Nes 773

Ministry of Defence
Defence Standard 02-773 (NES 773)

Issue 1 Publication Date 01 April 2000
Minimum Acceptance Standards

For Welds In HM Surfaces Ships
And Submarines
Incorporating NES 773 Category 1

Issue 1 Publication Date March 1994
AMENDMENT RECORD
Amd No Date Text Affected Signature and Date
REVISION NOTE
This standard is raised to Issue 1 to update its content.
HISTORICAL RECORD
This standard supersedes the following:
Naval Engineering Standard (NES) 773 Issue 1 dated March 1994.

Ministry of Defence
Naval Engineering Standard
NES 773 Issue 1 (Reformatted) March 1994
MINIMUM ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR

WELDS IN HM SURFACE SHIPS AND SUBMARINES
This NES Supersedes
DGS/G/10000B
Record of Amendments
AMDT INSERTED BY DATE
1 INCORPORATED
10
NAVAL ENGINEERING STANDARD 773
ISSUE 1 (REFORMATTED)
MINIMUM ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR WELDS IN
HM SURFACE SHIPS AND SUBMARINES
The issue and use of this Standard
is authorized for use in MOD contracts
by MOD(PE) Sea Systems and
the Naval Support Command
ECROWN COPYRIGHT
Published by:
Director of Naval Architecture

Procurement Executive, Ministry of Defence
Sea Systems, Foxhill, Bath BA1 5AB
i
ii
NES 773
Issue 1 (Reformatted)
SCOPE
1. This NES defines the Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) requirements and minimum
acceptance standards for welds in HM Surface Ships and Submarines at final inspection. It
includes structural joints, welds in pipe systems, weld surfacing and cladding and fabrication
welds in castings and forgings.
2. The NES also defines the levels of importance of piping systems (see Clause 1.4a.).
3. The acceptance standards herein are applicable to:
a. Welds produced by the following processes:
(1) Manual metal arc (MMA).
(2) Submerged arc (SM).
(3) Metal Inert Gas (MIG).
(4) Metal Active Gas (MAG).
(5) Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG).
(6) Flux cored welding (FCW).
(7) Electroslag (ESW).
(8) Oxy Fuel (OFW).
(9) Plasma Arc (PAW).
b. Welds examined by the following methods:
(1) Eddy Current.
(2) Liquid penetrant.
(3) Magnetic Particle.
(4) Radiography.
(5) Ultrasonic and
(6) Visual examination.
The types of weld defects referred to in this NES are defined and illustrated in Annex C.
4. Excluded from the scope of this NES are:
a. weld repair of castings (covered by NES 745 Parts 1 and 2);
b. welds in nuclear primary systems and machinery for which reference is to be made to
DGS−NAS−3;
c. welds made by high energy welding processes eg electron beam, plasma arc etc for which
MOD(PE) is to be consulted on Acceptance Standards prior to the implementation of the
respective process.
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NES 773
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NES 773
FOREWORD
Sponsorship
1. This Naval Engineering Standard (NES) is sponsored by the Procurement Executive, Ministry
of Defence, Director Naval Architecture (DNA), Section NA 115.
2. If it is found to be unsuitable for any particular requirement the Sponsor is to be informed in

