When I began my career as a boiler inspector more than 30 years ago, some of my most valuable lessons didn’t come from a classroom or a code book. They came from standing beside seasoned inspectors – professionals who had seen firsthand what can happen when pressure systems fail.
Their experience wasn’t theoretical. It was real, earned through years of work and observation. That kind of wisdom is essential to the safety culture our industry depends on.
We often define safety in terms of rules, codes, and procedures. Those are critical, but they are only part of the picture. The other part is mentorship. Experienced inspectors passing along not only what the National Board Inspection Code or the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code says, but also how to apply it in realworld situations. Mentorship ensures that technical knowledge is coupled with professional judgment and practical experience.
Our industry operates under rigorous technical standards that evolve constantly to reflect new materials, technologies, and lessons learned. But no matter how comprehensive they become, training manuals alone can’t replicate field experience. A code may specify the correct wall thickness, but it can’t teach yo u how to sense when something just doesn’t look right, or how to communicate effectively with an operator who’s run the same equipment for 40 years.
Mentorship bridges the gap.
When experienced inspectors take time to mentor others, they aren’t just transferring knowledge – they’re shaping judgment. They teach newer inspectors how to make sound decisions under pressure, interpret what they see, and uphold safety as their guiding principle. In doing so, they strengthen our entire industry.
In the summer edition of the BULLETIN, 13 National Board (NBBI) Commissioned Inspectors with more than 50 years of experience were highlighted. Their stories are a powerful reminder of the depth of knowledge they accumulated during their distinguished careers. But our industry is at a crossroads. As our most experienced inspectors – like those in our “50-Year Club” – are nearing retirement, they are taking with them decades of insight and lessons. Mentorship keeps that knowledge alive.
And it doesn’t have to be formal. Mentorship can happen in a boiler room, during a training session, or over a conversation at the end of the day. It often occurs during the General Meeting, where industry professionals come together to share knowledge and experiences. At the 94th General Meeting on May 10-13 in Denver, for example, attendees will hear from keynote Charlie Morecraft, who survived an explosion at a refinery and speaks powerfully about the real human impact of safety decisions. These moments spark the kinds of discussions that shape careers – and save lives.
If you’re an experienced inspector, take time to pass on what you’ve learned. Invite a newer inspector to shadow you. Explain not just what you’re doing, but why. Share your stories, both the successes and the close calls.
If you’re new to the profession, seek out mentors. Ask questions. Be curious. Understand that even the most seasoned inspectors are still learning, because safety isn’t static; it’s a continuous pursuit.
At NBBI, we often talk about the importance of a culture of safety. That culture starts with people who care deeply about doing the right thing, every time. Mentorship helps pass that culture from one generation to the next.
Codes and standards will continue to evolve, and technology will change. But the human element – the willingness to teach, to guide, and to listen – will always remain central to our work.
Mentorship isn’t just professional development. It’s one of the most powerful safety strategies we have. And it helps ensure the strength and integrity of our industry for years to come.
Some of the most influential mentors along my journey were Scott Bekkedahl, Tony Ennis, Mark Rudek, Dan Leppa, Tim Johnson, Tom Johnson, Steve Ahles, Dave Johnson, and Paul Mohawk. I am deeply grateful for the time they invested in sharing their knowledge, experience, and commitment to safety – lessons that continue to shape my work today.
