Corrosion Control by Cathodic Protection Systems Training Course
- Duration
- 5 days
- CPD hours
- 15
- Language
- English
- Next date
- 19 Oct 2026
Overview
The Corrosion Control by Cathodic Protection Systems Training Course from Institute For Oil & Gas Training develops the technical and operational capabilities required to manage corrosion risks across oil and gas assets. Cathodic Protection Systems provide an essential method of corrosion prevention for buried pipelines, subsea structures, storage tanks, offshore installations and other metallic infrastructure exposed to corrosive environments. Effective application of these systems supports asset integrity, operational reliability and long-term infrastructure performance throughout the petroleum industry.
Corrosion remains a significant asset management challenge for organisations operating in upstream, midstream and downstream environments. Pipelines, offshore platforms, processing facilities, tank farms and buried metallic structures experience electrochemical deterioration when exposed to soil, seawater, moisture and other corrosive conditions. Without effective corrosion management, this deterioration contributes to wall thickness reduction, coating degradation, leakage, equipment failure, environmental incidents and unplanned maintenance. Organisations require personnel who understand corrosion mechanisms and can apply appropriate protection strategies to preserve asset condition and maintain operational continuity.
The Corrosion Control by Cathodic Protection Systems Training Course addresses the practical skills gap between general corrosion awareness and the technical knowledge required to evaluate, implement, monitor and maintain cathodic protection installations. It examines the principles of electrochemical corrosion, the relationship between protective coatings and cathodic protection, system selection, electrical measurements, performance assessment and troubleshooting. Participants develop an operational understanding of impressed current systems and sacrificial anode systems, including their applications, advantages, limitations and maintenance requirements.
The course also examines how cathodic protection integrates with wider corrosion prevention programmes, pipeline integrity management, inspection planning and maintenance strategies. Participants learn to interpret system readings, recognise abnormal operating conditions, assess protection effectiveness and identify circumstances that require corrective action or specialist investigation. The emphasis remains on practical application, engineering judgement and informed decision-making within industrial operating environments.
For oil and gas operators, corrosion control is not simply a maintenance activity. It is a fundamental component of asset integrity, risk management and responsible infrastructure ownership. Cathodic protection systems require appropriate design, installation, commissioning and ongoing monitoring to achieve reliable performance. Inadequate electrical continuity, deteriorated coatings, unsuitable anode selection, interference currents and incorrect measurement techniques compromise protection effectiveness and create uncertainty in asset condition assessments.
Institute For Oil & Gas Training delivers this programme to strengthen participants' understanding of these operational challenges and their ability to respond systematically. The training connects engineering principles with field practices, enabling personnel to contribute more effectively to corrosion surveys, inspection activities, maintenance planning and technical reporting. It also highlights the importance of accurate records, documented procedures and coordination between corrosion engineers, inspection teams, electrical specialists and operations personnel.
Particular attention is given to the selection and application of impressed current systems and sacrificial anode systems. Participants examine the factors influencing system selection, including structure geometry, environmental conditions, electrical resistivity, current demand, coating condition and the availability of suitable power supplies. These considerations support technically informed decisions when developing corrosion prevention strategies for new installations and existing assets.
The programme is relevant to organisations responsible for pipeline networks, offshore facilities, marine infrastructure, petroleum storage installations and process plant equipment. By improving technical understanding and strengthening monitoring practices, the course supports more consistent corrosion management and helps organisations make better-informed decisions about maintenance priorities, asset protection and infrastructure reliability.
Objectives
Explain the electrochemical mechanisms responsible for corrosion in metallic structures exposed to soil, seawater and industrial environments.
Describe the operating principles of cathodic protection and its role in wider corrosion prevention programmes.
Differentiate between impressed current systems and sacrificial anode systems according to asset requirements and environmental conditions.
Identify the principal components of cathodic protection installations, including anodes, rectifiers, reference electrodes, electrical connections and monitoring points.
Assess the influence of coating condition, electrical continuity, electrolyte resistivity and structure geometry on protection performance.
Interpret structure-to-electrolyte potential readings and recognise the limitations associated with different measurement techniques.
Explain the importance of suitable reference electrodes, reliable instrumentation and consistent field measurement procedures.
Recognise common cathodic protection failures and identify appropriate troubleshooting and investigation methods.
Evaluate the role of electrical interference, stray currents and interactions between adjacent metallic structures in corrosion management.
Apply relevant recognised standards and technical guidance when reviewing cathodic protection design, installation, inspection and monitoring activities.
Develop practical recommendations for system maintenance, performance verification and corrective action.