writing with a copy to Director Naval Architecture (DNA), NA 145.
3. Any user of this NES either within MOD or in industry may propose an amendment to it.
Proposals for amendments that are not directly applicable to a particular contract are to be
made to the Sponsor of the NES and those directly applicable to a particular contract are to
be dealt with as specified in the contract.
4. No alteration is to be made to this NES except by the issue of an authorized amendment.
5. Unless otherwise stated, reference in this NES to approval, approved, authorized or similar
terms, means by the Ministry of Defence in writing.
6. Any significant amendments that may be made to this NES at a later date will be indicated
by a vertical sideline. Deletions will be indicated by 000 appearing at the end of the line
interval.
7. This NES supersedes DGS G10000B.
Conditions of Release
General
8. This Naval Engineering Standard (NES) has been prepared for the use of the Crown and of
its contractors in the execution of contracts for the Crown. The Crown hereby excludes all
liability (other than liability for death or personal injury) whatsoever and howsoever arising
(including but without limitation, negligence on the part of the Crown, its servants or agents)
for any loss or damage however caused where the NES is used for any other purpose.
9. This document is Crown Copyright and the information herein may be subject to Crown or
third party rights. It is not to be released, reproduced or published without written permission
of the MOD.
10. The Crown reserves the right to amend or modify the contents of this NES without consulting
or informing any holder.
MOD Tender or Contract Process
11. This NES is the property of the Crown and unless otherwise authorized in writing by the MOD
must be returned on completion of the contract, or submission of the tender, in connection
with which it is issued.
12. When this NES is used in connection with a MOD tender or contract, the user is to ensure that
he is in possession of the appropriate version of each document, including related documents,
relevant to each particular tender or contract. Enquiries in this connection may be made of
the local MOD(PE) Quality Assurance Representative or the Authority named in the tender
or contract.
13. When NES are incorporated into MOD contracts, users are responsible for their correct
application and for complying with contracts and any other statutory requirements.
Compliance with an NES does not of itself confer immunity from legal obligations.
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NES 773
Related Documents
14. In the tender and procurement processes the related documents listed in each section and
Annex A can be obtained as follows:
a. British Standards British Standards Institution,

389 Chiswick High Road,
London W4 4AL
b. Defence Standards Directorate of Standardization and Safety Policy,

Stan 1, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street,
Glasgow G2 8EX
c. Naval Engineering Standards CSE3a, CSE Llangennech, Llanelli,

Dyfed SA14 8YP
d. Other documents Tender or Contract Sponsor to advise.
Note: Tender or Contract Sponsor can advise in cases of difficulty.
15. All applications to Ministry Establishments for related documents are to quote the relevant
MOD Invitation to Tender or Contract Number and date, together with the sponsoring
Directorate and the Tender or Contract Sponsor.
16. Prime Contractors are responsible for supplying their subcontractors with relevant
documentation, including specifications, standards and drawings.
Health and Safety

Warning
17. This NES may call for the use of processes, substances and/or procedures that may be injurious
to health if adequate precautions are not taken. It refers only to technical suitability and in
no way absolves either the supplier or the user from statutory obligations relating to health
and safety at any stage of manufacture or use. Where attention is drawn to hazards, those
quoted may not necessarily be exhaustive.
vi
NES 773
CONTENTS
Page No
TITLE PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Sponsorship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Conditions of Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
MOD Tender or Contract Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Related Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi
Health and Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi
CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
SECTION 1. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS AND PIPE

SYSTEM LEVELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.1
1.1 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.1
1.2 Alternative Standard of Acceptance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.1
1.3 Structure and Engineering Assemblies
Including Pipework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.1
1.4 Levels of Importance of Pipe Systems . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2
SECTION 2. DRAWINGS AND CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 2.1

2.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.1
2.2 Visual Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.1
2.3 Liquid Penetrant Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.1
2.4 Radiographic Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2
2.5 Ultrasonic Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2
FIGURE 2.1 TEE-BUTT JOINT
(RELEVANT DIMENSIONS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2
SECTION 3. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR VISUAL

EXAMINATION OF WELDS INCLUDING PIPE
WELDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1
3.1 Acceptance Standards Classes 1 and 2 . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1
3.1.1 Cracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1
3.1.2 Porosity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1
3.1.3 Surface Condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1
3.1.4 Undercut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1
3.2 Fillet Welds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1
3.2.1 Butt Welds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.2
3.2.2 Misalignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.2
3.2.3 Weld Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.2
3.2.4 Acceptance Standard Class 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.2
3.2.5 Fillet Welds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.2
3.2.6 Misalignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.2
3.2.7 Weld Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.2
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NES 773
SECTION 4. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR VISUAL

EXAMINATION OF PIPE WELDS EXCLUDING
SLEEVE AND SOCKET WELDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.1
4.1 Acceptance Standards for Systems Levels 1, 2 and 3 4.1
4.1.1 Butt Welds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.1
4.1.2 Misalignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.1
4.1.3 Weld Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.1
TABLE 4.1 LIMITS OF ROOT PROTRUSION
(EXCESS PENETRATION BEAD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.1
4.1.4 Acceptance Standard System Level 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.1
4.1.5 Misalignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.1
4.1.6 Weld Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.2
4.1.7 Tube—Tubeplate Welds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.2
SECTION 5. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR MAGNETIC

