USA: Divers Institute of Technology Upgrades Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

During the last few years, advances in Non-Destructive Testing technology and methodologies have prompted the maritime industries to enhance their NDT programs. To serve the industry-wide NDT program initiatives, Divers Institute of Technology (DIT) has initiated a three-phase plan that upgrades its Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) curriculum, and will expand the NDT program in 2013 and beyond.

In Phase I a 30-hour module was added to the curriculum, starting in October, to provide training for Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) Levels I and II and Liquid Penetrant Testing (LPT) Level I, to meet or exceed ASNT’s initial training requirements per SNT-TC-1A and CP-189 standards. In addition, the NDT module will address Cathodic Protection Testing and Inspection (CPTI). While meeting ASNT standards, the training will be focused on the needs of the diving and other marine industries, with emphasis on standards and guidelines relevant to underwater inspection of subsea oil infrastructure, ships, port and terminal facilities, bridges, and pipelines. The NDT module is coordinated with the 3-week Topside and Underwater Welding and Burning modules, allowing students to conduct magnetic particle and liquid penetrant inspections of their own welds, with follow-on opportunities to conduct in-water inspections during Hydraulics, Salvage, and Inland Diving modules. DIT is also pursuing options to include opportunities for students to certify as High-Pressure Tank Visual Inspection Program (VIP) inspectors.

In Phase II the NDT program will be expanded to include training for Visual Testing (VT) Level I and Digital Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (Limited Level II), and to offer selected short courses as weekend electives. As with Phase I, the new courses will meet the ASNT standards with emphasis on the requirements of the offshore oil industry and other marine sectors.

After implementation of Phase II, Divers Institute of Technology may elect to further expand the NDT program in a third phase to include Ultrasonic Testing (UT) Levels I and II as stand-alone courses, along with the courses implemented in Phases I and II. Courses for other NDT methods, such as Eddy Current testing, may be implemented based on industry demand.

[mappress]
Press Release, November 09, 2012