How is a surface ship touch-up area differentiated from a submarine touch-up area?

The differentiation between a surface ship touch-up area and a submarine touch-up area is based on the allowable percentage of surface area that can be touched up. In this case, surface ships allow for touch-ups up to 10% of the area. This higher threshold is primarily because surface ships tend to have larger exposed areas and face different environmental conditions compared to submarines, necessitating a more flexible approach to maintenance and repair.

Submarines, on the other hand, must adhere to stricter limitations due to their operational environment and the nature of their coatings. The 10% allowance facilitates the management of maintenance while still ensuring the integrity of the protective coatings. This differentiation helps maintain the necessary performance of the ships in their specific operational contexts.

Understanding this percentage is crucial for maintaining the vessels’ functionality and safety, and it reflects the different operational requirements for surface ships versus submarines.