PARTICLE EXAMINATION OF ALL WELDS . . . 5.1
5.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.1
5.2 Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.1
5.2.1 Cracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.1
SECTION 6. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR LIQUID

PENETRANT EXAMINATION OF ALL WELDS
EXCEPT WELD METAL SURFACING AND
CLADDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.1
6.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.1
6.2 Welded Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.1
6.3 Cracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.1
SECTION 7. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR LIQUID

PENETRANT EXAMINATION OF WELD METAL
SURFACING AND CLADDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.1
7.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.1
7.2 Weld Build-Up/Buttering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.1
7.3 Standards for Rounded Indications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.1
TABLE 7.1 ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR
ROUNDED INCLUSIONS IN WELD METAL
SURFACING AND CLADDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.2
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NES 773
SECTION 8. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR

RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION OF WELDS
INCLUDING PIPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.1
8.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.1
8.2 Defect Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.1
8.3 Tube—Tubeplate Welds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.1
8.4 Class 1 Acceptance Standard For Structure,
Engineering Assemblies and Pipe Welds in Level 1
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.1
FIGURE 8.1 MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE
NON-METALLIC INCLUSIONS CLASS 1
ACCEPTANCE STANDARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.3
FIGURE 8.2 COMBINATION OF ADJACENT
DEFECTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.4
DISTRIBUTED POROSITY IN BUTT WELDS . . 8.4
FIGURE 8.4 SCHEMATIC ILLUSTRATIONS
OF 1% POROSITY AS VIEWED IN
RADIOGRAPHS OF BUTT WELDS OF
THICKNESS t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.5
FIGURE 8.5 SCHEMATIC ILLUSTRATIONS OF
1−3% POROSITY AS VIEWED IN RADIOGRAPHS
OF BUTT WELDS OF THICKNESS 25mm . . . . . . 8.6
FIGURE 8.6 DIAMETER OF SINGLE
ROUNDED PORE/AREA OF PORE . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.7
8.5 Class 2 Acceptance Standard
(excluding aluminium alloy) for Structure and
Engineering Assemblies and Pipe Welds in Level 2
and 3 Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.8
FIGURE 8.7 MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE LACK
OF FUSION AND/OR INCOMPLETE ROOT
PENETRATION. CLASS 2 ACCEPTANCE
STANDARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.9
NON-METALLIC INCLUSIONS. CLASS 2
ACCEPTANCE STANDARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.10
8.5.1 Inclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.11
8.6 Class 2 Acceptance Standard—Aluminium
Alloy Welds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.11
8.7 Porosity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.11
ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION OF ALL WELDS
EXCEPT WELD METAL SURFACING AND
CLADDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.1
9.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.1
9.2 Butt Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.1
9.3 Tee-Butt Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.1
ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION OF WELD
METAL SURFACING AND CLADDING . . . . . . . . 10.1
10.1 Acceptance Criteria for Weld Metal Surfacing and
Cladding not Subject to Significant Stress . . . . . . . . 10.1
10.2 Acceptance Criteria for Weld Metal Surfacing and
Cladding Subject to Significant Stress . . . . . . . . . . . 10.1
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NES 773
SECTION 11. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR EXAMINATION

OF SLEEVE AND SOCKET WELDS . . . . . . . . . . . 11.1
11.1 Visual Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.1
11.2 Dye Penetrant Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.1
11.3 Radiographic Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.1
SECTION 12. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR EDDY

CURRENT EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.1
12.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.1
12.2 Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.1
SECTION 13. RECTIFICATION OF DEFECTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.1

