ISO 20340:2003 deals with the performance requirements for the protection, by protective paint systems, of new offshore and related structures exposed to the offshore atmosphere, as well as those immersed in sea or brackish water. ISO 20340 can also be used for other structures, provided that the selected paints or protective paint systems comply with this International Standard.This International Standard places emphasis on high-durability paint systems, with the aim of minimizing maintenance, and hence reducing safety considerations and environmental impact. This International Standard includes the following:the test methods to be used to determine the composition of the separate components of the protective paint system;the laboratory performance test methods for the assessment of the likely durability of the protective paint system;the criteria to be used to evaluate the results of performance tests.