Certification of boiler inspectors required; application; qualifications; renewal.

(1) CERTIFICATE REQUIRED.—A person may not be, act as, or advertise or hold himself or herself out to be an inspector of a boiler that is subject to regulation by this chapter, unless he or she currently holds a certificate of competency issued by the department.

(2) APPLICATION.—A person who desires to be certified to inspect boilers that are subject to regulation by this chapter must apply in writing to the department to take the certification examination.

(3) QUALIFICATIONS.—A person is qualified to take the certification examination if the person:

(a) Has submitted the application for examination together with the fee required under s. 554.111(1)(a);

(b) Is at least 18 years of age;

(c) Has completed the 2-hour training course under subsection (4) on the requirements of this chapter and any related rules adopted by the department. The course must be completed no later than 12 months before issuance of an initial or renewal certificate; and

(d) Has:

1. At least 3 years of experience in the construction, installation, inspection, operation, maintenance, or repair of high pressure, high temperature water boilers; or

2. Met the requirements to qualify as a commissioned inspector by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors as set forth in NB-263, RCI-1, Rules for Commissioned Inspectors, as adopted by rule of the department.

(4) TRAINING COURSE.—The department shall adopt by rule a 2-hour training course on the requirements of this chapter and any related rules adopted by the department. The department shall make the training course available online and may make the course available in a classroom setting. A boiler insurance company may include the department’s course as part of its in-house training of a boiler inspector student, in lieu of the student taking the online training course. A boiler insurance company that includes the department’s course in its in-house training of a boiler inspector student must indicate that the student completed the training on an application filed with the department for certification of competency.

(5) EXAMINATION.—A person applying for a certificate of competency must have successfully passed the examination administered by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors and be eligible to obtain a National Board commission.

(6) ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE.—The chief boiler inspector must issue a certificate of competency to each person who is qualified under this section and who holds a commission from the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors.

(7) RENEWAL OF CERTIFICATE.—A certificate of competency expires on December 31 of each year and may be renewed upon the filing of a renewal application with the department. A secured electronic application must be used, if available on the department’s website.

(8) RULES.—The department may adopt rules necessary to administer this section.