R Stamp Accreditation
What the R Stamp authorizes
The R Certificate of Authorization is issued by The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBI) to organizations that repair or alter boilers and pressure vessels under the National Board Inspection Code (NBIC). It is not a manufacturing stamp and does not authorize new construction. The accredited scope is defined by the work demonstrated during the review and by the organization's quality control (QC) manual.
Path to accreditation
- Build a written QC system that meets NBIC Part 3 and the NBBI R program requirements.
- Apply to NBBI and submit the QC manual for review.
- Complete the accreditation review, where the team examines the manual, records, and a demonstration repair.
- Receive the Certificate of Authorization, then maintain the program and notify NBBI of significant changes.
The certificate is term-limited (typically three years), and renewal requires another review. The organization must have access to a National Board Commissioned Inspector acting as Authorized Inspector (AI) to inspect repairs and sign reports.
Worked example
A shop that builds new tanks wants to move into field repairs of fire-tube boilers. Its ASME U stamp does not cover repairs. It writes WPS/PQRs to ASME Section IX, qualifies welders, arranges NDE, and drafts a QC manual. During the review it performs a tube replacement on a sample boiler; the AI witnesses fit-up, welding, and hydro, and signs the R-1. Only after a successful review does NBBI issue the R stamp for that scope.
Traps
- Assuming an ASME stamp substitutes for the R stamp.
- Treating the certificate as permanent.
- Omitting the AI from the organization chart and authority structure.
- Failing to update the QC manual and notify NBBI when scope or key personnel change.