Level 2 Award in Aboveground Storage Tank Inspection (API 653)

Unit 1: Tank Inspection Fundamentals

1. Aboveground Storage Tank Principles : Introduces the purpose, function and principal characteristics of aboveground storage tanks and establishes the basic concepts required for inspection and mechanical-integrity assessment.

2. API 653 Scope and Application : Introduces the purpose and application of API 653 and explains its relationship with in-service tank inspection, maintenance, repair, alteration, relocation and reconstruction.

3. Tank Components and Construction : Identifies the major tank components, including foundations, bottoms, shells, roofs, structures, appurtenances, nozzles, connections and associated equipment.

4. Tank Service and Inspection History : Examines how construction information, service conditions, previous inspections, repairs, alterations and operating history contribute to an effective tank inspection.

5. Inspector Safety and Work Controls : Introduces safe working principles relevant to tank inspection, including controlled access, confined-space considerations, hazardous atmospheres, working at height and site-specific safety procedures.

Unit 2: Inspection Methods and Condition Assessment

1. External Tank Inspection : Develops foundational knowledge of external examination activities used to identify visible deterioration, damage, leakage, distortion, coating defects and other indications affecting tank integrity.

2. Internal Tank Inspection : Introduces the purpose and scope of internal inspection and the examination of tank bottoms, shells, welds, roofs, coatings and internal components.

3. Visual Examination Techniques : Develops systematic observation and recording techniques for identifying corrosion, cracking, deformation, leakage, coating deterioration and mechanical damage.

4. Thickness and Dimensional Measurements : Introduces thickness measurements, dimensional checks, measurement locations, tolerances and the importance of accurate inspection data.

5. Non-Destructive Examination : Provides an introductory understanding of NDE techniques used in tank inspection, including ultrasonic examination, magnetic flux leakage and other applicable methods.

Unit 3: Corrosion, Deterioration and Tank Integrity

1. Corrosion Mechanisms : Introduces common forms and causes of corrosion affecting tank shells, bottoms, roofs, welds and associated components.

2. Shell and Bottom Deterioration : Examines common deterioration patterns affecting shell plates, bottom plates, annular areas and other critical tank components.

3. Roofs, Seals and Appurtenances : Develops awareness of deterioration affecting fixed roofs, floating roofs, seals, fittings, nozzles, vents, ladders and other attached equipment.

4. Tank Foundation Conditions : Introduces foundation deterioration, settlement, drainage problems and other foundation-related conditions that may influence tank integrity.

5. Leakage, Cracking and Mechanical Damage : Examines common indications of leakage, cracking, deformation and mechanical deterioration and explains the importance of timely evaluation and escalation.

Unit 4: Inspection Data, Evaluation and Reporting

1. Inspection Data Collection : Develops systematic approaches to collecting accurate inspection information, measurements, observations, test results and supporting documentation.

2. Basic Thickness Evaluation : Introduces the concepts of measured thickness, minimum required thickness, corrosion allowance and the significance of remaining material thickness.

3. Corrosion Rate and Remaining Life Concepts : Introduces the basic principles used to understand corrosion-rate calculations, inspection intervals and remaining-service considerations.

4. Settlement and Deformation Assessment : Develops foundational awareness of tank settlement, shell distortion, roof deformation and other dimensional conditions requiring technical evaluation.

5. Inspection Reports and Recommendations : Develops the ability to organise inspection findings into clear records and reports that identify observed conditions, inspection methods, deficiencies and recommendations for further technical review.

API's published API 653 examination Body of Knowledge includes inspection practices, thickness and dimensional measurements, corrosion, tank-bottom and foundation evaluation, settlement, suitability for continued service, inspection tools and repair considerations.

Learners completing the qualification should be able to:

• Identify the principal components of aboveground storage tanks.

• Understand the purpose and scope of API 653.

• Recognise common tank deterioration mechanisms.

• Understand external and internal inspection activities.

• Recognise the purpose of thickness measurements and NDE.

• Identify common shell, bottom, roof and foundation problems.

• Understand basic corrosion-rate and remaining-life concepts.

• Recognise settlement and deformation concerns.

• Record inspection observations systematically.

• Understand the information required in an inspection report.

• Recognise situations requiring escalation to appropriately qualified technical personnel.

This qualification is suitable for:

• Entry-level tank inspection personnel

• Mechanical inspection assistants

• Maintenance personnel

• Quality and inspection technicians

• NDT personnel developing tank-inspection knowledge

• Oil and gas industry personnel

• Petrochemical and chemical-industry personnel

• Storage-terminal personnel

• Tank maintenance personnel

• Junior integrity-management personnel

• Individuals seeking foundational knowledge before progressing to advanced API 653 study

Assessment Format: Written knowledge assessment supported by tank-inspection case studies, identification exercises and practical inspection scenarios.

Total Questions: 30

Passing Score: 70%

Duration: 60 minutes

Certification: Successful learners receive the HiQual UK Level 2 Award in Aboveground Storage Tank Inspection (API 653).

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.

Successful learners who achieve the HiQual UK Level 2 Award in Aboveground Storage Tank Inspection (API 653) may progress to:

• Higher-level qualifications in tank inspection, mechanical inspection and asset integrity.

• Specialist study in API 653, API 650, NDT and storage-tank maintenance.

• Qualifications in corrosion control, welding inspection and mechanical integrity.

• Technical roles involving inspection assistance, maintenance support, tank operations and integrity monitoring.

• Advanced professional training leading toward preparation for the API 653 Inspector certification pathway, subject to API's independent eligibility, experience and examination requirements.

API states that its API 653 certification programme establishes a certification route for Aboveground Storage Tank Inspectors and that certification has its own eligibility and examination framework.