RULES

PUBLICATION NO. 3/P

PRINCIPLES FOR EXAMINATION OF WELDERS

2006

Publications P (Additional Rule Requirements) issued by Polski Rejestr Statków

complete or extend the Rules and are mandatory where applicable.

GDAŃSK
 PRS Publication No. 3/P – Principles for Examination of Welders – 2006 is an
extension of the requirements contained in Part IX – Materials and Welding of the Rules
for Classification and Construction of Sea-going Ships.
This Publication was approved by the PRS Board on 3 January 2006 and enters into
force on 23 January 2006.
This Publication replaces its previous edition of 1997.

© Copyright by Polski Rejestr Statków, 2006

PRS/TW, 01/2006

ISBN 83-89895-79-X
 CONTENTS
Page
1 General ..................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Application ........................................................................................................ 5
1.2 Qualification Certificate Validity ...................................................................... 5
1.3 Definitions ......................................................................................................... 6
1.4 Symbols and Abbreviations............................................................................... 7
1.5 Reference Standards for this Publication........................................................... 8
2 General Provisions on Holding Qualification Test of Welders ........................... 9
3 Welder’s Qualification Test ................................................................................... 10
3.1 Admission of Candidates .................................................................................. 10
3.2 Job Knowledge Test ......................................................................................... 12
3.3 Practical Test .................................................................................................... 12
3.4 Test Piece Examination .................................................................................... 14
3.4.1 General Requirements ........................................................................ 14
3.4.2 Non-destructive Examination ............................................................. 15
3.4.3 Destructive Examination .................................................................... 17
3.5 Assessment of Qualification Test Results ........................................................ 18
3.6 Welder’s Qualification Test Certificate Issue ................................................... 19
3.7 Re-tests ............................................................................................................. 19
4 Tests for Prolongation of Welder’s Qualification ................................................ 19
5 Range of Qualification ............................................................................................ 20
5.1 Designation of Welder’s Qualification ............................................................. 20
5.2 Welding Processes ............................................................................................ 22
5.3 Product Type .................................................................................................... 23
5.4 Weld Type ........................................................................................................ 24
5.5 Material Groups ................................................................................................ 25
5.6 Welding Consumables ...................................................................................... 32
5.7 Dimensions ....................................................................................................... 34
5.8 Welding Positions ............................................................................................. 36
5.9 Weld Details ..................................................................................................... 38
Annex 1 ................................................................................................................... 40
Annex 2 ................................................................................................................... 42
1 GENERAL
1.1 Application
1.1.1 This Publication provides a set of rules for systematic qualification tests
of welders and their approval by PRS.
1.1.2 According to PRS Rules, welded structures which are subject to PRS
survey shall be performed by the welders holding valid PRS qualification
certificates.
1.1.3 Welders who have successfully passed qualification tests and obtained
the PRS qualification certificates are approved to perform welding operations
on the following structures and ship and other equipment surveyed by PRS:
– hulls of ships and of other vessels,
– machinery and machinery installations,
– steam boilers and pressure vessels,
– hull equipment,
– piping systems,
– freight containers,
– cargo handling and hoisting devices,
– other essential machinery installations and structures.
1.1.4 Welders are allowed to perform only those welding operations which result
from their current qualification by PRS.
1.1.5 Welder qualification certificates are issued by PRS after examining
welder’s skills and knowledge in accordance with the rules provided in this
Publication.

1.2 Qualification Certificate Validity

1.2.1 Qualification certificate is issued to a welder for a two years’ period

commencing with the date of the practical test. The welder’s qualification is
effective as of the date of the test weld performance.

1.2.2 The Welder’s Qualification Test Certificate is issued valid for a period
of two years. This is providing that the person duly authorised by the employer
to supervise welding operations confirms that the welder has been working within
the initial range of qualification. This shall be confirmed every six months.

1.2.3 The welder’s qualification expires where he has not performed any
welding operations for a period longer than six months.

1.2.4 The welder’s qualification may be withdrawn at the request of PRS

Surveyor who supervises the welding operations where the welder has failed
to comply with the good welding practice or where the welds’ quality has
decreased significantly.

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1.2.5 A welder, whose qualification certificate is no longer valid is unauthorised
to perform the welding operations which are subject to PRS survey.

1.2.6 The duration of the possessed qualification may be extended

for the consecutive 2 years’ period after passing a periodical test. The duration
of the possessed qualification may be extended without having to perform a test
weld, provided that the requirements specified in paragraph 4.5 are fulfilled.

1.2.7 The control of the validity of qualification of the firm’s welders rests with
the persons supervising the welding operations.

1.2.8 The manufacturer is obliged to keep a record of the welders authorised

by PRS. The record shall include:
– welder’s full name,
– national personal identity number,
– welder’s code used for marking the welds performed by him,
– designation of welder’s qualification,
– welder’s qualification expiry date,
– welder qualification certificate number.

1.3 Definitions
C a p p i n g r u n – in multi run welding, the run visible on the weld face after
completion of welding.
C e r a m i c b a c k i n g ( t e m p o r a r y ) – individually shaped ceramic material,
for the purpose of supporting molten weld metal and forming of a face root run.
F i l l i n g r u n – in multi run welding, the run deposited after the root run and
before the capping run.
M e t a l b a c k i n g ( p e r m a n e n t ) – material placed at the reverse side
of a joint preparation for the purpose of supporting molten weld metal.
P a r e n t m a t e r i a l – material from which the element to be welded is made.
Prolongation of welder’s qualification test (periodical
t e s t ) – test carried out to extend the validity of the welder’s qualification already
granted by PRS for the consecutive 2 years’ period.
Q u a l i f i c a t i o n t e s t – test carried out to issue a PRS qualification certificate
to a welder for the first time or to extend the range of qualification already granted
by PRS.
R e v i s i o n t e s t – test carried out at the request of PRS Surveyor to check
the welder’s current skills, e.g. where the quality of the welds performed by him
has decreased significantly.
R o o t r u n – in multi run welding, the run of the first layer deposited in the root.
T e s t p i e c e – welded joint made during the welder test.

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W e l d i n g c o n s u m a b l e – material constituting the weld or which allows
making the weld; it may be e.g. covered electrode, welding rod, wire, flux, gas.
W e l d t h i c k n e s s – thickness of weld the excluding any reinforcement without;
for butt welds it is equal to the welded material thickness, whereas for fillet welds it
is equal to the minimum height of the triangle inscribed into the weld cross section.
1.4 Symbols and Abbreviations
The symbols and abbreviations used below comply with standard
PN-EN 287-1:2005.
1.4.1 Test Piece
a design throat thickness,
b gap,
BW butt weld,
D outside pipe diameter,
FW fillet weld,
l length of test piece,
P plate,
ReH yield strength,
s1 weld metal thickness for welding process 1,
s2 weld metal thickness for welding process 2,
t material thickness of test piece (plate or wall thickness),
t1 material thickness of test piece for welding process 1,
t2 material thickness of test piece for welding process 2,
T pipe.
1.4.2 Consumables
nm no filler metal,
A acid covering,
B basic covering or electrode core – basic,
C cellulosic covering,
M electrode core – metal powder,
P electrode core – rutile, fast freezing slag,
R rutile covering or electrode core – rutile, slow freezing slag,
RA rutile-acid covering,
RB rutile-basic covering,
RC rutile-cellulosic covering,
RR rutile-thick covering,
S solid wire/rod,
V electrode core – rutile or basic / fluoride,
W electrode core – basic/fluoride, slow freezing slag,
Y electrode core – basic/fluoride, fast freezing slag,
Z electrode core – other types.

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1.4.3 Weld Details
bs welding from both sides (butt welds),
lw leftward welding (process 311),
mb welding with backing (butt welds),
ml mutli run (fillet welds),
nb welding without backing (butt welds),
rw rightward welding (process 311),
sl single run (fillet welds),
ss single-side welding (butt welds).
1.4.4 Bend Tests
A minimum tensile elongation required by the material specification,
d diameter of the former or the inner roller,
ts thickness of the bend test specimen.
1.5 Reference Standards for this Publication
PN-EN 287-1:2005 (U) – Qualification test of welders. Fusion welding. Part 1:
Steels
PN-EN 439:1999 – Welding consumable – Shielding gases for arc welding
and cutting
PN-EN 473:2002 – Non destructive testing. Qualification and certification
of NDT personnel – General principles
PN-EN 910:1999 – Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials. Bend
tests
PN-EN 970:1999 – Non destructive examination of fusion welds. Visual
examination
PN-EN 1320:1999 – Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials.
Fracture test
PN-EN 1321:2000 – Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials.
Macroscopic and microscopic examination of welds
PN-EN 1435:2001 – Non destructive examination of welds. Radiographic
examination of welded joints
PN-EN 1712:2001 – Non destructive examination of welds. Ultrasonic
examination of welded joints. Acceptance levels
PN-EN 1714:2002 – Non destructive examination of welds. Ultrasonic
examination of welded joints
PN-EN ISO 4063:2002 – Welding and allied processes. Nomenclature of
processes and reference numbers
PN-EN ISO 5817:2005 (U) – Welding. Fusion-welded joints in steel, nickel,
titanium and their alloys (beam welding excluded).
Quality levels for imperfections.
PN-EN ISO 6520-1:2002 – Welding and allied processes. Classification
of geometric imperfections in metallic materials.
Part 1: Fusion welding

