For sailors and ship employees alike, the seas can be treacherous. Even the best laid plans can be completely upended by an unexpected storm. This is precisely why professionals in the maritime sector need to take every precaution possible to prevent damage and avoid risk. Nondestructive testing is one of the best and most thorough inspection methods to fully prepare for the unpredictable nature of the seas.
There are a number of different features of ships that require frequent inspection and maintenance to ensure safety for all maritime technicians. These are both structural and technical.
On the structural end, boats are constantly exposed to elements that can contribute to corrosion. If left unattended, this corrosion will inevitably lead to the degradation of the ship’s structural integrity. Water, fluctuation in temperatures, and daily wear from ship occupants or machinery are all factors that contribute to the gradual damage of a boat. While seals and coatings offer some level of protection, these are treatments, not cures for the effects of water and other moisture. All bolts, planks, and other structural elements must be frequently evaluated for safety and security to keep ships afloat (literally and figuratively). Even the slightest flaw in the ship’s structure can lead to disaster.
Nondestructive testing is a perfect method for verifying the holistic health of a ship’s structure without causing any further damage to materials under inspection. Since any small discontinuity or fissure can lead to serious hazard, heavy scrutiny is crucial for those in the maritime sector.
The need for NDT is also a technical matter. Whether the ships under inspection are for business or pleasure, all of the instruments operated by the ship’s captain are highly sensitive and must be functioning perfectly for the individual mission to be accomplished. All of the gauges, compasses, and valves in a ship are constantly evaluating the ship’s safety and performance. If one of these instruments is not properly functioning, it is possible that the ship could be in danger without the technicians on board being aware that something is wrong.
Thoroughly and safely inspecting these instruments is crucial for the safety of a ship’s every passage. Without these precise methods of inspection, a ship could travel off course, wasting valuable time and money, or the system's failures could result in even greater disaster.
The maritime sector is a vital industry that keeps the world as we know it functional. Whether it is for shipping purposes, vacation, or naval activities, ships require nondestructive testing to maintain integrity.
If you want to learn how you can assist in maintaining these vessels, becoming an expert technician is an excellent career path. It starts with high caliber training at an NDT school like TXNDT. Since the requirements of an NDT technician can change from job to job, the expert instructors at TXNDT ensure that all prospective technicians are qualified to take on whatever their next job throws at them.
From introductory NDT courses to NDT level 3 certification, we take an active approach to educating all of our students and encourage all prospective technicians to take an active role in their own learning.
If you or your staff are looking for ways to expand your skills and broaden your career opportunities through nondestructive testing courses, consider NDT certification. Don’t trust just any NDT school. If you’re looking for a top-tier experience, give us a call today at 281-231-0001 or check out our website for more information.
