DNV’s transparent and fully independent approach to verification, certification, quality surveillance and marine operations will help reduce and manage risk, thereby ensuring a successful project.
A risk-based approach
DNV aims through risk-based verification, to instil confidence in our customers and other stakeholders. Through independent and competent scrutiny, the intent is to confirm that the asset is designed, constructed and/or operated so that:
- It is fit for its intended purpose
- Its level of integrity is as high as reasonably practicable
- The associated risk to health, life, property and environment is as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).
The DNV OSS-301 Certification and Verification of Submarine Pipeline Systems, which describes DNV’s certification and verification services for pipeline systems, was published in October 2000. It is the first, and still only, publicly available detailed description of third-party involvement for pipeline systems. The document gives detailed scope of work for certification and verifications for three different levels, low, medium and high. This will allow the owner to select the degree of certification or verification in compliance with the overall risk objective for the project.
Importance of early involvement
Risk-based verification services should seek to reduce any uncertainty in the field or pipeline development as early as possible. If any weaknesses are revealed, the services should allow for effective management of necessary changes. DNV’s verification experience reinforces the important message of early involvement and the need for in-depth knowledge of the activities required to obtain optimal resource allocation for the verification process.
Quality surveillance and inspection
The level of verification activity is differentiated according to the inherent risk (i.e. consequence) to the pipeline system. During the fabrication and installation phase we support our customers by providing:
- Quality surveillance during pipe manufacturing and coating
- Inspection services and construction supervision through pipeline installation and commissioning.