INQUIRY RCI-19-06

Subject: NB-380 IS Course Class Requirement

Edition: NB-380 & 2019 RCI-1, Part 1, Table 1

Question: May the requirement for the successful completion of the National Board’s Inservice Commission Course described in NB-380, National Board Inservice Inspector Training Program, and RCI-1, Table 1 be waived?

Reply: No.

Back to Index

INQUIRY RCI-19-05

Subject: Extension of Application Period

Edition: 2019, Part 1, 1-3.3

Question: If a candidate for endorsement that has passed the examination is unable to complete on the job training because of work slowdowns or stoppages that are caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, may the requirement specified in RCI-1 paragraph 1-3.3 to apply for the endorsement no later than two years after passing the examination be extended by six months?

Reply: No.

Back to Index

INQUIRY RCI-19-04

Subject: Code of Ethics

Edition: 2019, Part 7, 7-4.4

Question 1: Does RCI-1, paragraph 7-4.4 prohibit an AIA from providing authorized inspection or repair inspection services to a Certificate Holder for Code work when the AIA’s corporate structure includes an organization that also provides NDE training and examination services to the Certificate Holder for qualification of NDE personnel performing NDE required for Code work (e.g. NDE Level II or III), even though the Authorized Inspector and/or Repair Inspector and their AIS or Repair Inspector Supervisor/Technical Manager is not directly involved with the NDE training and/or examination services being provided?

Reply 1: Yes.

Question 2: Does RCI-1, paragraph 7-4.4 prohibit an AIA from providing authorized inspection or repair inspection services to a Certificate Holder for Code work when the AIA’s Authorized Inspector and/or Repair Inspector or their AIS or Repair Inspector Supervisor/Technical Manager are directly involved with the NDE training and examination services to the Certificate Holder for qualification of NDE personnel performing NDE required for Code work (e.g. NDE Level II or III)?

Reply 2: Yes.

Back to Index

INQUIRY RCI-19-03

Subject: Code of Ethics

Edition: 2019, Part 7, 7-4.3, 7-4.4

Question: Can Authorized and/or Repair Inspectors providing inspection services through an AIA, which is a legal entity under a corporate structure/arrangement, inspect work that includes Certifying Engineer Services provided by another legal entity under the same corporate structure/arrangement?

Reply: No.

Back to Index

INQUIRY RCI-19-02

Subject: Remote Inspections

Edition: 2019, Part 4, 4-2, Part 5, 5-3

Question: Under what conditions may the Authorized Inspector/Repair Inspector perform inspections of boilers and pressure vessels as required in RCI-1, Paragraphs 4-2 & 5-3, remotely when the Authorized Inspector is unable to be physically present at the shop or field site location?

Reply: It is the opinion of the Committee that the Authorized Inspector/Repair Inspector may perform inspections of boilers and pressure vessels remotely when the Authorized Inspector/Repair Inspector is unable to be physically present at the shop or field site location where construction, fabrication or Repairs or Alterations are occurring under the following conditions:

1. The Authorized Inspector/Repair Inspector is prohibited from physically being present at the location due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
2. The inspection event is streamed live via video and two-way audio and the Inspector shall view the live feed of the event in real time.
3. The Authorized Inspector Supervisor/Repair Inspector Supervisor/Technical Manager shall review and accept all requests in which this Inquiry will be used to conduct remote inspection activities as provided for in paragraph d) 4.
4. The Manufacturer/R Stamp Holder:
   1. Shall have the capability to stream live video and audio from the shop or field location.
   2. Shall coordinate with their Authorized Inspection Agency so that the Authorized Inspector/Repair Inspector is available to witness and direct the live stream video of the inspection activity.
   3. Shall facilitate the remote inspection activity. This includes providing access to the video technology and connectivity required to execute the inspection activity in a manner acceptable to the Authorized Inspector/Repair Inspector.
   4. Shall, at the start and conclusion of each inspection event, perform an audio-video recording check to establish the level of quality of the live video and audio feed. The equipment used in the inspection shall be demonstrated to have a minimum resolution capability of 1/32 in. (0.8 mm) and light intensity equivalent to at least 100 fc (1076 lux). The level of quality shall be acceptable to the Authorized Inspector/Repair Inspector and the Authorized Inspector Supervisor/Repair Inspector Supervisor/Technical Manager.
   5. Shall assure that the video and audio can be recalled and viewed upon request.
   6. Shall provide for the Authorized Inspector/Repair Inspector to have access to all documentation needed to evaluate and confirm compliance of the specific inspection activity being performed.
   7. Shall identify the video file with the time, date, location, and the job or work order number, and shall retain the file, without edits or alteration by any means, until the Data Report/ R Form is certified.
   8. The data report/ R form shall be registered with the National Board.
5. The Authorized Inspector/Repair Inspector:
   1. Shall be present for the full duration of the live video inspection activity.
   2. Shall have access to all documentation necessary to evaluate and confirm compliance of the specific inspection activity being performed
   3. Shall have the ability to direct the remote inspection in a manner that the Authorized Inspector/Repair Inspector can be satisfied that the specific inspection activity is in compliance with the applicable ASME Code/ NBIC criteria, and the Certificate Holders documentation.
   4. Shall enter into the Inspector’s Diary, as a minimum:
      1. Type of activity performed.
      2. The name, title, and location of personnel involved in the activity.
      3. The Authorized Inspector Supervisor/Repair Inspector Supervisor/Technical Manager acceptance of use of this Inquiry and the initial demonstration of the equipment used by the Certificate Holder. See paragraph d) 4.
      4. Confirmation that the activity was performed using live videoconference technology and this Inquiry number.

      If the assigned inspector’s diary is not available, then the information shall be recorded in an alternate inspector’s diary. The provisions of which shall be described in the AIA’s Quality Program.

6. The Authorized Inspector Supervisor/Repair Inspector Supervisor/Technical Manager shall include the review of the use of this Inquiry during the annual audit of the Authorized Inspector/Repair Inspector.
7. The Certificate Holder’s Quality Control System policies, procedures, forms, and checklists that were established for use during physical on-site visits shall be followed.
8. This Inquiry number shall be recorded on the inspection form, traveler, or inspection checklist and in the Remarks Section of the Manufacturer’s Data Report or R Form as appropriate.
9. The provisions of this Inquiry will expire October 31, 2020.

Back to Index

INQUIRY RCI-19-01

Subject: Reinstatement of a Commission

Edition: 2019, Part 1, 1-6

Question: Can a person engaged through a contractual arrangement to provide design, construction, manufacturing, repair, quality control, instructing, auditing, nondestructive examination, operation, or inspection of boilers, pressure vessels, or piping or other pressure-retaining items in boiler and pressure vessel industry, be considered in determining qualifying work experience to reinstatement his/her commission/endorsement?

Reply: Yes. Applications for Reinstatements are evaluated by the National Board staff and are subject to the approval by the Executive Director on a case by case basis using the requirements set forth in RCI-1.

Back to Index