Inspection Trends

ASNT Certification Services and AWS Collaborate on Certification Initiatives

The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Certification Services, Houston, Tex., and AWS, Miami, Fla., have formed a relationship aimed at advancing the art, science, and technology of welding and nondestructive examination (NDE). This collaboration will focus on harmonizing requirements for certifications and expanding the global reach of both organizations through various training and certification programs.

This partnership allows for sharing of authorized training programs, examinations, and certification facilities, creating a more cohesive and integrated approach to certification. By working together, the two organizations aim to deliver enhanced value to their members and the broader industry.

Richard Arn, AWS vice president of welding technology, stated, “The American Welding Society is excited to partner with The American Society for Nondestructive Testing to develop certification products that will benefit the members of both associations. We look forward to collaborating with them closely over the course of the next few months to begin to materialize these opportunities.”

Paul Lang, ASNT chief global strategy officer and ASNT Certification Services executive director, said, “This partnership represents a significant step forward in aligning our respective certification programs. By combining our expertise in welding and nondestructive testing, we can provide more comprehensive and globally recognized certifications. We are committed to fostering innovation and excellence within our industries, and this collaboration is a testament to that commitment.”

Through this agreement, the focus will be on harmonizing certification program qualification requirements to ensure that professionals in both the welding and NDE fields have access to top-tier training and certification opportunities. By aligning their efforts, both organizations are setting a new benchmark for quality and consistency in the certification landscape.

Item-Writing Workshop Trains CWIs in Exam Question Development

AWS held a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) Item-Writing Workshop August 27–29 at its World Headquarters in Miami, Fla. Six volunteer CWIs joined four AWS staff for two and a half days of training in item-writing strategies for certification exams, practice item writing, and collaborative item review.

The AWS assessment team’s exam developers facilitated the event. Participants gained valuable knowledge in the science of assessment and question development and made substantial contributions by creating new questions for AWS Certification exams.

The volunteer subject matter experts bring real-world experience and up-to-date knowledge from the field, which helps ensure that exam content accurately reflects current industry practices and standards. Their expertise is important for maintaining exam content that is relevant and valid.

Inspection Expo & Conference Explores Latest NDE Methods and More

The Inspection Expo & Conference (IEC) will be held February 5–7, 2025, in St. Louis, Mo. AWS, the American Institute of Steel Construction, the Association for Materials Protection and Performance, and the Nondestructive Testing Management Association are joining forces to deliver a comprehensive event designed by inspectors for inspectors.

Visitors will be able to engage with industry experts, gain valuable insights, and network with fellow professionals at the forefront of inspections and materials integrity. Presentations will delve into the latest methods in welding inspection, nondestructive examination (NDE), coating inspection, and structural steel inspection. Attendees can learn about specific applications across various sectors, get updated on the latest industry standards and certification processes, engage in thought-provoking discussions on ethics, and more.

Early bird pricing is available until December 20. Visit aws.org/Community-and-Events/Conferences-and-Events/IEC to learn more.

AWS Certification Exam Eligibility Period Reduced

The eligibility period to schedule AWS certification exams has been reduced from 120 days to 90 days after registration. This change only applies to registrations made in or after October 2024; any registrations before this date will still have a 120-day eligibility period.

This adjustment is designed to streamline the exam experience and make scheduling more efficient. AWS is offering support through this transition to ensure the process remains as straightforward as possible. For further assistance, visit aws.org/Contact-Us.

AWS Presents Welding Coordination and Quality Assurance Endorsement

AWS, Miami, Fla., now offers a Welding Coordination and Quality Assurance (WCQA) endorsement. This supplemental credential for Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) and Senior Certified Welding Inspectors (SCWIs) validates their specialized knowledge in welding quality assurance and coordination. Professionals with the WCQA credential demonstrate proficiency in establishing, auditing, and enhancing quality management systems within an organization to ensure high standards of quality and compliance. Candidates must hold a current CWI or SCWI certification. Familiarity with welding quality assurance practices and coordination processes is recommended before attempting the endorsement exam.

For more information, visit aws.org/certification-and-education/professional-certification/welding-coordination-and-quality-assurance-endorsement.

Phoenix International Divers Complete Underwater Inspection at Talos’ Thunderhawk Platform

A dive crew from Phoenix International Holdings Inc., Largo, Md., recently completed an underwater inspection in lieu of drydocking for Talos Energy on the Thunderhawk platform in the Gulf of Mexico. The inspection took place June 3–July 12.

Over the course of 36 days, the company’s dive crew, equipped with a deep air package, completed 164 dives. The crew, consisting of six divers, six tenders, and one supervisor, worked 16-hour days to complete magnetic particle inspection of 119 welds, close visual Inspection of 300 welds, and general visual inspection of 200 welds.

Jon Regh, Houston-area manager at Phoenix, stated, 
“We are pleased to have completed another successful project for long-term client Talos Energy. We have worked extensively on offshore oil and gas facilities all over the Gulf of Mexico for over two decades, and nondestructive testing is a core capability that Phoenix offers our clients to help maintain the quality of their assets.”

Laser Photonics Lands Sale with Acuren

Laser Photonics Corp. (LPC), Orlando, Fla., a global developer of industrial laser systems for cleaning and other material processing applications, has completed a sale and is working on a partnership agreement with the U.S. division of Acuren, a provider of asset protection services through nondestructive examination and consulting.

LPC is to deliver its CleanTech Industrial Roughening Laser 3050 (CTIR-3050) to Acuren’s U.S. operations in a sale that marks the beginning of the two companies’ relationship. They are working together to have LPC join Acuren as a preferred partner for an ongoing purchasing program. This collaboration will provide Acuren with a smooth, expedited path for R&D and product customization processes.

“We are thrilled about working with Acuren — this order represents a major achievement for Laser Photonics as we venture into the nondestructive testing market,” said Wayne Tupuola, CEO of LPC. “Our laser surface treatment technology is a sustainable and efficient solution for corrosion removal and the protection of critical infrastructures.”

PNDE Builds 13,000-Sq-Ft Addition to Facility

Professional NDE Services Group (PNDE), Fairfield, Ohio, a provider of nondestructive examination (NDE) services throughout the Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky tri-state region, is expanding its facilities to enhance its service capabilities.

Targeted for completion by the end of 2024, the 13,000-sq-ft addition is located at the company’s Fairfield headquarters. This additional space allows PNDE to further broaden its laboratory testing capacity and services, including advanced ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing, and digital x-ray inspection.

Mark Koehler, PNDE manager of business development, explained that the new facility is strategic to adding these services and resources in order to remain responsive to the demands of current and future customers.

“This expansion represents not only physical growth but another step forward in our mission to deliver excellence in NDE services,” Koehler said. “As the industry continues to evolve, this added space allows us to keep pace with advancing technologies, expanding current techniques, and best practices and remain a trusted partner for our clients seeking reliable NDE solutions.”

The addition will also enhance the employee experience with climate control extending beyond office spaces throughout the entire facility.