in typical shipyard environments (noise, dust, heat, varying weather).
• Preferably, relevant certifications, such as SSPC C7 abrasive blaster certification.
• Professional reliability (attendance, teamwork, communication) and a consistent safety-first mindset.
• Must have prior knowledge and experience in shipyard operations and working in confined spaces.
• Must have strong knowledge in proper operation and safety protocols working with various blasting equipment, such as sandblasters, UHP water blasters, pots, pumps, and hoppers, various hand tools and power tools.
• Must be proficient in and committed to all safety aspects of assigned tasks, including the proper usage of PPE, such as harnesses, hard hats, eye protection, gloves, and respiratory protection.
• Must be able to safely lift work materials, up to 100 lbs.