This guide covers painting systems for the protection of the topside or exterior area of steel ships. This includes the area from the deep load line to the rail@ more commonly called the freeboard@ decks@ and superstructure. These systems can also be used for above-water parts of fl oating structures exposed to salt or fresh water and the normal marine environment. They also cover all above-water areas on ships such as deck equipment or machinery@ booms@ mast@ and bulwarks.