I INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE

This following document has been produced by Working Group 2 of

Commission V of the International Institute of Welding and supersedes
previous versions.

1.I Objectives

The objectives of this document are to give technical guidance and

information on non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques suitable for
use underwater on welded steel constructions.

When properly used, modern underwater NDT techniques are

capable of similar performance to comparable onshore NDT
equipment. However, as with all technologies, the quality of the results
depends on appropriate selection and operation of the equipment. It
is accordingly the primary purpose of this document to assist in the
production of high-quality reliable results from underwater inspection
by promoting what might reasonably be considered good practice
at the time of writing ( 1 997).

This document is not a code and neither is it a statutory instrument

with legal power, nor does it seek to lay down minimum standards.
Nonetheless, a vital constituent of any inspection practice is to
accomplish the work with minimal risk to personnel, and it is expected
that organisational schedules and procedures will consider this aspect
in adequate detail. Notwithstanding the various notes in this
document concerned with safety, nothing in this text should be taken
as diminishing or removing the onus placed on the individual to adopt
safe working practices and to take the final responsibility for the
consequences of his own actions.

Furthermore, it is not the intention to produce prescriptive

requirements or in any way to restrict underwater inspection by
prohibiting certain practices or by inhibiting the introduction of new
equipment or techniques. However, where in the opinion of the
Working Group, the use of items of equipment in some configurations
may give rise to undesirable consequences, this will be pointed out.

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1.2 Scope

The document is intended for the external inspection of welded steel

constructions used offshore such as oil and gas platforms, pipelines
and risers, harbour installations, ships' hulls, etc, though the practices
discussed should also be suitable for inspection of cast components
with appropriate modifications to reflect the different metallurgical
properties. Testing of parent material as well as welds is covered.

The document applies not only to methods used manually by divers in

water or in a habitat, but also to remotely-controlled or automated
methods used from submersibles, atmospheric chambers, or
remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs) with inspectors remote from the
work site. Only the commonly used NDT methods are described in
detail, with less-commonly used methods being given more superficial
description.

Since this document is concerned with the external inspection of

welded structures underwater, it will not consider inspection in the
splash zone or above water, and it does not cover inspection inside
pipelines by inspection pigs and suchlike. Similarly, information is not
given on diving or operational aspects of underwater inspection
activities. It must, however, be reiterated that, as a minimum, proper
precautions need to be taken with respect to diver safety and
operation, particularly in relation to electrical hazards, implosion of
equipment, and the risk of water penetration into equipment. In
saturation habitats, attention should also be given to helium
penetration into equipment under high external pressure.

The document does not address pre-inspection planning and

scheduling, or the selection of areas for inspection. Reference should
be made to the appropriate company documentation on these
subjects. In addition, the use of inspection results is not covered. Both
these activities are strongly dependent on a host of factors such as:
construction type and environment, consequences of failure, national
regulations, agreement between vendor and purchaser, etc. The
choice of the most suitable NDT methods for an application is also
dependent on similar factors and only broad guidelines will be given.

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1.3 Further information

Information in the main part of this document may be expanded

upon in the background text given in Appendix A. Reference should
also be made to other IIW documents and to reports such as those
listed in the Bibliography. Particularly recommended are reports
published by the United Kingdom's Marine Technology Directorate
Ltd: 'Underwater inspection of steel offshore installations:
implementation of a new approach; MTD Ltd Publication 89/104.
Publications by the UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) are also a
good source of information for offshore NDT.