DNV-OSS-301 Certification and Verification of Pipelines

The electronic pdf versions of the documents found through http://www.dnv.com/ are the officially binding versions. Copyright Det Norske Veritas.

DNV-OSS-301 Certification and Verification of Pipelines

Sec.1: General

B: Background (Informative)

Sec.1
B. Background (Informative)

Sec.1
B 100 Introduction

Sec.1 B
101 Certification of pipelines has been carried out historically with a variety of scope and depth of involvement by the certifying body, but with the same end result - a certificate. The depth of involvement, or level of certification, has not always been easily detected from the certificate.

Sec.1 B
102 This document outlines different levels of certification involvement to be selected by the owner, which will ensure that the certifier's scope is well defined. Further, by stating this level on the certificate, the recipients of the certificate also will be informed of the scope.

Guidance note:
The purpose of the pipeline system certificate is to confirm that the pipeline, as installed and ready for use, is in a condition that complies with the technical requirements. It does not confirm that the schedule or cost of the project has been according to plan.

Strictly, the certificate covers only the as-installed condition of the pipeline and, hence, the conditions affecting this are of particular interest. However, the certification process requires that all the prior phases are verified and that temporary phases are in accordance with DNV-OS-F101 and have an acceptable risk level.

Further, the certification or verification can be a fully re-active process. This means that only the 'final steps' are verified, without regard to the consequences of e.g. detection of non-compliances or flaws late in the design or production processes. 'Final step' means the final step in which a mistake or flaw affecting the pipeline system as installed, can be detected and rectified.

A more supportive certification or verification is achieved when the verification process is pro-active. Then the certifier takes an active part in contributing to the achievement of the project schedule, budget and optimum quality. Typically, this will be achieved through an early involvement and active feedback into the project based on DNV's extensive pipeline experience. Such early involvement in the design or construction processes may help to ensure that no surprises are encountered at such a late stage that it will seriously affect the cost and / or schedule of the project.

The certification or verification will, in both of the described scenarios, provide a Statement of Compliance at the completion of each of the project's stages. A Certificate of Conformity will be provided when the pipeline is ready for operation only when DNV's scope of work is the certification of the complete pipeline project.

---e-n-d---o-f---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e---

Sec.1
B 200 Justifications for certification

Sec.1 B
201 Some national authorities require certification of pipeline systems and have appointed specific organisations qualified for this work.

Sec.1 B
202 Some of these national authorities may have detailed requirements to the certification activity, while others leave the definition of the necessary work up to the appointed organisation. Other national authorities require specific documents to be verified and approved by them, some hold the Owner responsible for the verification activities and others again may not have any specific requirements.

Guidance note:
The term statutory certification is sometimes used to distinguish certification performed by appointment of a national authority from that performed on the general recognition of the certifier.

---e-n-d---o-f---G-u-i-d-a-n-c-e---n-o-t-e---

Sec.1 B
203 However, even where national authorities do not require certification of pipeline systems, certification is a convenient tool for the owner to get an independent verification of his contractor(s) work or to show financiers, partners, insurers and the public that the pipeline system complies with the relevant standard.

Sec.1 B
204 Certification of pipeline systems has the benefit of providing the owner (and other interested parties) confidence that the:

—	pipeline system has sufficient integrity to fulfil its specified purpose
—	risks to personnel associated with the pipeline system are reduced as low as reasonably practicable.

Sec.1 B
205 Additionally, it is good business practice to subject critical work to a third-party check as this minimises the possibility of errors remaining undetected. Third-party certification will ensure that the verifier has an independent view and perspective when performing this activity. Furthermore, it will avoid the situation where errors could be overlooked by engineers because of their closeness to the work with the pipeline system.

Sec.1 B
206 Certification also can be used as a part of the project risk management. The failure of pipeline systems may expose the owner to:

—	safety risks
—	environmental risks
—	economic risks
—	political risks.

Sec.1 B
207 As certification increases confidence that the pipeline complies with the requirements placed on it by national authorities and the owner, it follows that the risk of failure of the pipeline decreases due to independent certification. Thus, certification contributes to project risk management and reduction.

DNV-OSS-301 Certification and Verification of Pipelines

Sec.1 B. Background (Informative)

Sec.1B 100 Introduction

Sec.1B 200 Justifications for certification

Sec.1
B. Background (Informative)

Sec.1
B 100 Introduction

Sec.1
B 200 Justifications for certification