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PN-EN ISO 6947:1999 – Welds. Working positions. Definitions of angles
of slope and rotation
PN-EN ISO 9606-2:2005 (U) – Qualification test of welders. Fusion welding.
Part 2: Aluminium and aluminium alloys.
PN-EN 12062:2000 – Non-destructive examination of welds. General
rules for metallic materials
PN-EN 12517:2001 – Non-destructive examination of welds.
Radiographic examination of welded joints.
Acceptance levels
PN-CR ISO 15608:2002 (U) – Guidelines for a metallic material grouping
system
PN-EN 30042:1998 – Arc-welded joints in aluminium and its weldable
alloys. Guidance on quality levels for imperfections

2 GENERAL PROVISIONS ON HOLDING QUALIFICATION TEST OF

WELDERS
2.1 Testing of welders to be qualified by PRS shall be carried out in the presence
of PRS Surveyor conducting the direct survey of the test.
2.2 The Examining Body shall consist of a welding operations’ supervisor
of the firm holding the test and a person duly qualified to perform visual testing of
fusion welds.
2.3 The firm holding a test shall request direct supervision of the test from the
nearest PRS Branch Office or Survey Station. The list of welders together with
their application forms as shown in Annex 2 shall be enclosed to this order.
2.4 If the type of welding operations is beyond the scope covered by this
Publication, then test scope shall be subject to PRS acceptance in order to reflect
the type of welding operations.
2.5 Elementary and qualification training courses shall be confirmed
by appropriate entries in the Welder’s Book, and the hand-on experience in welding
shall be certified.
2.6 The firm holding a test takes responsibility for providing such practical test
conditions, which allow PRS Surveyor to monitor the test welding processes
carried out by individual welders.

2.7 PRS Surveyor participates in the job knowledge test and directly supervises
the practical test.

2.8 Examination of the test welds shall be performed by the laboratories

approved by PRS.

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2.9 The welder’s test for PRS qualification certificate neither is an examination
in occupational safety and fire protection nor substitutes it.

3 WELDER’S QUALIFICATION TEST

Welder’s qualification test is carried out to issue a PRS qualification certificate
to a welder for the first time or to extend the range of qualification already granted
by PRS.

3.1 Admission of Candidates

3.1.1 The condition for admission to the qualification test in metal-arc welding
with covered electrode (process 111) is fulfilment of all the three conditions
specified below:
.1 completion of the elementary training course in a particular welding
process,
.2 completion of the qualification training course in welding using
that process for a particular group or sub-group of parent materials,
.3 minimum six months’ hand-on experience in using this process for welding
of the group or sub-group of parent materials which are intended
to be welded during the qualification test.

3.1.2 The condition for admission of a welder to the qualification test in the
scope of each of the below listed processes of arc welding with
– metal-arc inert gas welding (131),
– metal-arc active gas welding (135),
– flux-cored wire metal-arc welding with active gas shield (136),
– flux-cored wire metal-arc welding with inert gas shield (137),
is fulfilment of all the three following conditions:
.1 completion of the elementary training course in the scope of one of these
welding processes,
.2 minimum six months’ hand-on experience in using this process for welding
of the particular group or sub-group of parent materials,
.3 completion of the qualification training course in using the process intended
to be the test subject for welding of the particular group or sub-group of
parent materials.

3.1.3 Only a welder who fulfils the requirements specified in paragraph 3.1.2
and has also completed the relevant qualification training course may be admitted
to the qualification test in the scope of single-side welding with temporary backing,
i.e. ceramic backing.

3.1.4 The condition for admission of a welder to the qualification test tungsten
inert gas arc welding (process 141) is:
– completion of the elementary training course in the scope of one of the
following welding processes: 111, 311, 141,
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– minimum six months’ hand-on experience in using this process for welding
of the particular group or sub-group of parent materials,
– completion of the qualification training course in using process 141 for welding
of the particular group or sub-group of parent materials.

3.1.5 The condition for admission of a welder to the qualification test in the
scope of submerged arc welding with one wire (process 121) is:
– possession of the valid PRS qualification for using one of the processes for arc
welding of the particular group or sub-group of parent materials,
– completion of the training course in welding process 121,
– minimum three months’ hand-on experience in welding process 121
of the particular group or sub-group of parent materials.

3.1.6 The condition for admission of a welder to the qualification test in the
scope of oxy-acetylene welding (process 311), only for steel pipes of the maximum
outside diameter of 100 mm made from the materials within sub-group 1.1 is:
– completion of the elementary training course in welding process 311,
– completion of the qualification training course in using this process for welding
of pipes,
– minimum one-year hand-on experience in using this process for welding
of pipes.

3.1.7 Completion of the training courses shall be confirmed by appropriate

entries in the Welder’s Book and the hand-on experience in welding shall be
certified.

3.1.8 Upon PRS Head Office consent, the requirement concerning the duration
of the welder’s hand-on experience may be dispensed with to allow admission
of welders to the qualification test in the scope of welding the parent materials
within sub-groups 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, on condition that the scope of job knowledge
component of the training course has been extended to cover the welding
procedures applied in the particular firm, and the course attendant has undergone
practical training comprising a minimum of 300 hours.

3.1.9 The condition for admission of a welder to the qualification test intended
to extend the scope of the possessed qualification is completion of the qualification
training course in the scope of welding process, product type and material groups
subject to the intended extension of the range of qualification.

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3.2 Job Knowledge Test
3.2.1 Job knowledge test is required within each qualification test regardless
of its type.
3.2.2 Job knowledge test shall be limited to the check of the welder’s knowledge
of the essential problems related to the welding process used during the test to
allow the use of correct welding procedure and skilful operation of the welding
equipment.
3.2.3 Job knowledge test shall comprise:
– identification of the range of qualification based on the successfully passed
qualification test,
– properties and identification method of parent materials within the material
groups or sub-groups of the test pieces,
– properties and identification method of parent materials within the material
groups or sub-groups within the range of the qualification certificate to be
issued,
– characteristic features of the welding process comprised by the qualification test,
– properties and identification method of welding consumables used for the
particular welding process,
– principles for edge preparation for welding and pre-welding assembly rules,
– principles for selection of proper welding parameters,
– principles for pre-heating and its control,
– proper interpass temperatures and their control,
– weld imperfections and their causes,
– method of repair of the welds below the acceptance level.
3.2.4 The form of job knowledge test is subject to acceptance by PRS Surveyor
supervising the test. The job knowledge test result shall be stated as ‘accepted’ or
‘not accepted’.
3.2.5 The results of all testing shall be documented. Where there is a written job
knowledge test, the candidates’ test sheets shall be enclosed to the test record.
3.3 Practical Test
3.3.1 During the practical test the welder shall perform the test weld to prove
the skill necessary to obtain a relevant qualification certificate.
3.3.2 Practical test shall be so prepared by the examination holding firm and
the welding stands so arranged as to allow PRS Surveyor supervising
the examination to monitor the process of test welds’ performance. Welding
of the test pieces shall be carried out in places designated for that purpose or
directly on the welding work-stand. The welding and auxiliary equipment of the
welding stand shall allow the welder to control the welding process and fulfilment
of all the requirements specified in Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) for the
test weld.

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3.3.3 On the practical test welding stand there shall be Welding Procedure
Specification (WPS). The Specification shall contain basic particulars
for the process of welding the test weld during the test. Preparation of the edges
shall meet the standard relevant to the particular process. Dimensions (thickness,
diameter) of the parent material used for welding of the test piece shall be similar
to those which the welder is intended to perform in the industrial operation.
The instructions specified in the WPS shall comply with the welding procedure
for the particular group or sub-group of parent materials and shall take into account
thickness of the welded materials.

3.3.4 Parent materials and welding consumables used during the test shall be
properly selected for the applied examination programme and their grade and
quality shall be certified. Welding consumables approved by PRS are
recommended for the use during tests.

3.3.5 Test pieces of higher-strength hull steel (ReH ≥ 355 MPa) plates of
minimum 8 mm in thickness shall be made in qualification tests for welders of sea-
going ships’ hulls.

3.3.6 Tack welding of the test piece shall be performed by a welder. Welding
consumables used for tack welding shall be the same as for actual welding. Other
consumables are permitted on condition that it is provided by the WPS for the test
piece welding process. Preparation of edges and gap shall comply with WPS,
whereas the prestrain of the tack-welded parts shall be assumed by the welder
at his own discretion.

3.3.7 Each test piece shall be identified with a durable mark, for instance
in the top right corner. The mark shall allow doubtless identification of the welder
performing the test piece, as well as the welding process and position.

3.3.8 PRS Surveyor marks the test piece in two places with PRS stamp after
the compliance of the tack-welded piece with the test scope has been checked.
In those places marked with PRS stamp, the candidate shall stop and restart
welding to perform the root run or weld face layer.

3.3.9 The test piece shall be performed in the presence of PRS Surveyor
supervising the examination.

3.3.10 The procedure of welding the test piece shall comply with the Welding
Procedure Specification (WPS), which shall be available at the practical test
welding stand. The welding time for the test piece shall correspond to the working
under usual production conditions. Any post-weld heat treatment required
in the WPS may be omitted unless bend tests are required.

