This project was conducted to provide information to shipyards on the most effective methods to control exposure to airborne dust during surface preparation and coating activities involving potentially hazardous materials in the marine industry. The characterization of hazardous airborne dust exposures was initiated in the following sequence: 1. A technical literature review, 2. The compilation of data from a questionnaire sent to shipyards, and 3. The proceedings of a Conference with shipyard representatives to discuss the problem of hazardous airborne emissions and promising control technology. The combined work groups at the Shipyard Industry Conference held in August, 1995, selected the following areas for further evaluation: 1. Ultra High Pressure Water Jetting (HPWJ) 2. Low Volume Water Slurry Blasting (LVWS) 3. Vacuum Assisted Blasting (VAB) 4. Hand and Powered Tool Cleaning for Small Area Touch-up and Repair (SATR) 5. Containment with the use of Recyclable Metallic Media (CRMM) 6. Open Air Abrasive Blasting (OAAB) 7. Type CE Continuous Flow Abrasive Blast Helmets (CFABH). This short list was derived from a much larger range of dust control options. The workshop participants identified these selections as the dust control options with the greatest potential for immediate and effective implementation.