13.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.1
13.2 Parent Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.1
13.3 Weld Metal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.1
ANNEX A. RELATED DOCUMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A.1
ANNEX B. DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS . . . . . . . . B.1
ANNEX C. DEFINITIONS AND ILLUSTRATIONS OF
WELD IMPERFECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C.1
ANNEX D. PROCUREMENT CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D.1
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NES 773
1. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS AND PIPE SYSTEM LEVELS
1.1 Applicability
a. The standards of acceptance herein are to be applied unless otherwise specified
in the contract or the relevant drawing or weld procedure.
1.2 Alternative Standard of Acceptance

a. As an alternative to the minimum standards of acceptance herein, an
engineering critical assessment (ECA), eg as in PD 6493, may be used to
establish acceptance criteria. Such a procedure would be appropriate to critical
service applications or for re-assessment of welds which fail to meet the
requirements of this standard but where rectification is difficult or uneconomic.
Details of the ECA and resulting proposals are to be submitted to the MOD(PE)
for approval before implementation.
1.3 Structure and Engineering Assemblies Including Pipework

a. There are three classes of acceptance standards; the extent of examination for
each class is as follows:
(1) Class 1
This requires 100% examination for internal and surface flaws by NDT methods
preceded by visual examination. Typical applications are:
(a) submarine structural welds subjected to diving pressure and/or

containment.
(b) welds in Level 1 piping systems in submarines and surface ships,

defined in Clause 1.4a.
(c) repairs to welds subject to Class 1 acceptance standard.
(2) Class 2
This requires a minimum 10% NDT coverage for internal and surface flaws
which can be either a 10% to 100% examination of each weld length or the 100%
examination of a proportion of welds, eg a minimum of 1 in 10. Such NDT is to
be preceded by 100% visual examination. Drawings, specifications, etc are to
state mandatory requirements regarding the extent of examination required.
Typical applications are:
(a) submarine structural welds not subject to diving pressure;
(b) surface-ship hull structural welds, eg:
(i) outer bottom butt welds;
(ii) shipside framing, longitudinals and stringers;
(iii) main watertight bulkheads;
(iv) boundary surfaces of compartments subjected to test for

tightness;
(v) citadel boundaries;
1.1
NES 773
(vi) main structure to armament supports, stabilizer seats,

rudder-bearing structures, shaft brackets and supporting
structures;
(vii) decks contributing to hull strength;
(viii) structures in way of lifting appliances.
(c) Welds in Level 2 and 3 piping systems, of submarines and surface

ships, as defined in Clause 1.4a.
(d) Repairs to welds subject to Class 2 acceptance.
(3) Class 3
Visual examination only is required.
Typical applications are:
(a) surface-ship minor bulkheads;
(b) stools and brackets for minor fittings;
(c) level 4 piping systems, as defined in Clause 1.4a.;
(d) repairs to welds subject to Class 3 acceptance.
1.4 Levels of Importance of Pipe Systems

a. The Design Authority will define, in the contract or relevant drawings, the level
of importance for each system, using the following definitions as guidance:
(1) Level 1 System: A system in which failure of welds would lead to

uncontrollable flooding, the total immobilization of the vessel or serious
hazard to personnel (see Clause 1.3a.);
(2) Level 2 System: A system in which failure of welds would lead to severe
but controllable flooding, the serious disruption of weapon systems, or
main propulsion machinery or its attendant auxiliaries including
generators (see Clause 1.3a.);
(3) Level 3 Systems: A system in which failure of welds would not constitute
an immediately significant hazard (see Clause 1.3a.);
(4) Level 4 System: A system in which failure of welds would not constitute
a hazard (see Clause 1.3a.).
1.2
NES 773
2. DRAWINGS AND CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

2.1 General
a. The minimum acceptance standards defined in this NES are applicable to all
types of MOD welded fabrications unless detailed alternatives are specified in
the contract.
b. The contract, relevant drawing, fabrication procedure or refit/repair

instruction is to include the following:
(1) a requirement to apply this NES with or without specified modification

and including, where relevant:
(a) the required Class of Acceptance, see Clauses 1.3a.(1)−(3);
(b) where Class 2 Acceptance applies, the extent of NDT required;
(c) for each piping system, the Level of Importance, see Clause 1.4a.;
(d) if the acceptance standard is not quoted Class 1 is to apply;
(e) for ultrasonic examination of tee-butt welds, whether ‘complete’ or