3.3.11 The test piece with the weld applied on both sides shall be performed
entirely in the same welding position.

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3.3.12 Replacement of the initiated test piece into a new one is possible only
where PRS Surveyor supervising the examination finds that some independent
of the welder problems have occured and the consequential defects are impossible
to be repaired without worsening the quality of the test piece.

3.3.13 The welder may, only with the permission of PRS Surveyor supervising
the examination, remove minor imperfections by grinding, except on the surfaces
after finishing the weld. No correction on weld surfaces is allowed which applies
to both the weld face and root.

3.3.14 PRS Surveyor may stop the test if the welding conditions are incorrect
or if it appears that the welder does not have the skill to fulfil the requirements.

3.4 Test Piece Examination

3.4.1 General Requirements

3.4.1.1 Prior to any testing all slag and spatters shall be removed carefully
and the weld profile and dimensions shall be checked. No grinding on the root
and the face side of the weld is permitted. Stop and re-start of the welding process
to make the weld root and face shall be explicitly identified and marked with PRS
stamp.

3.4.1.2 Each test piece shall be so marked as to unambiguously indentify:

the welder, welding process and welding position. Each test piece examination
length cut off the test piece for destructive testing shall be so marked and stamped
with PRS stamp.

3.4.1.3 Examination of the test pieces shall be carried out by the laboratories
having a valid PRS approval certificate authorising to run such tests.

3.4.1.4 The results of all testing shall be documented. The reports of the test
piece examination shall contain identification marks of such a piece.

3.4.1.5 The test methods to be used for examination of the test piece consisting
of either plates or pipes as well as the scope of such examination with regard
to the weld type of the test piece are specified in Table 3.4.1.5.

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 Table 3.4.1.5
Test methods
Butt weld Fillet weld
Test method
BW FW
Visual testing (VT)
100% of weld
in accordance with standard 100% of weld length
length
PN-EN 970
Radiographic testing (RT)
in accordance with standard 100% of weld length 1) not required
PN-EN 1435
transverse bend test2),3),4)
2 specimens from test piece of steel plates;
Bend test in accordance with
4 specimens from test piece of plates not required
standard PN-EN 910
of Al and Al alloy;
4 specimens from test piece of all pipes
Fracture test in accordance 100% of weld
not required
with standard PN-EN 1320 length 5)
Macroscopic examination in
accordance with standard 2 specimens 6) 2 specimens 6)
PN-EN 1321
1)
For material thickness t ≥ 8 mm, the radiographic testing may be replaced with ultrasonic testing
in accordance with standard PN-EN 1714.
2)
In each case the same number of specimens for weld root tensile test and weld face tensile test.
For material thickness t ≥ 12, the transverse bend test may be replaced with the side bend test.
3)
For outside pipe diameter D ≤ 25 mm, the bend or fracture tests may be replaced with a notched
tensile test of the complete test piece with 4 holes of 4.5 mm in diameter made in the weld (every
90°), for pipe wall thickness t ≥ 1.8 mm, whereas for thinner materials the hole diameter shall be
3.5 mm.
4)
For periodical qualification tests paragraph 4.4 shall be taken into account.
5)
The fracture test may be replaced with macroscopic examination in accordance with standard
PN-EN 1321 using minimum 2 test specimens.
6)
Required only for test pieces performed using welding process 121.

3.4.2 Non-destructive Examination

3.4.2.1 Visual Testing

3.4.2.1.1 Each test piece shall be subjected to visual testing (VT):

– after the root run of the butt weld has been performed in a test piece,
– after completion of a test piece.

3.4.2.1.2 Visual testing and its recording shall comply with the guidelines
contained in standard PN-EN 970:

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3.4.2.1.3 The quality level of the test pieces shall be assessed in accordance
with standards: PN-EN ISO 5817 – for steel test pieces and PN-EN 30042 – for test
pieces of Al or Al alloys.
3.4.2.1.4 Surface imperfections of a test piece shall be within quality level B,
except for such types of imperfections as:
– excess butt weld metal (502),
– excess fillet weld metal (503),
– excess throat of the fillet weld (5214),
– excessive penetration (504)
for which level C is permitted. The reference numbers in brackets are in accordance
with standard PN-EN ISO 6520-1.
3.4.2.2 Radiographic and Ultrasonic Testing
3.4.2.2.1 If the butt weld is accepted by visual examination, radiographic testing
(RT) shall be carried out. Radiographic testing may be replaced with ultrasonic
testing (UT) where the test piece material thickness is 8 mm or more.
3.4.2.2.2 Radiographic testing shall be performed in accordance with standard
PN-EN 1435. The level of imperfections detected in the test pieces shall
correspond to acceptance level 1 in accordance with standard PN-EN 12517.
3.4.2.2.3 Ultrasonic testing shall be performed in accordance with PN-EN 1714.
The acceptance level for imperfections detected in the test pieces during
the ultrasonic testing shall correspond to acceptance level 2 in accordance
with standard PN-EN 1712.
3.4.2.2.4 The reports of the test pieces’ radiographic or ultrasonic testing shall
contain acceptance levels for imperfections indicated using those methods.
3.4.2.2.5 The correlation between the acceptance levels of the different
non-destructive testing techniques used for the test pieces and the quality levels are
specified in standard PN-EN 12062.
3.4.2.2.6 Where radiographic or ultrasonic testing is impossible, the fracture tests
of test pieces for butt welds are permitted by way of exception. Specimens
for fracture tests shall be so taken from the test pieces that the whole length
of the test pieces is comprised.
3.4.2.2.7 Performance and records of the fracture tests shall fulfil
the requirements specified in standard PN-EN 1320. Fracture in the whole weld
length shall be visually tested. The test result is considered positive where
the internal imperfections of the test piece are within quality level B in accordance
with standards PN-EN ISO 5817 – for steel test pieces and PN-EN 30042 – for test
pieces of Al or Al alloys.

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3.4.3 Destructive Examination

3.4.3.1 Bend Test

3.4.3.1.1 From a test piece for butt welds, which has been accepted as a result
of non-destructive testing, specimens for transverse bend test shall be taken
to the numbers of: two specimens from test pieces for a butt weld in steel plates,
and four specimens from other test pieces. Before the bend test, the weld shape
and location are required to be determined, therefore the specimens’ surface shall
be slightly etched. Root bend test and face bend test shall be performed on the same
number of specimens.

3.4.3.1.2 For a test piece made of the material with t > 12mm in thickness
the transverse bend test may be replaced with the side bend test on the same
number of specimens. In that case test specimens shall be taken from evenly spaced
places and one specimen shall be taken from the place where the welding process
was stopped and continued.

3.4.3.1.3 Preparation of all specimens and recording the test results shall fulfil
the requirements specified in standard PN-EN 910.

3.4.3.1.4 Diameter d of the bending mandrel used for the bend test depends on
the relative elongation A of the test piece parent material and on the bend test
specimen thickness ts. Where A ≥ 20%, the mandrel of d = 4t in diameter shall be
used; where A < 20%, the mandrel diameter shall be calculated using the following
formula:
100 × ts
d= − ts
A
The bending angle is 180º for all specimens.

3.4.3.1.5 The bend test result is accepted where no cracks of the length
≥ 3 mm are found on the stretched side after bending of the specimen by 180º.
Cracks near the specimen edges may be neglected unless they are due to the test
piece defect.

3.4.3.1.6 Each specimen which failed the test shall be replaced by the double
number of additional specimens. The result obtained from the bend test of
additional specimens is final.

3.4.3.2 Fracture Test

3.4.3.2.1 Each test piece for fillet welds shall be subjected to fracture test.
Where the fracture test conditions do not allow to break the test piece in the whole
length, then the specimens for the fracture test shall be so taken from the test pieces
that the whole length of the test piece is comprised.

17
3.4.3.2.2 Performance and reports of the test shall fulfil the requirements
specified in standard PN-EN 1320. Fracture in the whole length of the test piece
weld shall be visually tested. The fracture shall be assessed by the person qualified
to perform visual testing of welded joints.

3.4.3.2.3 Fracture test piece for fillet welds may be replaced with macroscopic
examination. At least two test specimens shall be taken; one specimen shall be
taken from the place where the welding process was stopped and continued.

3.4.3.2.4 Results of those both tests are accepted where the internal
imperfections of the fracture or macrosections of the test piece are within quality
level B in accordance with standards PN-EN ISO 5817 – for steel test pieces and
PN-EN 30042 – for test pieces of Al or Al alloys.

3.4.3.3 Macroscopic Examination

3.4.3.3.1 From a submerged arc welded with single wire (process 121) test piece
for butt or fillet welds, there shall always be taken two additional test specimens
for macroscopic examination.

3.4.3.3.2 Test specimens shall be taken and also macroscopic examination

results shall be recorded in accordance with the requirements specified in standard
PN-EN 1321.

3.4.3.3.3 The macroscopic result is accepted, where the internal imperfections

of the test piece are within quality level B in accordance with standards PN-EN ISO
5817 – for steel test pieces and PN-EN 30042 – for test pieces of Al or Al alloys.

