ABSTRACT
In-service inspections are conducted routinely to assure the structural and functional integrity of complex systems such as power plants, production facilities, aircraft, telecommunications, ships, oil-drilling platforms, weapons, and space vehicles and stations. Inspections might employ visual, ultrasonic, radiographic, electromagnetic (eddy current), and other techniques to detect and characterize flaws in materials. Signals or cues are obtained from materials examined and operators interpret them (within the inspection context) to assess the condition of the material (Nichols et al. 1987). Since all of these techniques depend on operator proficiency, operator testing can contribute to the effectiveness of in-service inspections and, ultimately, to system performance through:
1. Early identification and selection of personnel who are most likely to benefit from training and experience in the application of inspection techniques and
2. Qualification and/or certification of personnel whose capabilities meet the standards required for specific inspection applications.
