NBIC - Wisconsin Historical Steam Engine Association

What does the NBIC do?

The National Board Inspection Code (NBIC) helps ensure the safe operation and maintenance of boilers and pressure vessels. It oversees the commissioning of inspectors, repair and alteration work through the “R” Stamp program, boiler manufacturing and registration, and the inspection, testing, and repair of safety relief valves.

Commissioned Inspectors

The National Board commissions qualified inspectors who are authorized to inspect boilers and other pressure-retaining equipment. These inspectors help verify that inspections, repairs, alterations, and required testing are completed in accordance with the applicable codes and jurisdictional requirements.

R Stamp –
Repairs & Alterations

The National Board's “R” Certificate of Authorization is for organizations performing repairs and alterations on boilers, pressure vessels, and other pressure-retaining equipment. An organization must have an approved quality system and an inspection agreement with an Authorized Inspection Agency. Repairs performed under the R program are reviewed and verified by a National Board Commissioned Inspector.

S Stamp –
New Construction

The “S” Stamp is a National Board Certificate of Authorization for companies that manufacture new boilers and other pressure-retaining equipment in accordance with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Companies holding an S Stamp must have an established quality control program and meet strict requirements for materials, fabrication, welding, inspections, testing, and documentation. The certification helps ensure that newly constructed boilers are built to recognized safety standards and are inspected throughout the manufacturing process by an authorized inspector. Once completed, the boiler can be properly documented and registered with the National Board, providing a record of its construction and inspection.

Safety Relief Valves

The NBIC establishes requirements for pressure relief devices, including their installation, inspection, repair, and testing. The National Board administers the “VR” program for organizations that repair pressure relief valves.

How are we involved?

WHSEA plays an important role in representing owners and operators of historical steam equipment in the development and continued improvement of NBIC Supplement 2. Supplement 2 provides inspection requirements and guidelines specifically for historical and hobby boilers, preserved for demonstration and educational purposes.

These guidelines address not only the inspection and safe operation of historical boilers, but also the repair and alteration of these boilers. Because many historical boilers are decades old and were built using materials, designs, and construction methods that differ from modern boilers, Supplement 2 provides guidance for evaluating and repairing them while taking their historical
construction into consideration.

WHSEA representatives work with the National Board and other industry experts to help ensure that the unique needs of the historical steam community are considered when these requirements are developed and updated. This involvement helps provide inspectors, owners, and operators with appropriate guidance for maintaining, repairing, and safely operating historic boilers while preserving these important pieces of steam history.

About The NBIC