3.5 Assessment of Qualification Test Results

3.5.1 The overall result of the qualification test is considered a pass where
the results for the job knowledge test and all required testing of the test pieces are
accepted.

3.5.2 The results of all tests and other decisions shall be documented
in the collective record.

3.5.3 A complete set of documents of the qualification test carried out shall
include:
– application forms,
– welding procedure specifications (WPS) for the test pieces,
– copies of certificates for both parent materials and welding consumables used
for the qualification test,
– records of all carried out testing of the test pieces,
– collective record.

18
3.6 Welder’s Qualification Test Certificate Issue
3.6.1 Welder’s qualification test certificate may be issued by PRS only where
the candidate welder’s both skills and job knowledge within the test scope have
been accepted.
3.6.2 In general, for each test piece a separate Welder’s qualification test
certificate shall be issued. If more than one piece is welded, a single Welder’s
qualification test certificate can be issued that combines the ranges of qualification
of the individual pieces. Only one of the following essential variables is permitted
to be changed:
– type of weld,
– welding position,
– material dimension – material thickness for plates, and wall thickness and
outside diameter for pipes.
3.7 Re-tests
3.7.1 If the practical test fails to comply with the requirements of this
Publication, the welder shall be given an opportunity to repeat the qualification test,
however no sooner than in one month and no later than in six months.
3.7.2 Where the welder fails the job knowledge test, he may be given
an opportunity to repeat the job knowledge test no sooner than in 14 days,
on condition that he has successfully passed the practical test.
3.7.3 Where the welder fails both the job knowledge test and the practical test,
he may given an opportunity to repeat the test after completion of another
qualification training course confirmed by the training unit.
4 TESTS FOR PROLONGATION OF WELDER’S QUALIFICATION
4.1 Periodical tests are held to extend the period of validity of the possessed
welder’s qualification.
4.2 Periodical welder’s qualification tests are held in accordance with the general
principles applicable to welder’s qualification tests specified in Chapter 3.
4.3 Where the candidate welder has been qualified by PRS to make joints with
butt and fillet welds, the test piece with only butt welds is permitted to be made.
4.4 In the periodical tests to extend the validity of welder’s qualification
for metal-arc welding of the materials of groups 1.1, 1.2, and 1.4 with covered
electrode (process 111); tungsten inert gas shielded solid wire (141); flux-cored
wire metal-arc welding with active or inert gas shield (excluding metal core wire)
(processes 136 and 137) or submerged arc welding with single wire (process 121)
the bend test of test pieces with butt welds may be dispensed with where the results
of visual testing as well as radiographic testing or ultrasonic testing are positive.

19
4.5 At the request of the person supervising the firm welding operations,
a welder employed by the firm may be exempted from making the test pieces
in the periodical test, provided that the defective percentage of welds made by him
within the scope of particular qualification validity was within 10% over the period
of such qualification. To the request the following items shall be enclosed:
– records of acceptance of welding operations confirming good quality of the
welds made by the welder over the period of such qualification validity. All
entries and records constituting the basis for extension of the qualification shall
allow for identification of the welder and the welding procedure used (WPS).
– records of non-destructive (radiographic or ultrasonic) as well as destructive
testing (fracture tests, bend tests, etc.), where applied, concerning minimum two
test pieces by the particular welder over the recent 6 months of the qualification
validity. Only those pieces which were made in the conditions corresponding to
those of the qualification test for prolongation of the welder’s qualification
(welding process, intermediate product type, weld type, material group, filler
metal, welding position, weld details) shall be taken into account. The welded
material thickness (t) or pipe diameter (D) shall be within the range
of the prolonged qualification.

5 RANGE OF QUALIFICATION

5.1 Designation of Welder’s Qualification

5.1.1 Designation of welder’s qualification in Welder’s qualification test

certificate is a conventional record of the practical test held. It constitutes a set
of symbols (elements) defining the conditions of making a test piece. It complies
with the standard quoted at the beginning of that record. The designation of welder
qualification is specified in one line, for which the sequence of particular elements
of such a designation and their meaning are specified in Table 5.1.1-1. The
designation examples are given in Table 5.1.1-2.
5.1.2 There is a uniform pattern of the sequence of records of the qualification
designation for all types of qualification tests. The particulars concerning
the specific elements of a designation are given in the subsequent paragraphs
of this Chapter.

5.1.3 As a rule, a welder is qualified not only to make welds within the range
of the used welding conditions and test pieces defined by the qualification
designation, but also to make welds in the conditions considered to be easier.

5.1.4 The principles for definition of the range of qualification resulting from
the particular components of the designation are specified in the subsequent
paragraphs of this Chapter.

20
 Table 5.1.1-1
Qualification designation
Successive
position of
element in
Successive elements of designation and their meaning
designation of
welder’s
qualification
1 2
Number of reference standard for the welder’s qualification test: EN 287-1 – for
1
steel, and EN ISO 9606-2 – for aluminium and its alloys
Three digital characters for the welding process used for the test piece in
accordance with Table 5.2.1, e.g. 111, however, where two processes were used
2
for the butt weld of a test piece, e.g. for the root run: 141, and for the filling run:
111, designation of both processes is indicated as 141/111 – see Table 5.2.3.
3 Capital letter indicating the test piece type: P – plate, T – pipe.
Two capital letters indicating the test piece weld type: BW – butt weld,
4
FW – fillet weld.
Digital character indicating the group or sub-group of the parent material used for
5 the test piece in accordance with standard PN-CR ISO 15608, as shown in Table
5.5.1-1 – for steel, and in Table 5.5.2-1 – for aluminium and its alloys.
Letter characters indicating a welding consumable used for the test piece:
nm – test piece made without a consumable,
S – solid wire/rod,
one or two capital letters – indicating the type of electrode coating of a covered
6
electrode or powder type for flux-cored wires, – see Table 5.6.1-1.
If two different welding processes, e.g. 141/111, were used for the test piece with
butt weld, then the designation of the consumables for both processes shall be S/B
where electrodes with basic covering were used.
Designation of parent material thickness consisting of small letter t and
the number indicating the parent material thickness in accordance with the
material approval certificate.
7 If two different welding processes were used for the test piece with butt welds,
then the parent material thickness designation is followed by the thicknesses
(given in brackets) of the welds made using the particular processes,
e.g. t 20 (5/15), – see Table 5.2.3.
Where pipe T was used for the test piece, the designation of the pipe outside
8 diameter consists of capital letter D and the number indicating the magnitude of
outside diameter of the welded pipe in accordance with the approval certificate.
Designation of the test piece welding in accordance with standard
PN-EN ISO 6947 specified in Table 5.8.1. This usually consists of two capital
9 letters, the first of which is P, indicating the test piece welding position. If
a welder makes two identical test pieces which differ in welding positions only,
then both positions are indicated: e.g. PF PC.
Letter designation indicating the test piece welding details are given
in Tables 5.9.1, 5.9.2, and 5.9.3;
10 for butt welds BW one of the following: ss nb, ss mb, bs, bs mb;
for fillet welds FW one of the following: sl, ml;
for oxy-acetylene welding (311) additionally: lw, rw.

21
 Table 5.1.1-2
Qualification designation examples
Welding Pipe
Welding Product Weld Material Material Welding
Standard consumab outside Weld details
process type type group thickness position
le(s) diameter
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
EN 287-1 111 T BW 1.2 B t10 D60 PA ss nb
EN 287-1 141/111 T BW 1.1 S/B t20(5/15) D60 H-L045 ss nb/ss mb
EN 287-1 141 T BW 1.1 S t5 D60 H-L045 ss nb
EN 287-1 111 T BW 1.1 B t15 D60 H-L045 ss mb
EN 287-1 136 P FW 1.2 B t12 PE ml
EN 287-1 136 P BW 1.1 R t10 PC ss mb
EN ISO
131 P FW 22 S t6 PF ml
9606-2

5.2 Welding Processes

5.2.1 Digital character designations of the most common welding processes are
given in Table 5.2.1

Table 5.2.1
Welding processes
Process designation
Welding process according to
PN-EN ISO 4063
1 2

Metal-arc welding with covered electrode 111

Flux-cored wire metal-arc welding without gas shield 114
Metal-arc inert gas welding (MIG) 131
Metal-arc active gas welding (MAG) 135
Flux-cored wire metal-arc welding with active gas shield (MAG) 136
Flux-cored wire metal-arc welding with inert gas shield (MIG) 137
Tungsten inert gas arc welding (TIG) 141
Submerged arc welding, single wire 121
Plasma-arc welding 15
Gas welding (oxy-acetylene welding)1) 311
1)
Only pipes with a diameter D ≤ 100 mm of the materials of sub-group 1.1 according
to Table 5.5.1-1 are permitted by PRS to be welded.

5.2.2 Each qualification test normally qualifies only one welding process.
A change to the welding process requires a new qualification test.
The qualification test held for process 136 with metal core wire (M) qualifies
the welder for this process and also for welding process 135, i.e. with solid wire (S).