‘partial’ examination is required; see Clause 2.5c. and NES 729
Part 5;
or
(2) details of alternative method(s) and extent of Inspection to be applied,

with specific standards of acceptance. These may relate, for example, to:
(a) service conditions of exceptional severity requiring more stringent

acceptance standards;
or
(b) welds of little structural significance where visual acceptance

standards may be relaxed.
c. Guidance in the selection and details of appropriate methods of NDT is given

in NES 706 and NES 770 Part 1, for welding of ship structures and DGS PS 9023
and NES 743, Part 4, for welding of machinery and pipework.
2.2 Visual Examination

a. The standard of defect acceptance defined in Section 3. for Class 1 and Class 2
Welds includes pipe welds when appropriate. The standard defined for Class 3
is to be applied to all other welds but excludes pipewelds except where relaxation
is permitted to comply with Clause 2.1b. Further acceptance standards for
piping welds are given in Section 4.
2.3 Liquid Penetrant Examination

a. Section 7., TABLE 7.1 presents a range of alternative standards of acceptance
for liquid penetrant examination of weld metal cladding, reference
Clauses 7.3a.−7.3g. Class G is to be applied unless otherwise specified. It is a
requirement of this NES that the Designer assesses the suitability of Class G
acceptance for each application and, if considered more appropriate, specifies
an alternative Class from TABLE 7.1.
2.1
NES 773
2.4 Radiographic Examination

a. Two Classes of Acceptance standards, Class 1 and Class 2, are defined in
Section 7., for flaws detected by radiographic examination.
2.5 Ultrasonic Examination

a. Ultrasonic examination is normally to be specified only for welds subject to
Class 1 acceptance standard and for weld metal cladding.
b. The advice of MOD (PE) is to be obtained before specifying ultrasonic inspection

of welds in material less than 10mm thickness or materials other than carbon
and low alloy steels.
c. NES 729, Part 5, details requirements for ‘complete’ and ‘partial’ ultrasonic
examinations of full penetration tee-butt joints. The contract documents are to
state which type is to be employed.
NOTE: For complete examination, the minimum required width, W, of the

continuous member, is to be defined as:
W = x + 2t + 75mm
where x = toe-to-toe weld width
and t = thickness of the continuous member
For partial examination the minimum required width is to be defined as:
W=x+75mm
FIGURE 2.1 TEE-BUTT JOINT (RELEVANT DIMENSIONS)
2.2
NES 773
3. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR VISUAL EXAMINATION OF WELDS

INCLUDING PIPE WELDS
3.1 Acceptance Standards Classes 1 and 2
3.1.1 Cracks
a. All surfaces are to be free from cracks.
3.1.2 Porosity
a. Piping porosity is unacceptable. The sum of randomly distributed surface
breaking porosity 1mm or greater in diameter shall not exceed 10mm in any
linear 25mm of weld and is not to exceed 20mm in any 300mm of weld. No
individual pore is to exceed 3mm in diameter.
3.1.3 Surface Condition
a. Welds and parent material are to be free from scale, slag, weld spatter and arc
strikes. Welds are to be of good regular surface appearance, ie free from globular
deposits and sharp discontinuities. Welds are to blend smoothly into the parent
metal.
b. Surface imperfections, such as handling marks and straightening marks,
are to be evaluated as surface defects. Punch marks, hard stampings and other
similar indentations, where permitted, are to blend smoothly into the
surrounding material. Edge hook scars or scars from any fabrication aid are not
permitted.
c. Reduction in thickness, produced by dressing surface defects, is not to exceed
10% of the minimum design thickness or 1.0mm whichever is the smaller (see
also Clauses 3.1.4b., 3.1.4c. and 3.1.4d. below).
3.1.4 Undercut
a. Undercut having sharp edges is to be dressed to blend smoothly and gradually
into the parent material. Reference is also to be made to NES 770 Part 1 for
undercut acceptance standards for submarine pressure hulls.
b. The depth of undressed undercut or local thinning of material resulting from
dressed undercut is not to exceed 10% of the minimum design thickness of the
parent material or 1mm whichever is the smaller. Where undercut occurs on
both sides of the plate the total depth of undressed undercut or local thinning
of material resulting from dressing undercut as defined in Clause 13.3a. is not
to exceed 10% of the minimum design thickness parent material thickness or
1mm whichever is the smaller.
c. The maximum continuous length of any undressed undercut is not to exceed
12mm and adjacent areas along the weld are to be separated by at least 25mm.
d. The total length of undressed undercut is not to exceed 75mm in any 1200mm
of continuous weld and is to be reduced pro rata for weld lengths less than
1200mm.
3.2 Fillet Welds
a. Clauses 3.1.1a.−3.1.4d. are to be applied to the examination of fillet welds.
b. The dimensions of fillet welds are to be established by suitable gauges and
templates. The minimum required size and profile of each fillet weld is to be as
specified on the relevant drawing or approved procedure. The ratio of leg
lengths is not to exceed 5:4, except where otherwise specified on the relevant
drawing or approved procedure.
3.1
NES 773
3.2.1 Butt Welds
a. Clauses 3.1.1a.−3.1.4d. are to be applied to the examination of butt-welds.
3.2.2 Misalignment
a. Unless otherwise specified on the relevant drawing or approved weld procedure,