Interpret cathodic protection survey records and communicate findings through clear technical reports.
Integrate cathodic protection monitoring with pipeline integrity management, inspection programmes and asset maintenance planning.
Contribute to risk-based decisions that improve asset reliability, support safe operations and strengthen long-term corrosion control.
Training methodology
Institute For Oil & Gas Training applies a practical, industry-focused methodology that connects the principles of cathodic protection with the operating conditions encountered across oil and gas facilities. The delivery approach combines technical presentations, guided calculations, case studies, group exercises, measurement interpretation and realistic operational scenarios. Each learning activity reinforces the relationship between engineering theory, field implementation and asset integrity requirements.
Technical Presentations and Engineering Discussions
Structured presentations introduce electrochemical corrosion, cathodic protection principles, electrode potentials, current flow, anode behaviour and the relationship between protective coatings and electrical protection. These discussions establish a common technical foundation for participants from engineering, inspection, maintenance and operations backgrounds.
Participants examine how environmental conditions influence corrosion activity and why different assets require different protection arrangements. Engineering discussions also address the practical limitations of relying on a single corrosion prevention method and the importance of combining cathodic protection with coating systems, inspection and maintenance controls.
Industry Case Studies
Case studies explore representative corrosion challenges involving buried pipelines, offshore structures, storage tanks and marine installations. Participants assess the symptoms of underprotection, excessive protection, electrical interference, coating deterioration and inconsistent monitoring results.
Each case study encourages structured problem-solving. Participants identify the likely causes of poor system performance, review available inspection evidence and recommend appropriate investigative or corrective actions. These exercises strengthen the ability to distinguish between immediate operational concerns and longer-term integrity management issues.
Practical Measurement and Data Interpretation Exercises
Measurement exercises focus on reference electrodes, potential readings, current output, continuity checks and the interpretation of field survey data. Participants examine the influence of measurement procedures, instrument condition, reference electrode placement and electrical connections on the reliability of recorded results.
The exercises also demonstrate why readings require suitable technical context. A recorded potential does not automatically establish that an entire structure is adequately protected. Participants consider relevant criteria, measurement limitations, coating condition and the influence of other electrical systems when interpreting results.
System Selection and Design Scenarios
Group exercises compare impressed current systems with sacrificial anode systems across different operating environments. Participants review factors such as current demand, environmental resistivity, structure size, accessibility, maintenance requirements and available electrical infrastructure.
Scenario-based discussions develop the ability to evaluate protection options against operational requirements rather than selecting equipment solely on initial cost. Participants also consider system expansion, changing operating conditions and the importance of coordination between design, installation and maintenance teams.
Troubleshooting and Corrective Action Planning
Troubleshooting scenarios examine common performance problems, including declining protective current, unstable potential readings, depleted anodes, damaged cables, poor electrical continuity and interference from nearby installations. Participants follow a structured investigation process to establish likely causes and prioritise corrective measures.
The methodology reinforces the importance of documenting findings, verifying repairs and confirming system performance after intervention. This approach helps participants transfer the course concepts into routine inspections, maintenance planning and technical decision-making.
Group Discussion and Workplace Application
Participants exchange operational experiences and discuss how cathodic protection practices fit within their organisations' corrosion management systems. Facilitated discussions address inspection responsibilities, reporting quality, maintenance coordination and escalation of technical concerns.
The course concludes with practical application exercises that require participants to connect system principles, monitoring evidence and operational priorities. This integrated approach strengthens technical confidence and supports more consistent corrosion control practices across oil and gas assets.
Organisational impact
Effective cathodic protection management contributes directly to the reliability and integrity of oil and gas infrastructure. By developing the capabilities of engineering, inspection and maintenance personnel, organisations strengthen their ability to identify protection deficiencies, assess corrosion risks and implement appropriate corrective measures.
Improved Asset Integrity
Cathodic protection supports the preservation of metallic structures exposed to corrosive environments. Trained personnel understand the importance of verifying electrical continuity, monitoring protective potentials and assessing system condition. These capabilities improve the quality of integrity assessments and help organisations identify deterioration risks before they develop into more serious operational problems.
More Effective Corrosion Prevention
The course strengthens understanding of how cathodic protection works alongside coatings, inspection and maintenance controls. Organisations gain personnel who can contribute to more coordinated corrosion prevention strategies, reducing dependence on isolated inspections or reactive maintenance decisions.
Better Maintenance Planning
A structured approach to monitoring helps maintenance teams distinguish between normal operating variations and indications of system deterioration. Reliable field data and documented findings support better prioritisation of corrective work, maintenance resources and specialist investigations.