22
5.2.3 It is permitted for a welder to be qualified for two or more welding
processes by welding a single test piece (multi process joint) or by two or more
separate qualification tests. Thus, if qualification for single-side butt welding,
where the weld root is made using tungsten inert gas arc welding (process 141) and
the weld is filled by metal-arc welding with covered electrode (process 111) is
required, the welder may be qualified in accordance with either pattern. Table 5.2.3
contains an example of a multi process joint.
Table 5.2.3
Multi process joints for butt welds BW
Material thickness and weld thicknesses
Multi process test piece for butt welds to determine joint thickness t for Table 5.7.1
Multi process joint Single process joint

for welding process 1/2: for welding process 1

e.g. 141:
t = s1 + s2 t = s1
for welding process 2
e.g. 111.
t = s2
Key
s1 – thickness of butt weld BW made using Exemplary designation Exemplary designation
welding process 1, e.g. 141, for single- of qualification test of qualification range
side welding without backing is scope: for each welding
described: ss nb, welding process process used based
s2 – thickness of butt weld BW made using 141/111 on the test piece
welding process 2, e.g. 111, the weld weld thickness thicknesses
made using process 1 constitutes a steel t 20 (5/15) process 141
backing for the weld made using process material thickness:
2. The weld made using process 2 is a 3÷10mm
single-side weld made with steel backing process 111
described: ss mb. material thickness:
t – material thickness ≥ 5mm

5.3 Product Type

5.3.1 The qualification test shall be carried out on plate or pipe, designated:
P – plate,
T – pipe.
The range of qualification based on the test piece product type is given
in Table 5.3.1.

23
 Table 5.3.1
Range of qualification for test piece product type
Range of qualification for product types
Test piece product type pipe T
plate P
D ≤ 50 mm D ≥ 150 mm D > 500 mm
X
plate P X – only for welding X
positions
PA, PB, PC

X
D ≤ 25 mm – – –
from D up to 2 × D
pipe T
X
D > 25 mm X ≥ 25mm or ≥0.5D
whichever is greater

5.3.2 Making a test piece of plates qualifies the welder for welding pipes
of outside diameter D:
– D ≥ 150 mm only in welding positions PA, PB, PC, provided they result from
the test piece welding position,
– D ≥ 500 mm in welding positions resulting from the test piece welding position.

5.3.3 Making a test piece from tubes of D ≤ 25 mm in outside diameter qualifies

the welder for welding pipes of outside diameters ranging from D to 2D only.
Making a test piece from tubes of D > 25 mm qualifies the welder for welding
pipes with outside diameters ≥ 0.5D, but not less than 25 mm.

5.3.4 Test pieces with single-side (ss) butt welds (BW) without backing (nb),
qualify the welder for branch connections with an angle ≥ 60º at the range
of qualification based on the outside pipe diameter and wall thickness.
A specific test piece shall be used to qualify the welder for branch connections
with an angle < 60º.

5.3.5 In cases where the majority of work is welding of branch connections

or the form of such connections is complicated, customized training for welders
is recommended to be provided.

5.4 Weld Type

5.4.1 Conventional letter-designation of the test piece weld type comprises

the following;
– BW – butt weld,
– FW – fillet weld.
The range of qualification based on the qualification test kind and weld type
is specified in Table 5.4.1.

24
 Table 5.4.1
Range of qualification for weld type
Range of qualification
Test piece for welds
Test type
weld type
BW FW
Qualification BW X –
test FW – X
Periodical BW X X 1)
test FW – X
1)
provided that the welder has already been qualified for fillet
welds
Key
X indicates those welds for which the welder is qualified.
– indicates those welds for which the welder is not qualified.

5.4.2 Qualification test qualifies the welder only for the weld type used in the
test piece.

5.4.3 Butt welds BW used in the test piece during the periodical test also extend
the validity of qualification for fillet welds FW, provided that the welder has
already been qualified for fillet welds.

5.5 Material Groups

5.5.1 The division of steels into groups and sub-groups according

to PN-CR ISO 15608 is indicated in Table 5.5.1-1, whereas the range
of qualification for groups and sub-groups of steel based on the parent material
of the test piece is indicated in Table 5.5.1-2.

5.5.2 The division of aluminium and its alloys into groups and sub-groups
according to PN-CR ISO 15608 is indicated in Table 5.5.2-1. The range
of qualification for groups and sub-groups of aluminium and its alloys based
on the parent materials of the test piece is indicated in Table 5.5.2-2.

5.5.3 Where parent material is outside the grouping system according

to Table 5.5.1-1 and Table 5.5.2-1, a separate qualification test is required,
and the material shall be designated in accordance with the relevant standard
defining such a material.

5.5.4 A qualification test made on steel groups gives qualification for cast
material and mixture of cast and wrought material in the same group or sub-group.

25
 Table 5.5.1-1
Grouping system for steels according to PN-CR ISO 15608
Sub- Examples of steel designation
Group
group
number Grade Reference standard
number
1 2 3 4
Steels with a specified minimum yield point Re ≤ 460 MPa 1) and with analysis in %:
C ≤ 0.25%; Si ≤ 0.60%; Mn ≤ 1.70%; Mo ≤ 0.70% 2); S ≤ 0.045%; P ≤ 0.045%; Cu ≤ 0.40% 2);
Ni ≤ 0.5% 2); Cr ≤ 0.3% 2); Nb ≤ 0.05%; V ≤ 0.12% 2); Ti ≤ 0.05%
Steels with a specified minimum yield strength Re ≤ 275 MPa
S235JR, S235J0, S235J2, S275JR, S275J0, S26575J2 PN-EN 10025-2
S275N, S275NL PN-EN 10025-3
P235GH, P265GH, 18MnMo4-5 PN-EN 10028-2
P275NH, P275NL1, P275NL2 PN-EN 10028-3
L210GA, L235GA, L245GA PN-EN 10208-1
L245NB, L245MB PN-EN 10208-2
P195TR1, P195TR2, P235TR1, P235TR2, P265TR1,
PN-EN 10216-1
P265TR2
1.1
P195GH, P235GH, P265GH PN-EN 10216-2
P275NLX PN-EN 10216-3
P215NL, P255QL, P265NLX PN-EN 10216-4
P245GHX PN-EN 10222-2
E235, E275, E275K2 PN-EN 10297-1
A, B, D, E Part IX of PRS Rules
R35, R45 PN-89/H-84023/07
K10, K18 PN-75/H-84024
Steels with a specified minimum yield strength 275 MPa < Re ≤ 360 MPa
1
S355JR, S355J0, S355J2, S355K2 PN-EN 10025-2
S355N, S355NL PN-EN 10025-3
P295GH, P355GH, 16Mo3 PN-EN 10028-2
P355N, P355NH, P355NL1, P355NL2 PN-EN 10028-3
P355M, P355ML1, P355ML2 PN-EN 10028-5
P355Q, P355QH, P355QL1, P355QL2 PN-EN 10028-6
L290GA, L360GA PN-EN 10208-1
1.2
L290NB, L290MB, L360NB, L360MB, L360QB PN-EN 10208-2
20MnNb6, 16Mo3 PN-EN 10216-2
P285NH, P355NH, P285QH, P355QH PN-EN 10222-4
S355G2, S355G3, S355G5, S355G6, S355G7, S355G8 PN-EN 10225
E315, E355 PN-EN 10297-1
16M PN-75/H-84024
AH32, DH32, EH32, AH36, DH36, EH36 Part IX of PRS Rules
Normalized fine-grain steels with a specified minimum yield strength Re > 360 MPa
S420N, S420NL, S460N, S460NL PN-EN 10025-3
1.3 P460N, P460NL1, P460NL2 PN-EN 10028-3
L415NB PN-EN 10208-2

26
 1 2 3 4
8MoB5-4 PN-EN 10216-2
P460NH PN-EN 10216-3
P420NH PN-EN 10222-4
AH40, DH40, EH40 Part IX of PRS Rules
Steels with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance
S235J0W, S235J2W, S355J0WP, S355J2WP, S355J2W,
PN-EN 10025-5
1.4 S355K2W
P285NH, P285QH, P355NH, P355QH PN-EN 10222
Thermomechanicaly treated fine grain steels with a specified minimum yield strength Re > 360 MPa
Thermomechanicaly treated fine grain steels with a specified minimum yield strength
360 MPa < Re ≤ 460 MPa
S420N, S420NL, S460N, S460NL PN-EN 10025-3
P460N, P460NH, P460NL1, P460NL2 PN-EN 10028-3
P420M, P420ML1, P420ML2, P460M, P460ML1,
2.1 PN-EN 10028-5
P460ML2
2
L415MB, L450MB PN-EN 10208-2
S390GP, S430GP PN-EN 10248-1
Thermomechanicaly treated fine grain steels with a specified minimum yield strength
Re > 460 MPa
L485MB, L555MB PN-EN 10208-2
2.2
P420NH PN-EN 10222
Quenched and tempered steels and precipitation hardened steels with a specified minimum yield
strength Re > 360 MPa except stainless steels
Quenched and tempered steels with a specified minimum yield strength 360 MPa < Re
≤ 690 MPa
S460Q, S460QL, S460QL1, S500Q, S500QL, S500QL1,
S550Q, S550QL, S550QL1, S620Q, S620QL, S620QL1, PN-EN 10025-6
S690QH, S690QL, S690QL1
P460Q, P460QH, P460QL1, P460QL2, P500Q, P500QH,
P500QL1, P500QL2, P690Q, P690H, P690QL1, PN-EN 10028-6
P690QL2
C25E, C25R, C30E, C30R, C35E, C35R, C40E, C40R,
3.1 C45E, C45R, C50E, C50R, C55E, C55R, C60E, C60R, PN-EN 10083-1
28Mn6, 38Cr2, 38CrS2, 46Cr2, 46CrS2
L415QB, L450QB, L485QB, L555QB PN-EN 10208-2
P620Q, P620QH, P620QL PN-EN 10216-3
3
P420QH PN-EN 10222-4
A420, D420, E420, F420, A460, D460, E460, F460,
A500, D500, E500, F500, A550, D550, E550, F550, Part IX of PRS Rules
A620, D620, E620, F620, A690, D690, E690, F690,
Quenched and tempered steels with a specified minimum yield strength Re > 690 MPa
34Cr4, 34CrS4, 37Cr4, 37CrS4, 41Cr4, 41CrS4, 25CrMo4,
25CrMoS4, 34CrMo4, 34CrMoS4, 42CrMo4, 42CrMoS4,
3.2 PN-EN 10083-1
50CrMo4, 36CrNiMo4, 34CrNiMo6, 30CrNiMo8,
36CrNiMo16, 51CrV4
Precipitation hardened steels except stainless steels
S890Q, S890QL, S890QL1, S960Q, S960QL PN-EN 10025-6
3.3 S500A, S500AL, S550A, S550AL, S620A, S620AL,
PN-EN 10137-3
S690A, S690AL

