Certified Inspection Services is a specialized quality assurance and testing firm headquartered in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Established in 1986 as a family-owned and operated enterprise, the company has spent decades developing technical expertise in the field of nondestructive testing (NDT). While the organization supports various industrial sectors, including nuclear power, hydroelectric energy, and construction, it maintains a distinct and heavy operational focus on the maritime and offshore industries. The firm functions as a critical technical partner for shipyards, vessel owners, and marine operators, providing the inspection data necessary to verify the structural integrity and seaworthiness of marine assets.
The company’s operations are deeply integrated into the regulatory framework of the global shipping industry. Certified Inspection Services operates as an approved service supplier for several major members of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). The firm holds specific approvals from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), DNV, Bureau Veritas, and RINA, allowing its technicians to conduct statutory surveys required for vessel classification. Additionally, the company works in conjunction with the United States Coast Guard and the United States Navy, performing inspections that support both commercial compliance and defense readiness. Its mobile teams frequently travel to ports across Washington, Alaska, the wider West Coast, and international locations to service vessels in dry dock or afloat.
Technically, the company concentrates on evaluating the condition of metallic structures without causing damage. A primary competency is ultrasonic thickness measurement, often referred to as audio gauging, which is used to map corrosion and determine steel wastage in hulls, bulkheads, and piping systems. Beyond thickness gauging, the firm utilizes magnetic particle, liquid penetrant, and ultrasonic testing methods to detect surface and subsurface weld defects. The workforce consists of ASNT Level II and Level III technicians and AWS Certified Welding Inspectors who generate detailed reports for maintenance planning and class certification. Whether assessing tugs, barges, cargo ships, or fishing vessels, Certified Inspection Services provides the impartial data required to maintain asset safety and extend operational lifecycles in harsh marine environments.