Organisations also benefit from a clearer understanding of the maintenance requirements associated with impressed current systems and sacrificial anode systems. This supports more appropriate inspection schedules, equipment maintenance and replacement planning.
Reduced Operational Disruption
Corrosion-related failures can interrupt production, transportation, storage and processing activities. Improved cathodic protection monitoring helps identify developing problems and supports timely intervention. Although training alone does not eliminate failures, stronger technical capability contributes to more effective risk control and operational continuity.
Stronger Compliance and Technical Governance
Recognised standards and documented engineering procedures provide a consistent basis for system design, inspection and performance assessment. Participants develop a better understanding of how technical requirements influence field practices, measurement records and maintenance decisions.
This supports more consistent documentation, clearer responsibilities and improved preparation for internal reviews, technical audits and integrity assessments. Actual compliance remains dependent on the applicable requirements, asset conditions, system design and implementation of the organisation's procedures.
Improved Decision-Making and Resource Allocation
Personnel who understand cathodic protection principles are better equipped to interpret survey results, identify data limitations and distinguish between confirmed deficiencies and issues requiring further investigation. These capabilities improve communication between engineering, maintenance and operations teams.
Better-informed decisions support more effective allocation of inspection resources, more focused troubleshooting and improved justification for repair or replacement activities.
Enhanced Environmental and Operational Risk Management
Loss of containment from corroded pipelines and storage infrastructure creates potential environmental, safety and financial consequences. Cathodic protection forms part of a wider asset integrity strategy that helps manage corrosion-related risks. Strengthened monitoring and maintenance practices support earlier identification of deficiencies and more systematic corrective action.
Greater Consistency Across Multiple Assets
Organisations operating extensive pipeline networks, tank farms or geographically dispersed facilities benefit from common technical principles and consistent reporting practices. Training helps align personnel understanding of measurements, performance indicators, troubleshooting methods and escalation procedures.
This consistency improves knowledge transfer between sites and supports the development of repeatable corrosion management practices across the asset portfolio.
Personal impact
The Corrosion Control by Cathodic Protection Systems Training Course strengthens participants' ability to contribute to corrosion management activities with greater technical confidence and a clearer understanding of engineering requirements.
Stronger Technical Understanding
Participants develop a practical understanding of electrochemical corrosion, protective current, electrode potentials and the interaction between coatings and cathodic protection. This knowledge helps them understand why systems perform differently across soil, seawater and other operating environments.
Improved Field Assessment Skills
The course develops the ability to interpret cathodic protection readings, recognise abnormal trends and identify factors that influence measurement reliability. Participants gain a stronger foundation for supporting field surveys, inspection activities, commissioning checks and maintenance assessments.
Greater Troubleshooting Capability
Participants learn to investigate common system problems methodically. They become better prepared to recognise possible causes of poor protection, distinguish between electrical and environmental influences, and recommend further checks or corrective actions within their responsibilities.
Better Engineering Communication
Accurate technical reporting is essential to effective corrosion management. The course strengthens participants' ability to describe findings, explain measurement limitations, record anomalies and communicate recommendations to engineers, supervisors and asset managers.
These skills support clearer handovers between departments and improve the quality of information used for operational decisions.
Improved Understanding of Recognised Standards
Participants gain familiarity with relevant cathodic protection standards and their application to pipelines, offshore structures and buried metallic assets. This provides a foundation for interpreting technical requirements and coordinating with specialist corrosion engineers.
The course develops practical knowledge rather than replacing any separate competency assessment, professional authorisation or certification required for specific inspection duties.
Greater Career Versatility
Cathodic protection knowledge is relevant to corrosion engineering, pipeline integrity, inspection, maintenance, asset management and offshore operations. Participants strengthen their ability to contribute to multidisciplinary projects and support the management of infrastructure exposed to corrosive conditions.
More Confident Technical Decision-Making
By connecting measurement evidence with system behaviour and asset requirements, participants improve their ability to identify issues requiring attention and explain the reasons behind recommended actions. This contributes to more informed discussions about maintenance priorities, system performance and corrosion risk.
Who should attend
Corrosion Engineers: Strengthen their understanding of cathodic protection principles, system performance and corrosion mitigation strategies.
Cathodic Protection Technicians: Improve their knowledge of monitoring methods, field measurements, troubleshooting and maintenance requirements.
Pipeline Integrity Engineers: Understand how cathodic protection data contributes to pipeline integrity assessments and risk-based maintenance planning.
Pipeline Inspection Personnel: Develop the technical foundation required to recognise protection deficiencies and communicate inspection findings.