27
 1 2 3 4
Low-vanadium alloyed Cr-Mo-(Ni) steels with Mo ≤ 0.7% and V ≤ 0.1%
Steels with a content of Cr ≤ 0.3% and Ni ≤ 0.7%
4.1 P215NL, P255QL, P265NL PN-EN 10216-4
4
Steels with Cr ≤ 0.7% and Ni ≤ 1.5%
4.2 15NiCuMoNb5-6-4 PN-EN 10216-2
Cr-Mo steels 3) free of vanadium with C ≤ 0.35%
Steels with 0.75% ≤ Cr ≤ 1.5%; Mo ≤ 0.7%
13CrMo4-5, 13CrMoSi5-5 PN-EN 10028-2
34CrMoS4, 25CrMoS4 PN-EN 10208-2
5.1 10CrMo5-5, 13CrMo4-5, 25CrMo4 PN-EN 10216-2
26CrMo4-2 PN-EN 10216-4
15HM PN-75/H-84024
Steels with 1.5% < Cr ≤ 3.5%; 0.7% < Mo ≤ 1.2%
10CrMo9-10, 12CrMo9-10 PN-EN 10028-2
5
5.2 11CrMo9-10 PN-EN 10216-2
10H2M PN-75/H-84024
Steels with 3.5% < Cr ≤ 7.0%; 0.4% < Mo ≤ 0.7%
X16CrMo5-1 PN-EN 10222-2
5.3 X12CrMo5 PN-EN 10028-2
X11CrMo5+I, X11CrMo5+NT1, X11CrMo5+NT2 PN-EN 10216-2
Steels with 7.0% < Cr ≤ 10.0%; 0.7% < Mo ≤ 1.2%
5.4 X11CrMo9-1+I , X11CrMo9-1+NT PN-EN 10216-2
High vanadium alloyed Cr-Mo-(Ni) steels
Steels with 0.3% ≤ Cr ≤ 0.75%; Mo ≤ 0.7%; V ≤ 0.35%
14MoV6-3 PN-EN 10216-2
6.1
13HMF PN-75/H-84024
Steels with 0.75% < Cr ≤ 3.5%, 0.7% < Mo ≤ 1.2%; V ≤ 0.35%
6.2 13CrMoV9-10, 12CrMoV12-10 PN-EN 10028-2
6
Steels with 3.5% < Cr ≤ 7.0%; Mo ≤ 0.7%; 0.45% ≤ V ≤ 0.55%
6.3 20CrMoV13-5-5 PN-EN 10216-2
Steels with 7.0%<Cr≤12.5%; 0.7% < Mo ≤ 1.2%; V ≤ 0.35%
X10CrMoVNb9-1 PN-EN 10028-2
6.4
X20CrMoV11-1 PN-EN 10216-2
Ferritic, martensitic or precipitation hardened stainless steels with C ≤ 0.35%; 10.5% ≤ Cr ≤ 30%
Ferritic stainless steels
X2CrNi12, X2CrTi12, X6CrNiTi12, X6Cr13, X6CrAl13,
X2CrTi17, X6CrTi17, X6Cr17, X3CrTi17, X3CrNb17,
7 X6CrMo17-1, X6CrMoS17, X2CrMoTi17-1,
7.1 PN-EN 10088-1
X2CrMoTi18-2, X2CrMoTiS18-2, X6CrNi17-1,
X6CrMoNb17-1, X2CrNbZr17, X2CrAlTi18-2,
X2CrTiNb18, X2CrMoTi29-4

28
 1 2 3 4
Martensitic stainless steels
X12Cr13, X12CrS13, X20Cr13, X30Cr13, X29CrS13,
X39Cr13, X46Cr13, X50CrMoV15, X70CrMo15,
7.2 X14CrMoS17, X39CrMo17-1, X105CrMo17, PN-EN 10088-1
X90CrMoV18, X17CrNi16-2, X3CrNiMo13-4,
X4CrNiMo16-5-1
Precipitation hardened stainless steels
X5CrNiCuNb16-4, X7CrNiAl17-7, X5CrNiMoCuNb14-5,
7.3 PN-EN 10088-1
X8CrNiMoAl15-7-2
Austenitic stainless steels
Austenitic stainless steels with Cr ≤ 19%
X2CrNiN18-7, X2CrNi18-9, X2CrNi19-11, X5CrNi18-10,
X6CrNi18-10, X6CrNiTi18-10, X2CrNiMo17-12-2,
X6CrNiMoTi17-12-2, X2CrNiMo17-12-3, X2CrNiMo18-
PN-EN 10028-7
14-3, X2CrNiMoN17-13-5, X3CrNiMoBN17-13-3,
X6CrNiNb18-10, X2CrNiMoN17-13-3,
X3CrNiMo17-13-3, X2CrNiMoN18-12-4
8.1 X10CrNi18-8, X8CrNiS18-9, X4CrNi18-12,
X1CrNiSi18-15-4, X3CrNiCu19-9-2, X6CrNiCuS18-9-2, PN-EN 10088-1
X3CrNiCu18-9-4, X3CrNiCuMo17-11-3-2
X7CrNiNb18-10, X3CrNiMo18-12-3 PN-EN 10222-5
X7CrNiTi18-10, X7CrNiTiB18-10, X6CrNiMo17-13-2,
8 PN-EN 10216-5
X8CrNiMoNb16-16, X10CrNiMoMnNbVB15-10-1
1H18N9, 1H18N10T, 0H18N12Nb PN-71/H-86020
Austenitic stainless steels with Cr > 19%
X6CrNi23-13, X6CrNi25-20, X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5,
X5NiCrAlTi31-20, X8NiCrAlTi32-21, X1CrNi25-21, PN-EN 10028-7
X1CrNiMoN25-22-2, X1NiCrMoCu31-27-4
8.2
X2CrNi18-9, X2CrNiN18-10, X5CrNi18-10,
PN-EN 10222-5
X2CrNiCu19-10
X5NiCrAlTi31-20, X8NiCrAlTi32-21 PN-EN 10216-5
Manganese austenitic stainless steels with 4.0% < Mn ≤ 12.0%
X12CrMnNiN17-7-5, X2CrMnNi17-7-5,
8.3 PN-EN 10088-1
X12CrMnNiN18-9-5, X3CrNiCu19-9-2
Nickel alloy steels with Ni ≤ 10.0%
Nickel alloy steels with Ni ≤ 3.0%
11MnNi5-3, 13MnNi6-3, 15NiMn6 PN-EN 10028-4
9.1
13MnNi6-3, 15NiMn6 PN-EN 10222-3
Nickel alloy steels with 3.0% < Ni ≤ 8.0%
9 15NiCuMoNb5-6-4 PN-EN 10028-2
9.2
12Ni14, X12Ni5 PN-EN 10028-4
Nickel alloy steels with 8.0% < Ni ≤ 10.0%
X8Ni9, X7Ni9 PN-EN 10028-4
9.3
X10Ni9 PN-EN 10216-4

29
 1 2 3 4
Austenitic-ferritic stainless steels (duplex)
Austenitic-ferritic steels with Cr ≤ 24.0%
X2CrNiMoN22-5-3, X2CrNiN23-4 PN-EN 10088-1
10.1 X2CrNiMo22-5-3 PN-EN 10222-5
10 X2CrNiMoSi18-5-3 PN-EN 10216-5
Austenitic-ferritic steels with Cr > 24.0%
X2CrNiMoN25-7-4, X3CrNiMoN27-5-2,
10.2 PN-EN 10088-1
X2CrNiMoCuN25-6-3, X2CrNiMoCuWN25-7-4
Steels with a specified minimum yield strength Re ≤ 460 MPa
with 0.25% < C ≤ 0.50%; Si ≤ 0.60%; Mn ≤ 1.70%; Mo ≤ 0.70% 4); S ≤ 0.045%;
P ≤ 0.045%; Cu ≤ 0.40% 4); Ni ≤ 0.5% 4); Cr ≤ 0.3% 4); Nb ≤ 0.05% V ≤ 0.12% 4); Ti ≤ 0.05%
Steels with 0.25% < C ≤ 0.35%
11.1 25, 30 PN-93/H-84019
11
Steels with 0.35% < C ≤ 0.50%
11.2 35, 40, 45, 45G PN-93/H-84019
1)
In accordance with the specification of the steel product standards, Re may be replaced by R0.2
2)
Higher content is permitted, provided that Cr + Mo + Ni + Cu + V ≤ 0.75%.
3)
”Free of vanadium” means that vanadium has not been added deliberately.
4)
Higher content is permitted, provided that Cr + Mo + Ni + Cu + V ≤ 1%.

