API Inspection Jobs

An API In-service Inspector is a highly specialized professional responsible for the safety and reliability of fixed equipment in the oil, gas, and chemical industries. Unlike new construction inspectors, in-service specialists focus on equipment that is already in operation. They utilize the American Petroleum Institute codes to evaluate the current condition of pressure vessels, piping systems, and storage tanks. Their primary goal is to identify damage mechanisms such as corrosion, erosion, and mechanical fatigue before they lead to catastrophic failure.

The core of this discipline is built around three primary certifications. API 510 inspectors focus on pressure vessels. API 570 inspectors manage piping systems. API 653 inspectors handle aboveground storage tanks. These professionals often work during plant turnarounds where they perform internal inspections and coordinate with NDT teams to gather wall thickness and crack detection data. They are responsible for calculating remaining life, determining inspection intervals, and approving repairs or alterations. Their authority is recognized by jurisdictions and insurance providers as the industry standard for mechanical integrity.

Achieving success in this field requires a deep understanding of supplemental codes such as API 571 for damage mechanisms and API 580 for Risk-Based Inspection. Many veteran inspectors strive for the Triple Crown by holding all three primary certifications. This level of expertise allows them to transition between vessel, piping, and tank projects seamlessly. Because these roles carry significant legal and safety responsibilities, certified API inspectors are among the highest-compensated individuals in the asset integrity workforce. They serve as the bridge between engineering requirements and field execution.