Materials and Metallurgy Engineers: Expand their understanding of electrochemical corrosion control and the interaction between materials, coatings and protective current.
Asset Integrity Engineers: Integrate cathodic protection monitoring into broader infrastructure integrity and lifecycle management programmes.
Maintenance Engineers and Supervisors: Improve their ability to plan system inspections, investigate performance problems and coordinate corrective work.
Electrical Engineers and Technicians: Understand the electrical components, rectifier operation, continuity requirements and monitoring arrangements associated with impressed current systems.
Offshore and Marine Engineers: Examine corrosion control requirements for offshore structures, subsea installations and marine infrastructure.
Oil and Gas Operations Personnel: Recognise cathodic protection performance issues that affect the reliability of pipelines, storage systems and processing facilities.
Quality Assurance and Technical Inspectors: Improve their understanding of inspection documentation, technical verification and conformity with applicable procedures.
Project Engineers and Engineering Managers: Evaluate cathodic protection requirements during asset design, construction, commissioning and modification projects.
Reliability Engineers: Incorporate corrosion prevention considerations into equipment reliability reviews and maintenance strategies.
Technical Managers and Asset Managers: Improve oversight of corrosion control programmes, resource allocation and long-term asset protection.
Consultants and Contractors: Strengthen their technical understanding when supporting cathodic protection projects, surveys, installation work and integrity assessments.
Course outline
This module establishes the technical foundation for understanding corrosion mechanisms and the principles used to control electrochemical deterioration in oil and gas infrastructure. Participants examine how corrosion develops, how environmental conditions influence metal loss and how cathodic protection reduces corrosion activity. The module connects fundamental principles with practical corrosion prevention requirements for pipelines, storage tanks, offshore structures and industrial installations.
-
AMPP SP0169
Recognised standard addressing the control of external corrosion on underground or submerged metallic piping systems.
Provides technical guidance on external corrosion control measures and cathodic protection applications for applicable piping assets.
Supports the evaluation of corrosion prevention approaches alongside coatings, monitoring and other control measures.
Helps establish a technical basis for selecting and reviewing corrosion control practices for buried and submerged pipelines.
Learning Outcomes
Explain the principal electrochemical mechanisms responsible for corrosion.
Identify environmental and operational factors that influence corrosion activity.
Describe how cathodic protection reduces corrosion of metallic structures.
Explain the relationship between protective coatings and cathodic protection.
Identify oil and gas assets that benefit from cathodic protection.
Describe the role of recognised technical standards in corrosion control planning.
This module examines the principal cathodic protection configurations used across oil and gas infrastructure. Participants explore the operating characteristics of sacrificial anode systems and impressed current systems, including the engineering factors that determine system suitability. The focus is on understanding design considerations, system components, electrical requirements and the importance of matching protection arrangements to asset conditions.
-
ISO 15589-1
International standard covering cathodic protection of land-based pipeline transportation systems.
Addresses relevant design, installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance considerations for applicable pipeline systems.
Provides a recognised technical reference for evaluating cathodic protection arrangements for on-land pipelines.
Supports consistent engineering decisions concerning system selection and protection performance.
Learning Outcomes
Distinguish between sacrificial anode systems and impressed current systems.
Identify the main components of each cathodic protection configuration.
Explain the factors influencing anode selection and system performance.
Evaluate how coating condition and environmental resistivity affect protection requirements.
Describe the principal considerations involved in preliminary cathodic protection design.
Recognise the importance of electrical continuity, isolation and current distribution.
Identify the design information required for further engineering assessment.
This module focuses on the transition from cathodic protection design to field implementation. Participants examine installation quality, electrical connections, anode placement, rectifier configuration and commissioning procedures. The module emphasises systematic verification and accurate documentation to confirm that installed systems operate as intended and provide a reliable basis for ongoing monitoring.
-
ISO 15589-2
International standard addressing cathodic protection of offshore pipeline transportation systems.
Provides technical requirements and guidance for applicable offshore pipeline protection arrangements.
Covers relevant engineering considerations associated with establishing and maintaining protection performance.
Supports the application of consistent technical practices to offshore pipeline systems throughout their service life.
Learning Outcomes
Identify the main installation checks required for cathodic protection systems.
Explain the purpose of continuity and isolation verification.
Describe key activities involved in commissioning sacrificial anode and impressed current systems.
Interpret baseline potential readings and operating parameters.
Recognise installation and commissioning defects that require corrective action.
Identify the information required for reliable commissioning documentation.
