W35

W35
W35 Requirements for NDT Service Suppliers
(June 2019)
(cont)
(Rev.1 1. General
Oct 2023)
1.1 Scope

Firms providing NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) NDT Services on ship and offshore
structures/components subject to classification, need to fulfil the requirements set out in this
UR. In this document, such firms will be referred to as the Supplier.

(i) Firms providing Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and Advanced Non-Destructive Testing
(ANDT1) Services on the new construction of ships and offshore structures subject to
classification, need to fulfil the requirements set out in this UR. In this document, such firms
will be referred to as the NDT Service Supplier.

Note 1 – for the remainder of this UR, wherever there is a reference to NDT, it also includes
ANDT

(ii) This UR applies to:

• Independent NDT companies, and;

• Internal departments of fabricators, e.g., shipyards, hull block/section fabricators

performing NDT

The NDT service specified in this UR covers the service application to the following hull
structure and associated items at the fabrication stage during new construction:

• The welding of components that are integrated into the ship or offshore structure

• The fabrication of independent fuel or cargo tanks (including those intended for low
flashpoint fuels, e.g. type A, B and C independent tanks as described in IMO IGC and
IGF Codes).

• Items listed within the definition of hull structure, as defined in UR Z23 section 2.1

• Rudders of welded construction

(iii) NDT Service Suppliers in the context of this UR are not included as part of the scope of
UR Z17.The Classification Society shall verify the NDT Service Supplier in order to determine
compliance with the requirements of this UR. The method of verification is to be decided by
each Classification Society.

Notes:

1. This UR is to be uniformly implemented by IACS Societies on or after 1 July 2020.

2. Rev.1 of this UR is to be uniformly implemented by IACS Societies on or after 1 January

2025.

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W35 1.2 Objective

(cont)
The objective of this UR is to ensure that the NDT Service Supplier is using appropriate
procedures, has qualified and certified personnel and has implemented written procedures for
training, experience, education, examination, certification, performance, application, control,
verification and reporting of NDT. In addition, the NDT Service Supplier shall furnish
appropriate equipment and facilities commensurate with providing a professional NDT
Service.

1.3 Terms and definitions

The following terms and definitions apply for this document.

NDT Non-destructive testing-the development and application of technical

methods to examine materials or components in ways that do not impair
their future usefulness and Serviceability, in order to measure geometrical
characteristics and to detect, locate, measure and evaluate flaws. NDT is
also known as non-destructive examination (NDE), non-destructive
inspection (NDI) and non-destructive evaluation (NDE). Comprising, but
not limited to the following methods and techniques: MT, PT, RT, RT-D,
VT, UT, PAUT, TOFD, and ET and/or ACFM

ANDT The above definition of NDT applies, however ANDT includes advanced
methods such as RT-D, PAUT, TOFD and AUT.

NDT Service Independent NDT company or NDT department/section that forms a part
Supplier of a company providing NDT Services on the new construction of ships
and/or offshore components/structures, as applicable to the bodies
performing NDT on the items as listed in paragraph 1.1 (ii) of this UR.

Society The Classification Society

MT Magnetic Particle Testing

PT Penetrant Testing

RT Radiographic Testing

RT-D Digital Radiography (Several techniques within the method RT, e.g.,
Computed Radiography or Direct Radiography).

UT Ultrasonic Testing

PAUT Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (Technique within the method UT).

TOFD Time of Flight Diffraction (Technique within the method UT).

AUT Automated Ultrasonic Testing. A technique by which an object is tested by

ultrasound using probes operating under mechanical control and where
ultrasonic data is collected automatically.

ET Electromagnetic Testing (i.e., Eddy Current Testing and/or Alternating

Current Field Measurements [ACFM])

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VT Visual Testing
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(cont) Industrial Section of industry or technology where specialised NDT practices are
sector used, requiring specific product-related knowledge, skill, equipment and/or
training.

Product A category of component that may be defined by type of manufacturing,

sector fabrication, and/or shape, which may have unique, and/or general
manufacturing/fabrication defect characteristics. Product sector examples
include (but not limited to): castings, wrought products (forgings), rolled
products, extruded products, and welds.

NDT personnel may hold certification in a method which is related to a

product sector.

1.4 References

The following referenced documents are to be used for the application of this document as
appropriate. For updated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.

- ISO 9712: 2021 2012; Non-destructive testing - Qualification and certification of NDT
personnel

- ISO/IEC 17020:2012; Conformity assessment - Requirements for the operation of

various types of bodies performing inspection

- ISO/IEC 17024:2012; Conformity assessment - General requirements for bodies

operating certification of persons

- ISO 9001:2015; Quality Management Systems-Requirements

- SNT-TC-1A: 2020; Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing

- ANSI/ASNT CP-189:2020; ASNT Standard for Qualification and Certification of

Nondestructive Testing Personnel

Other national adoptions of the standards listed above are accepted as compliant and hence
are accepted for use together with this document.

