ABS provides services to witness to weld procedure qualifications and welder qualification tests to companies needing a verification to ABS Rules or welding standards such as:
- ASME IX
- EN ISO 15614
- AWSD1-1
- EN ISO 9606.
ABS will perform a comparative review of the requirements of the above principle welding codes, not all inclusive, and attends the client’s facilities as required to perform the verification inspection points for the above examinations.
Welding Consumables:
Welding consumables such as welding rods and covered electrodes need to undergo testing to meet ABS requirements for welding in the marine and offshore industries. Filler metals listed in the material manufacturer database are approved based upon tests conducted on each product represented by each manufacturing plant in accordance with standards established by the Bureau or by other recognized agencies.
ABS requirements for the approval of filler metals are contained in the ABS Rules for Materials and Welding (Part 2). These requirements have been established for the approval of filler metals for use in the construction of ships and other weldments and in general reflect the work of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), of which ABS is a member society.
A listing of all companies approved by ABS for welding consumables can be found in the material manufacturer database.
Non-destructive Testing (NDT) and Examination (NDE)
In the marine and offshore markets, one is dealing with environments that are particularly harsh. The welded products and materials need to be more reliable than one would for commercial land-based structures. Quality procedures and trained personnel are essential to operate in this industry.
ABS provides services to review to NDE procedures for verification to ABS Rules and Guides as well as recognizing these types of service companies. See ABS Guide for Nondestructive Inspection of Hull Welds for more information on this topics.