Table 5.5.1-2
Range of qualification for steel parent material group or sub-group
Range of qualification
Material sub-
1.1
group or group 1) 9.2
1.2 1.3 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9.1 10 11
of the test piece 9.3
1.4
1.1, 1.2, 1.4 X – – – – – – – – – – – –
1.3 X X X X – – – – – X – – X
2 X X X X – – – – – X – – X
3 X X X X – – – – X – – X
4 X X X X X X X X – X – – X
5 X X X X X X X X – X – – X
6 X X X X X X X X – X – – X
7 X X X X X X X X – X – – X
8 – – – – – – – – X – X X –
9.1 X X X X – – – – – X – – X
9.2, 9.3 X – – – – – – – – – X – –
10 – – – – – – – – X – X X –
11 X X – – – – – – – – – – X
1)
material group according to standard PN CR ISO 15608.
Key
X indicates those material groups for which the welder is qualified.
– indicates those material groups for which the welder is not qualified.

30
 Table 5.5.2-1
Grouping system for aluminium and aluminium alloys
according to PN-CR ISO 15608
Sub- Examples of alloy designation 1)
Group
group
number Grade Reference standard
number
1 2 3 4
Pure aluminium with ≤ 1% of impurities or alloy content
EN AW-1199, EN AW-1098, EN AW-1198, EN AW-1090,
21 PN-EN 573-3
EN AW-1085, EN AW-1070
Not heat-treated alloys
Aluminium-manganese alloys
22.1 EN AW-3103 (EN AW-AlMn1) PN-EN 573-3
Aluminium-magnesium alloys with Mg ≤ 1.5%
EN AW-5005 (EN AW-AlMg1(B));
22.2 PN-EN 573-3
EN AW-5005A (EN AW-AlMg1(C))
Aluminium-magnesium alloys with 1.5% < Mg ≤ 3.5%
EN AW-5051A (EN AW-AlMg2(B));
22.3 PN-EN 573-3
22 EN AW-5754 (EN AW-AlMg3)
Aluminium-magnesium alloys with Mg > 3.5%
EN AW-5086 (EN AW-AlMg4); EN AW-5083
(EN AW-AlMg4.5Mn0.7); EN AW-5056A PN-EN 573-3
(EN AW-AlMg5); EN AW-5383 (EN AW-AlMg4.5Mn0.9)
22.4 EN AC-51400 (EN AC-AlMg5(Si));
PN-EN 1706
EN AC-51200 (EN AC-AlMg9)
Part IX of PRS
5059
Rules
Heat-treated alloys
Aluminium-magnesium-silicon alloys
EN AW-6005A (EN AW-AlSiMg(A)); EN AW-6061
23.1 (EN AW-AlMg1SiCu); EN AW-6082 PN-EN 573-3
23
(EN AW-AlSi1MgMn)
Aluminium-magnesium-zinc alloys
23.2 EN AW 7108 (EN AW-AlZn5Mg1Zr) PN-EN 573-3
Aluminium-silicon alloys with Cu ≤ 1%
Aluminium-silicon alloys with Cu ≤ 1% and 5% < Si ≤ 15%
EN AC-44000 (EN AC-AlSi11); EN AC-44400
24.1 PN-EN 1706
(EN AC-AlSi9); EN AC-44100 (EN AC-AlSi12(b))
Aluminium-silicon-magnesium alloys with
24
Cu ≤ 1%; 5% < Si ≤ 15% and 0.1% < Mg ≤ 0.80%
EN AC-43300 (EN AC-AlSi9Mg); EN AC-42000
24.2 (EN AC-AlSi7Mg); EN AC-42100 (EN AC-AlSi7Mg0.3); PN-EN 1706
EN AC-42200 (EN AC-AlSi7Mg0.6)

31
 1 2 3 4
Aluminium-silicon-copper alloys with 5.0% < Si ≤ 15.0%; 1.0% < Cu ≤ 5.0%
and Mg ≤ 0.8%
EN AC-45000 (EN AC-AlSi6Cu4); EN AC-45100
(EN AC-AlSi5Cu3Mg); EN AC-45400
25 PN-EN 1706
(EN AC-AlSi5Cu3); EN AC-46200 (EN AC-AlSi8Cu3);
EN AC-46300 (EN AC-AlSi7Cu3Mg)
Aluminium-copper alloys with 2% < Cu ≤ 6%
EN AC-21000 (EN AC-AlCu4MgTi);
26 PN-EN 1706
EN AC-21100 (EN AC-AlCu4Ti)
Groups 21÷23 are for wrought materials and groups 24÷26 are generally for cast materials.
1)
Numerical designation of the alloys intended for plastic working is in accordance
with standard PN-EN 573-1, whereas the designation of cast alloys is in accordance with standard
PN-EN 1780-1. In brackets, designation of those alloys is specified using chemical symbols with
standards PN-EN 573-2 or PN-EN 1780-2, respectively.

Table 5.5.2-2
Range of qualification for aluminium and aluminium alloy
parent material group
Material group1) Range of qualification
of the test piece 21 22 23 24 25 26
1
22 X X – – – –
23 X X X2) – – –
24 – – – X X –
25 – – – X X –
26 – – – X X X
1)
material group according to PN CR ISO 15608.
2)
for test piece made with AlMg welding consumables qualifies the
welder for welding those material groups with AlSi consumables, but
not vice versa.
Key
X indicates those material groups for which the welder is qualified.
– indicates those material groups for which the welder is not qualified.

5.6 Welding Consumables

5.6.1 Designation of welding consumables used for of the particular welding

processes, is given in Table 5.6.1-1, whereas designation of shielding gases is given
in Table 5.6.1-2.

5.6.2 The ranges of qualification based on the welding consumables used

for the test piece are given in Table 5.6.2.

5.6.3 A qualification test made using shielded-arc welding gives qualification

only for the shielding gas used for the test piece.

32
 Table 5.6.1-1
Designation of welding consumables
Welding
Welding
consumable Welding consumable name
process
designation
Covered electrodes – covering type
A acid
B basic
C cellulose
111 R rutile
RA rutile-acid
RB rutile-basic
RC rutile-cellulose
RR rutile thick
Flux-cored wires – core type
B basic
M metal
136, 137
P rutile – fast-freezing slag
R rutile – slow-freezing slag
Z others
Flux-cored wires – core type
V rutile or basic/fluorides
114 W basic/fluorides – slow-freezing slag
Y basic/fluorides – fast-freezing slag
Z others
121, 135, 131,
S solid wire/rod
141, 311
141, 311 nm no filler metal

Table 5.6.1-2
Shielding gas composition according to PN-EN 439:1999
Welding Gas Composition, volume percentage
process designation CO2 O2 H2 Ar He
C1 100 – – – –
C2 remainder > 0 to 30 – – –
M 11 > 0 to 5 – > 0 to 5 remainder –
M 12 > 0 to 5 – – remainder –
M 13 – > 0 to 3 – remainder –
M 14 > 0 to 5 > 0 to 3 – remainder –
135, 136
M 21 > 5 to 25 – – remainder –
M 22 – > 3 to 10 – remainder –
M 23 >5 to 25 > 0 to 8 – remainder –
M 31 > 25 to 50 – – remainder –
M 32 – > 10 to 15 – remainder –
M 33 > 5 to 50 > 8 to 15 – remainder –
I1 – – – 100 –
131,
I2 – – – – 100
137,141
I3 – – – remainder > 0 to 95

33
 Table 5.6.2
Range of qualification for welding consumables
Welding Range of qualification
Welding
process 1) Covered electrodes
consumables used
used for
for test piece 2) A, RA, RB, RC, RR, R B C
test piece
A, RA, RB, RC,
X – –
RR, R
111
B X X –
C – – X
Wires
solid flux-cored
S R, P, Z B M V, W, Y, Z
121, 131,
solid S X – – – –
135
flux-cored R, P, Z – X – – –
136, 137 flux-cored B – X X – –
flux-cored M X – – X –
flux-cored
114 – – – – X
V, W, Y, Z
no filler metal nm solid wire / rod S
141, 311 no filler metal nm X –
solid wire / rod S X X
1)
for designation of welding processes see Table 5.2.1; for designation of welding consumables
see Table 5.6.1-1.
2)
The type of welding consumable used for the test piece root run without backing (ss nb)
is the type of welding consumable qualified for root runs in production.
Key:
X indicates those consumables for which the welder is qualified
– indicates those consumables for which the welder is not qualified.