2. Requirements for the NDT Service Supplier

The NDT Service Supplier shall document, as required in 2.2 to 2.9, that it has the
competence and control needed to perform the specified NDT Services.

2.1 Requirements for document

The following documents shall be available for the Society upon request:

− an outline of NDT Service Supplier's organisation and management structure, including

any subsidiaries

− information on the structure of the NDT Service Supplier's Quality Management System

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− quality manual and documented procedures covering the requirements given in item
W35 Error! Reference source not found.
(cont) − for companies with in-house certification of persons personnel scheme; a written
practice developed in accordance with a recognised standard or recommended practice
(i.e. ASNT’s SNT-TC-1A, 2020 2016, ANSI/ASNT CP-189, 2020 2016 or similar).

− operational work procedures for each NDT method including selection of the NDT
technique.

− training- and follow-up programmes for NDT operators including practical training on
various ship and offshore products

− written statement issued by the employer, based upon the scope of certification,
authorising the operator to carry out specified tasks

− procedure for supervisor’s authorisation of NDT operators

− experience of the NDT Service Supplier in the specific NDT Service area,

− for companies which obtain certification from an accredited certification body; a list of
documented training and experience for NDT operators within the relevant NDT Service
area, including qualifications and third party certification per ISO 9712:2021 2012 based
certification schemes.

− description of equipment(s) used for the NDT Services performed by the NDT Service
Supplier

− a guide for NDT operators to use equipment mentioned above

− record formats for recording results of the NDT Services referred to in item Error!
Reference source not found.

− information on other activities which may present a Conflict of interest, if applicable

− record of customer claims and corrective actions, where applicable

− any legal proceedings against the company in the past/currently in the courts of law,
where applicable

2.2 Quality management system

The NDT Service Supplier shall have a documented quality management system, covering at
least:

− work procedures for all tasks and operations, including the various NDT methods and
NDT techniques for which the NDT Service Supplier is involved.

− preparation, issuance, maintenance and control of documents

− maintenance and calibration of the equipment

− training programs for the NDT operators and the supervisors

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− maintenance of records for NDT operators’ and the supervisors’ training, qualification
W35 and certification
(cont)
− certification of NDT operators including re-validation and recertification

− procedure for test of operators’ visual acuity

− supervision and verification of operation to ensure compliance with the NDT procedures

− quality management of subsidiaries

− job preparation

− order reference system where each engagement is traceable to when, who and where
the test was carried out.

− recording and reporting of information, including retention time of records

− code of conduct for the NDT Service Supplier's activities; especially the NDT activities

− periodic review of work process procedures

− corrective and preventive action

− feedback and continuous improvement

− internal audits

− the provision of accessibility to required codes, standards and procedures to assist NDT
operators.

A documented quality system complying with the most current version of ISO/IEC
17020:2012 and including the above would be considered acceptable. The NDT Service
Supplier should satisfy the requirements of Type A or Type B or Type C inspection body, as
described in ISO/IEC 17020:2012. In all cases, production staff shall not be allowed to
inspect their own work in the case of Type C inspection body.

2.3 Qualification and certification of NDT personnel

The NDT Service Supplier is responsible for the qualification and preferably 3rd party
certification of its supervisors and operators to a recognised certification scheme based on
ISO 9712: 2021 2012.

Personnel qualification to an employer based qualification scheme as e.g. SNT-TC-1A, 2020

2016 or ANSI/ASNT CP-189, 20202016 may be accepted if the NDT Service Supplier's
written practice is reviewed and found acceptable by the Society. The NDT Service Supplier's
written practice shall as a minimum, except for the impartiality requirements of a certification
body and/or authorised body, generally comply with the requirements of ISO 9712: 2021
2012.

For NDT operators holding certificates issued via an employer based scheme, the employer’s
certification shall be deemed revoked when employment is terminated by either party.

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The supervisors' and operators' certificates and competence shall comprise all industrial and
W35 product sectors and techniques being applied by the NDT Service Supplier.
(cont)
Level 3 personnel shall be certified by an accredited certification body.

Level 3 personnel shall be certified by one of the following means:

(i) obtain certification from an accredited certification body.

(ii) obtain certification from an employer based scheme via the examination method, as
detailed in the written practice. It is not permissible to directly appoint a level 3 without
examination if the intended certification route is from an employer based scheme.