Explain how commissioning records support subsequent monitoring and maintenance.
This module develops the practical skills required to assess cathodic protection performance during routine operations. Participants examine field measurement methods, survey records, potential trends and common system deficiencies. Particular emphasis is placed on reliable measurement practices, interpretation of results and systematic investigation of performance issues affecting buried pipelines, offshore assets and other protected structures.
-
ISO 21857
International standard addressing the prevention of corrosion on buried or submerged metallic structures in relation to stray current effects.
Provides guidance relevant to identifying and managing corrosion risks associated with stray electrical currents.
Supports the evaluation of interference risks affecting cathodic protection performance.
Provides a technical reference for developing suitable mitigation and monitoring approaches.
Learning Outcomes
Describe common monitoring and inspection methods used for cathodic protection systems.
Interpret field potential readings and recognise abnormal performance trends.
Identify measurement limitations that affect the reliability of survey results.
Recognise common electrical, environmental and coating-related protection problems.
Explain how stray currents and interference influence corrosion control.
Develop a structured approach to troubleshooting and corrective action.
Prepare clear monitoring records and communicate findings to relevant technical personnel.
This module brings together system design, installation, monitoring and troubleshooting within a broader corrosion management framework. Participants examine how cathodic protection contributes to pipeline integrity, maintenance planning, risk assessment and long-term asset performance. The module also addresses technical reporting, performance reviews and continuous improvement across oil and gas facilities.
-
ISO 55001
International standard specifying requirements for an asset management system.
Provides a structured framework for aligning asset management activities with organisational objectives.
Supports lifecycle planning, risk-based decision-making and continual improvement.
Offers a management-system reference for integrating corrosion control activities into wider asset management processes.
Learning Outcomes
Explain how cathodic protection contributes to asset integrity and lifecycle management.
Integrate monitoring findings into inspection and maintenance planning.
Identify factors that influence long-term cathodic protection performance.
Recommend maintenance and system improvement actions based on available evidence.
Prepare clear technical reports that support asset integrity decisions.
Prioritise corrosion control actions according to operational requirements and risk.
Contribute to continuous improvement of organisational corrosion management practices.
Certificate
Attendees who successfully complete the Corrosion Control by Cathodic Protection Systems Training Course receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training.
The certificate recognises participation in the training programme and completion of its learning requirements. Attendees must meet the course attendance requirement of at least 90 percent of the scheduled training sessions to receive the certificate.
The Certificate of Completion confirms completion of the training course. It does not represent a separate professional licence, an accredited cathodic protection qualification or an independent certification of technical competence.
Course dates
Fees include tuition, course materials and refreshments. Need different dates or a different city? Ask about your preferred date.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Corrosion Control by Cathodic Protection Systems Training Course about?
The course explains how cathodic protection prevents corrosion in oil and gas infrastructure. It covers electrochemical corrosion principles, impressed current systems, sacrificial anode systems, design considerations, installation, commissioning, monitoring, troubleshooting and integration with asset integrity management. Participants develop practical knowledge for evaluating system performance and supporting effective corrosion prevention programmes.
Who should attend this cathodic protection training course?
The course is designed for corrosion engineers, cathodic protection technicians, pipeline integrity engineers, inspection personnel, maintenance professionals, electrical engineers, asset integrity specialists, offshore engineers and technical managers. It is also suitable for project engineers, reliability professionals and contractors who need to understand cathodic protection requirements across oil and gas assets.
What is the difference between impressed current systems and sacrificial anode systems?
Sacrificial anode systems use a more electrochemically active metal to provide protective current to the structure. Impressed current systems use an external direct-current power source, typically through a rectifier and anode arrangement, to deliver protective current. System selection depends on factors such as structure size, environmental conditions, current demand, coating condition, electrical infrastructure and maintenance requirements.
What practical skills will participants develop during the course?
Participants develop skills in interpreting structure-to-electrolyte potential readings, understanding reference electrode use, reviewing rectifier output, identifying common system deficiencies and assessing corrosion survey information. They also learn to recognise potential interference issues, develop troubleshooting recommendations and prepare technical records that support inspection, maintenance and asset integrity decisions.
Will attendees receive a certificate after completing the course?
Yes. Attendees receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training upon successfully completing the course and meeting the required attendance threshold of at least 90 percent of scheduled training sessions. The certificate recognises completion of the training programme and does not constitute a separate professional licence or specialist certification.
Register your interest
Corrosion Control by Cathodic Protection Systems Training Co...
No payment is taken here. We reply within one working day with availability and a formal quotation.
Next: 19 Oct 2026
4 dates available