With the posting of new pipeline integrity management regulations in the United States, an increased emphasis has been put on utilizing in-line inspection (ILl) techniques for assessing pipeline systems. While these regulations have greatly impacted the way that pipeline operators implement their maintenance and pipeline integrity programs, little if no attention has been paid to ILl service providers ... their capacity, and the qualifications of their analysis staff. Currently, there are no written, consensus standards pertaining to ILl analyst training, analyst
qualifications, and data QA/QC. This paper outlines some minimum and/or general guidelines that should be considered in order to relay confidence to the pipeline operators and to the regulators that a "best efforts" quality product is being presented by ILl vendors. Additionally,
this paper highlights the needs for a collaborative effort amongst the ILl service providers, the operating companies, and the regulatory agencies to develop these guidelines into standard practices and procedures.