DNV has introduced stricter requirements for companies doing ultrasonic thickness measurements (UTM).
The new requirements will have no direct consequences for shipowners, although from 1 January 2005 all DNV-approved UTM companies will be divided into two categories: Category I and Category II.
The stricter Category I will be for general approval, applicable for firms engaged in measurements of all ship types and sizes, while Category II will list those with restricted approval, applicable for firms engaged in measurements of fishing vessels and non-ESP ships below 500grt.
Those companies that fall under Category I must have at least two operators attending on major assignments, e.g. for measurements taken in connection with renewal and intermediate surveys. This means that no longer will 'one-man' firms be accepted. Sub-contracted operators will need to be supplied by DNV-certified companies and operators will be required to have a full understanding of the English language, in order to comprehend a ship's main hull drawings.
Changes to how measurements are presented will mean that a new, DNV-specific, electronic reporting format will be used and there are now requirements for an electronic copy to be given to the DNV surveyor onboard before the UTM operators leave the ship. A final report is to be forwarded to DNV no later than two weeks after measurements are completed.
Commenting on the stricter requirements, DNV Maritime chief operating officer Tor E. Svensen told Classification News: "The quality of the UTM companies represents one weak point in the safety chain of international shipping."
For a complete list of the updated requirements visit www.dnv.com/maritime/publicationlist/utm.asp
The website contains a UTM Guideline explaining DNV's requirements for measurement patterns, number of measurement points for various parts of the ship's structure. It also contains the electronic reporting format to be used for the UTM reports by Category I companies.