2.4 Supervisor

The Supplier shall have a supervisor or supervisors, responsible for the appropriate execution
of NDT operations and for the professional standard of the operators and their equipment,
including the professional administration of the working procedures. The Supplier shall
employ, on a full-time basis, at least one supervisor independently certified to Level 3 in the
method(s) concerned as per the requirements of item 2.3. It is not permissible to appoint
Level 3 personnel; they must be certified by an accredited certification body. It is recognised
that a Supplier may not directly employ a Level 3 in all the stated methods practiced. In such
cases, it is permissible to employ an external, independently certified, Level 3 who is certified
by an accredited certification body in those methods not held by the full-time Level 3(s) of the
Supplier.

The supervisor shall be directly involved in review and acceptance of NDT Procedures, NDT
reports, calibration of NDT equipment and tools. The supervisor shall on behalf of the
Supplier re-evaluate the qualification of the operators annually.

The NDT Service Supplier shall have a supervisor or supervisors, responsible for the
following:

a) validate NDT instructions and procedures established and reviewed by level 3 personnel;

b) review of NDT reporting;

c) supervise all tasks and NDT operations at all levels;

d) inspection of NDT equipment, tools and calibration;

e) re-evaluate the qualification of the operators annually on behalf of the NDT Service
Supplier.

Normally, the NDT Service Supplier shall employ (on a full-time basis) a level 3 supervisor,
certified to level 3 in the applicable method(s) as per the requirements of this UR.

It is recognised that an NDT Service Supplier may not directly employ a Level 3 in all the
stated methods practiced. In such cases, it is permissible to employ an external Level 3 who
is certified by an accredited certification body in those methods not held by the full-time Level
3(s) of the NDT Service Supplier.

Alternatively, and by agreement with the Society, the NDT Service Supplier may appoint an
internal (full-time employed) supervisor of NDT activities, who does not hold level 3
certification. In this case, the supervisor shall be certified to a minimum of level 2.

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For NDT Service Suppliers operating this alternative approach, the NDT Service Supplier
W35 shall comply with all other requirements of this UR and shall employ (either part time or on a
(cont) contract basis) Level 3 NDT Services (to carry out functions such as procedure development,
procedure approval, consultancy, review etc.) from outside the NDT Service Supplier
organisation. The appointed external level 3 shall be certified by an accredited certification
body in all the applicable methods appropriate to the scope of the NDT operations.

2.5 Operator

The operator carrying out the NDT and interpreting indications, shall as a minimum, be
qualified and certified to Level 2 in the NDT method(s) concerned and as described in item
2.3.

However, operators only undertaking the gathering of data using any NDT method and not
performing data interpretation or data analysis may be qualified and certified as appropriate,
at level 1.

The operator shall have adequate knowledge of materials, weld, structures or components,
NDT equipment and limitations that are sufficient to apply the relevant NDT method for each
application appropriately.

2.6 Equipment

The NDT Service Supplier shall maintain records of the NDT equipment used and detail
information related to maintenance, calibration and verification activities. If the NDT Service
Supplier hires equipment, such equipment shall have updated calibration records, and the
operators shall be familiar with the specific equipment type prior to using it. Under any
circumstance, the NDT Service Supplier shall possess sufficient equipment to carry out the
NDT Services being a part of the NDT scope required by the Society.

Where the equipment is of unique nature, the NDT operators shall be trained by competent
personnel in the operation and use of the equipment before carrying out NDT using this
equipment.

2.7 Work instructions and procedures

The NDT Service Supplier shall produce written procedures for the NDT being applied. These
procedures are to be written, verified or approved by the NDT Service Supplier's Level 3
(either internal, or external, as described in section 2.4). Procedures shall define all relevant
information relating to the inspection including defect evaluation against acceptance criteria in
accordance with the Society Rules. All NDT procedures and instructions shall be properly
documented in such a way that the performed testing can be easily retraced and/or repeated
at a later stage. All NDT procedures are to be acceptable to the Society.

2.8 Sub-contractor

The NDT Service Supplier shall give information of agreements and arrangements if any
part(s) of the NDT Services provided are subcontracted, included level 3 NDT Services (as
described in section 2.4).The NDT Service Supplier, in the following-up of subcontracts shall
give emphasis to the quality management system of the subcontractor.

Subcontractors shall meet the same requirements placed on NDT Service Suppliers for any
NDT performed.

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W35
(cont)
2.9 Reporting

All NDT shall be properly documented in such a way that the performed testing and
examination can be easily retraced and/or repeated as a later stage. The reports shall identify
the defects present in the tested area, and a conclusive statement as to whether the material,
weld, component or structure satisfies the acceptance criteria or not.

The report shall include a reference to the applicable standard, NDT procedure and
acceptance criteria applied in the applicable NDT method/technique. In general, the
acceptance criteria shall comply with the Society Rules. Reports shall be signed by the
personnel with the appropriate level of certification, and the appropriate signatory status as
defined in the Quality Management System.

End of
Document

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