Foreword The purpose of this SSPC/NACE technical committee report is to describe current practices for the preparation of a protective coating specification for atmospheric service. It provides a general description of a specification@ as well as a review of the contents of a specification; the typical selection of protective coatings; and the establishment of job and inspection requirements. Format and writing style are stressed. There is also discussion of commercial aspects of the work that have not typically been contained in the technical specification. This report is intended for facility owners@ engineering/erection contractors@ in-plant protective coating specialists@ inspectors@ and others responsible for protective coating work. This joint technical committee report was prepared by the SSPC/NACE Task Group 004 on Coating Specifications. This joint task group is administered by NACE Specific Technology Group (STG) 80 on Intersociety Joint Coatings Activities. It is also sponsored by STG 03 on Protective Coatings and Linings ?C Immersion/Buried. This report is published by SSPC and by NACE under the auspices of STG 80.