Key takeaways
- Check certificates for the exact method, level, sector and validity, not just the job title.
- Match experience to your code and product: pipelines, pressure equipment or structures need different know-how.
- For offshore work, safety training such as OPITO BOSIET and a valid medical are needed before mobilisation.
- A good manpower supplier sends CVs with certificates up front and replaces people quickly if needed.
A project can have the best procedures and equipment and still fail an audit because one inspector’s certificate expired or did not cover the method used. Hiring NDT and welding personnel, whether directly or through a manpower supplier, needs the same care as selecting materials. Here are seven things to check before anyone signs a report on your project.
1. The right certificate for the right method
An NDT certificate covers one method: UT, RT, MT, PT or VT. Advanced techniques such as PAUT, TOFD and AUT usually need specific training and qualification on top of UT. For welding inspectors, check the scheme and grade, for example CSWIP 3.1 Welding Inspector, and for welding engineers the IWE/EWE diploma. Read what each ISO 9712 level may sign.
2. The right level
Anyone who interprets results and signs reports must be at least Level 2 under ISO 9712. Procedures and new techniques need Level 3 approval. Many projects also require a Level 3 to be available for the contractor, even if not on site full time.
3. The right sector and certification scheme
ISO 9712 certificates list industry sectors, such as welds, castings or forgings. A welds certificate is what most fabrication and pipeline projects need. Check also that the scheme is accepted by the specification: independent certification to ISO 9712, or employer certification to ASNT SNT-TC-1A where allowed.
4. Validity and vision test
Certificates are valid for a limited period and must be renewed on time. The near-vision test must be repeated every year. Ask for copies of both, and put expiry dates in your project tracker so nothing lapses during the job.
5. Experience with your code and product
A PAUT operator experienced in thin-walled process piping will need time on thick offshore nodes, and a welding inspector used to EN 1090 structures must learn the details of ASME or DNV requirements. Ask for CVs that list the codes, materials and project types each person has worked on.
6. Site, safety and offshore requirements
- Offshore: OPITO BOSIET or its equivalent, a valid offshore medical and any client-specific training.
- Onshore sites: site induction, work permits and personal protective equipment.
- Radiography: radiation protection training and compliance with local rules where RT is performed.
- Language and reporting format expected by the client.
7. Mobilisation, continuity and back-up
Ask how fast people can mobilise, how rotations and replacements are handled, and who supervises them technically. A supplier with a pool of qualified personnel can cover sickness, extra shifts and peaks in workload without stopping the job.
Quick checklist
| Check | Evidence to ask for |
|---|---|
| Method and level | ISO 9712 certificate copy |
| Sector and scheme | Certificate scope, specification requirement |
| Validity | Expiry date, annual vision test |
| Inspector or engineer grade | CSWIP, IWE/EWE diploma |
| Relevant experience | CV with codes and projects |
| Site and offshore | BOSIET, medical, inductions |
| Continuity | Mobilisation time, replacement plan |
Practical tip: ask the supplier to send certificates and CVs together with the quotation. It shortens approval by the client and avoids surprises on the first day.
WeldInPro supplies welding engineers, welding inspectors, welders, QC personnel and NDT operators certified to ISO 9712 Level 2 and Level 3 for projects worldwide. See our personnel leasing service. For general guidance on offshore safety training, see OPITO.
Tell us the roles, certificates required, location and duration. We send CVs with certificates.
Frequently asked questions
What is NDT manpower supply?
It is the provision of qualified NDT operators, inspectors and related personnel to a client’s project for a defined period, working under the client’s or contractor’s project organisation.
Is a UT Level 2 certificate enough for PAUT work?
Usually not on its own. Most specifications require additional PAUT training, experience and qualification, and sometimes a practical demonstration on project samples.
How quickly can personnel be mobilised?
It depends on the role, location and site requirements such as offshore training and medicals. Sharing the requirements early is the best way to shorten mobilisation.
