Cathodic Protection Roles and Responsibilities

CP Roles

Cathodic Protection (CP) Program
recommended supervision guidelines

To help clarify the intended roles and responsibilities of the different levels of achievement for the Cathodic Protection Program, please reference the table below for recommended supervision and role responsibilities for each level of certification, along with years of experience on the job. These recommended guidelines should be considered whenever specifying CP requirements, or when selecting CP skills for specific assignments.

NOTE: For purposes of the Cathodic Protection Program, the term “supervision” refers to technical oversight and not general supervision of employment

Task CP1- Tester (0 - 24 months of cathodic protection experience) CP2 – Technician (2+ years of cathodic protection experience) CP3- Technologist (3+ years of cathodic protection and design experience) CP4 – Specialist (6+ years of cathodic protection and design experience)
Testing Can perform and document basic testing and/or inspection services. Intermediate or complex testing/inspection require oversight by CP2-CP4, depending on complexity Can perform, lead, and document basic to intermediate testing and/or inspection services. Complex testing/inspection may require oversight by CP3-CP4, depending on complexity. Can perform, lead, and document most levels of testing and/or inspection services. Able to recognize and perform additional field testing as required, including troubleshooting. Testing/inspections that will encounter highly complex or unique scenarios may require oversight by CP4. Develop comprehensive testing plans. Can utilize specialized test equipment to perform and lead all levels of testing jobs. Can perform or oversee highly complex or unique field testing and troubleshooting for all types of structures
Data Analysis Limited or basic understanding only. Basic understanding of results and why data is being collected. Can perform some troubleshooting, provide recommendations, and gather additional field data as required in basic to intermediate situations. Working understanding of results, including understanding of the underlying electrochemistry of the situation. Ability to troubleshoot a variety of situations. Can recognize highly complex and unique situations that may require additional support by CP4. Expert level understanding of data, reactions, and results. Ability to troubleshoot all situations and provide recommendations. Can both recognize and address highly complex or unique situations.
Installation Support Limited or basic. Basic to intermediate. Can provide installation support and recommendations for most situations. Highly complex or unique situations may require support by CP4. Can provide installation support and recommendations for all situations
Commissioning Limited or basic. Able to perform basic to intermediate commissioningactivities. Able to perform and lead most commissioning activities or determine when commissioning can be performed by CP2. Can recognize highly complex and unique situations that may require additional support by CP4. Able to perform and lead all commissioning activities or determine when commissioning can be performed by others.
Design None. Can follow and understand design functions and parameters. Can lead basic to intermediate level galvanic and impressed current designs on single structure systems. Design for critical or high-risk structures should be reviewed by CP4. Can lead and/or review all levels of design, including highly complex or unique situations (e.g., multiple structure systems, stray current interference).
Supervision Authority None. None. As required by the owner/agency and or AMPP guidelines for supervision of CP1/CP2. As required by the owner/agency and or AMPP guidelines for supervision of CP1/CP2/CP3.

Disclaimer – this table is for guideline and reference purposes only. Every situation is unique, complexity may arise, and in each case will need to refer to the individual skill and experience of the individual certification holder.

Direct Supervision

In-person technical supervision (Minimum 20%) during the assignment, with the allowance for supplemental phone or virtual meeting support as needed. This can be accomplished by a AMPP CP2 – Technician, CP3- Technologist, or CP4- Specialist or an individual that has equivalent cathodic protection experience that has been approved by AMPP or the Client. In addition to oversight and verification of tasks performed, supervision responsibility will include review of all contract documents, required measurement documentation, inspection equipment (Includes verification of calibration and usage) and safety equipment to ensure that the work is consistent with contract requirements and regulatory requirements.

Indirect Supervision

Is defined as contact utilizing remote virtual meetings, phone calls, texts, emails, etc. with limited direct supervision when/if needed and periodic field audits to verify results. This can be accomplished by a AMPP CP2 – Technician, CP3- Technologist, or CP4- Specialist or an individual that has equivalent cathodic protection experience that has been approved by AMPP or the Client. Indirect supervision shall provide review and feedback for measurements and reports, review of inspection equipment (Includes verification of calibration and usage) and safety equipment as required by AMPP or the Client. The assigned supervisor is responsible for reviewing and becoming familiar with all contract documents and requirements to ensure that the inspection work is consistent with contract requirements and project specifications.