Who commissions the Authorized Inspector (AI) for a vessel?

Who commissions the Authorized Inspector (AI) for a vessel?

• A. The vessel owner
• B. The classification society
• C. The operator
• D. The manufacturer

Answer: (A)

The party responsible for appointing the Authorized Inspector is the vessel owner. The owner bears the obligation to ensure the vessel is built and tested in accordance with the ASME Code and to obtain the required inspection and stamping through an AI. The AI, whether an individual or part of an Authorized Inspection Agency recognized for ASME work, is brought in to witness fabrication, perform required nondestructive examinations and hydrostatic tests, and verify that everything meets Code requirements before a certificate of compliance and proper stamping are issued. While a classification society or the operator may be involved in other aspects of vessel oversight or operation, the formal commissioning of the AI to certify ASME compliance rests with the owner. The manufacturer provides the fabrication work, and though they may recommend inspectors, the owner is the one who contracts and appoints the AI.

The party responsible for appointing the Authorized Inspector is the vessel owner. The owner bears the obligation to ensure the vessel is built and tested in accordance with the ASME Code and to obtain the required inspection and stamping through an AI. The AI, whether an individual or part of an Authorized Inspection Agency recognized for ASME work, is brought in to witness fabrication, perform required nondestructive examinations and hydrostatic tests, and verify that everything meets Code requirements before a certificate of compliance and proper stamping are issued. While a classification society or the operator may be involved in other aspects of vessel oversight or operation, the formal commissioning of the AI to certify ASME compliance rests with the owner. The manufacturer provides the fabrication work, and though they may recommend inspectors, the owner is the one who contracts and appoints the AI.