5.7 Dimensions
5.7.1 The welder qualification test of butt welds is based on the material
thickness t, i.e. the plate thickness or pipe wall thickness defined in the material
approval certificate. For butt welds (BW) the range of qualification for material
thickness is specified in Table 5.7.1-1 – for steel, and in Table 5.7.1-2 –
for aluminium and its alloys.
Table 5.7.1-1
Range of qualification of steel parent material thickness
and weld metal thickness for butt welds (BW)
Material thickness or weld metal thickness t [mm] Range of qualification
t≤3 from t to 2t1)
3 < t ≤ 12 from 3 mm to 2t2)
t > 12 ≥ 5 mm
1)
For oxy-acetylene welding (311): from t to 1.5t.
2)
For oxy-acetylene welding (311): from 3 mm to 1.5t.

34
 Table 5.7.1-2
Range of qualification of aluminium or aluminium alloy parent material
thickness and weld metal thickness for butt welds (BW)

Material thickness or weld metal thickness t [mm] Range of qualification

t≤6 from 0.5t to 2t
t>6 ≥ 6 mm

5.7.2 In the case of test pieces with multiprocess joints with butt welds
(Table 5.2.3) the total thickness of the joint shall be:
t = s1 + s2
t – joint thickness, i.e. parent material thickness,
s1 – thickness of the weld made with the first welding process, this is usually a root
run,
s2 – thickness of the weld made with the other welding process.
For such a test piece, the welder is qualified for the weld thickness ranges
separately for each welding process used, and they result from the butt weld
thickness obtained using the particular process.

5.7.3 For more than one test piece made during the qualification test which differ
only in thickness of the parent material, the thinnest and thickest material thickness
of the test pieces shall be taken into account to define the welder’s qualification.

5.7.4 For fillet welds (FW), the range of qualification based on the thickness
of parent material used for the test piece is specified in Table 5.7.4. The test pieces
shall fulfil the following weld thickness requirement: 0.5t ≤ a ≤ 0.7t.

Table 5.7.4
Range of qualification of material thickness of test piece for fillet welds (FW)

Material thickness or weld metal thickness t [mm] Range of qualification

t<3 from t to 3 mm
t≥3 ≥ 3 mm

5.7.5 Range of qualification based on outside diameter of the pipe used

for the test piece is specified in Table 5.7.5.

35
 Table 5.7.5
Range of qualification for outside pipe diameter
1)
Outside pipe diameter of test piece D [mm] Range of qualification
D ≤ 25 from D to 2D
D > 25 ≥ 25mm or ≥0.5D
the greater value shall apply
1)
For hollow sections, D is the dimension of the smaller side

5.7.6 If during the qualification test several test pieces are made of pipes
with different outside diameters and wall thicknesses – which differ only
in dimensions – the welder’s qualification is based on the thinnest and thickest
material thickness and the smallest and the largest outside pipe diameter.

5.7.7 The range of welder’s qualification resulting from the executed test pieces
with branch welding depends on the branch type taking into account the following:
– for set on branches – the material thickness and outside pipe diameter
of the branch,
– for set in or set through branches – the material thickness of the main pipe
or shell and the outside diameter of the branch.

5.8 Welding Positions

5.8.1 Designation of welding positions for test pieces with butt welds BW or
fillet welds FW in/on plates and pipes is specified in Table 5.8.1.

5.8.2 The range of qualification resulting from the test piece welding position
is specified in Table 5.8.2.

36
 Table 5.8.1
Test piece welding positions

Test piece Welding position according to PN-EN ISO 6947

Product Weld Test piece welding position Designation

type type
1 2 3 4
Flat PA
Horizontal PC
Butt weld Vertical upward PF
BW Vertical downward PG
Plate Overhead PE
welding
P Flat PA
Horizontal vertical PB
Fillet weld Vertical upward PF
FW Vertical downward PG
Horizontal overhead PD

Flat, horizontal pipe axis, pipe rotating PA

Horizontal , vertical pipe axis, pipe fixed PC
Vertical upward, horizontal pipe axis, pipe fixed PF
Butt weld Vertical downward, horizontal pipe axis, pipe fixed PG
BW Upward welding, pipe axis inclined at an angle of 45°, H-L045
pipe fixed
Pipe
Downward welding, pipe axis inclined at an angle J-L045
welding
of 45°, pipe fixed
T
Horizontal vertical, horizontal pipe axis, pipe rotating or PB
vertical pipe axis, pipe fixed
Fillet weld Vertical upward, horizontal pipe axis, pipe fixed PF
FW Vertical downward, horizontal pipe axis, pipe fixed PG
Horizontal overhead, horizontal pipe axis, pipe fixed PD

37
 Table 5.8.2
Range of qualification for welding positions
Test piece Range of qualification
welding PF PF PG PG H-L045 J-L0452)
positions PA PB 1) PC PD 1) PE
(plate) (pipe) (plate) (pipe) (pipe) (pipe)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
PA3) X – – – – – – – –
PA4) X X – – – – – – – – –
PB 1) X X – – – – – – – – –
PC X X X – – – – – – – –
PD 1) X X X X X X – – – – –
PE X X X X X X – – – – –
PF
X X – – – X – – – – –
(plate P)
PF
X X – X X X X – – – –
(pipe T)
PG
– – – – – – – X – – –
(plate P)
PG
X X – X X – – X X – –
(pipe T)
H-L045
X X X X X X X – – X –
(pipe T)
J-L0452)
X X X X X – – X X – X
(pipe T)
1)
welding positions PB and PD are only used for fillet welds and can only qualify fillet welds
in other welding positions,
2)
applies to steel pipes only
3)
initial qualification test,
4)
periodical qualification test (prolongation of the qualification),
Key
X indicates those welding positions for which the welder is qualified.
– indicates those welding positions for which the welder is not qualified.

5.9 Weld Details

5.9.1 The range of qualification based on the weld details of butt welds
is specified in Table 5.9.1.

5.9.2 The range of qualification based on the weld details of fillet welds
is specified in Table 5.9.2.

5.9.3 The range of qualification based on the weld details for test pieces with
butt welds for oxy-acetylene welding process is specified in Table 5.9.3.

38
 Table 5.9.1
Range of qualification for weld details on butt welds (BW)
Range of qualification
single-side single-side welding
welding from both sides
Butt weld (BW) details welding with backing
of test piece without with ceramic weld root
backing ceramic metal
backing removed
(ss nb) (ss mb) (ss mb)
(bs mb) (bs)
single-side welding
without backing X – X – X
(ss nb)
single-side welding
with ceramic backing – X X X X
(ss mb)
welding from both sides,
weld root removed – – X – X
(bs)
Key
X indicates those welds for which the welder is qualified.
– indicates those welds for which the welder is not qualified.

Table 5.9.2
Range of qualification for weld details on fillet welds (FW)
Range of qualification
Test piece fillet weld (FW) 1)
single run (sl) multi run (ml)
single run
X –
(sl)
multi run
X X
(ml)
1)
throat thickness shall be in the range of 0.5t ≤ a ≤ 0.7t.
Key
X indicates those welds for which the welder is qualified.
– indicates those welds for which the welder is not qualified.

Table 5.9.3
Range of qualification for welding direction for process 311
Range of qualification
Test piece welding direction
leftward welding (lw) rightward welding (rw)
leftward welding
X –
(lw)
rightward welding
– X
(rw)
Key
X indicates that welding type (i.e. welding run direction) for which the welder is qualified.
– indicates that welding type (i.e. welding run direction) for which the welder is not qualified.

39
 Annex 1

a)

b)

Fig.1. Dimensions of test piece for plate (P); ”S” PRS stamp.
a) butt weld (BW)
b) fillet weld (FW)), 0.5 t ≤ a ≤ 0.7 t

40
a)

b)

Fig. 2 Dimensions of test piece for pipe (T).

a) butt weld (BW);
b) fillet weld (FW), 0.5 t ≤ a ≤0.7 t

41
 Annex 2
Application to Polski Rejestr Statków for welder′s qualification test

WELDER′S FULL NAME: .........................................................................................................................................

WELDER′S NATIONAL PERSONAL IDENTITY NUMBER: ................................................................................

DATE AND PLACE OF BIRTH: ................................................................................................................................

WELDER′S BOOK NO.: .............................................................................................................................................

EMPLOYER: ...............................................................................................................................................................

TESTING STANDARD/RULES: ................................................................................................................................

TYPE OF QUALFICATION TEST: INITIAL, PROLONGATION, CHECKING1)

DESIGNATION OF PREVIOUS QUALIFICATION TEST: ....................................................................................

WELDING PROCEDURE SPECIFICATION (WPS): ...............................................................................................

Qualification test scope Welder’s qualification test Report

No./Welder’s qualification No.
Qualification test details Proposed Carried out2)

Welding process number Date of test piece welding

Product type
Test piece designation
Weld type

Group of parent material Parent material grade

Thickness of parent material/welds

Welding consumable grade
Outside diameter of pipes

Welding consumable designation Visual examination results

root:
Shielding gas
face:
Welding position
Theoretical job knowledge test result
Backing type

Weld details Initial and signature of Surveyor

1)
Delete as appropriate.
2)
To be completed by PRS Surveyor.

.................................. Date ........................ Firm

42