the linear misalignment after welding is not to exceed 20% of the thickness of
the thinner material being joined in thicknesses up to 12mm, or more than 3mm
for material greater than 12mm thickness.
3.2.3 Weld Profile
a. The weld preparation is to be completely filled. The height of excess weld metal
on each surface at the centre of a butt weld is to be not greater than 25% of the
(lesser) parent metal thickness or 3.0mm, when this thickness is greater than
12mm.
3.2.4 Acceptance Standard Class 3
a. Clauses 3.1.1a. to 3.1.4d. are to be applied.
3.2.5 Fillet Welds
a. The minimum required size of each fillet weld is to be as specified on the

relevant drawing or approved procedure.
3.2.6 Misalignment
a. Linear misalignment after welding is not to exceed 20% of the thickness of the
(thinner) parent material or 3.0mm, when this thickness exceeds 15mm.
3.2.7 Weld Profile
a. The height of excess weld metal on each surface at the centre of a butt weld is
to be not greater than 25% of the thickness of the (thinner) parent material or
5.0mm, when this thickness exceeds 20mm.
3.2
NES 773
4. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR VISUAL EXAMINATION OF PIPE WELDS

EXCLUDING SLEEVE AND SOCKET WELDS
4.1 Acceptance Standards for Systems Levels 1, 2 and 3
4.1.1 Butt Welds
a. Clauses 3.1.1a.−3.1.4d. are to be applied to the acceptance of pipe butt welds
in Pipe Systems Levels 1−3.
4.1.2 Misalignment
a. Unless otherwise specified on the relevant drawing or approved weld procedure,
the misalignment after welding is not to exceed 20% of the thickness of the
thinner material joined in thicknesses up to 12mm, or more than 3mm
thickness for material thicknesses greater than 12mm.
b. Angular Misalignment, which may develop in a welded joint during welding of
straight runs of piping, is permissible up to 5 degrees provided that the pipe run
meets the requirements of the specification.
4.1.3 Weld Profile
a. The height of external excess weld metal of a pipe butt weld, unless otherwise
specified, is not to be less than 1.0mm. The maximum height is to be not more
than the thickness of the (thinner) pipe or 3.0mm, when this thickness exceeds
3mm. The reinforcement is to be symmetrical about the centre line of the joint.
b. With the possible exception of welds in zero-flow service, eg certain hydraulic
piping, root protrusion (excess penetration bead) in pipe butt welds without
backing rings is not to exceed the possible limits of TABLE 4.1.
c. For welds in zero-flow services, the limits for the root protrusion given in
TABLE 4.1 are to apply unless otherwise agreed by the MOD(PE).
Maximum Reduction in
Nominal Bore of Pipe (d) Maximum Penetration
Pipe Bore
Less than 15mm 1.5mm 1.0mm
15mm to 45mm d/10 d/15
over 45mm 5.0mm 3.0mm
TABLE 4.1 LIMITS OF ROOT PROTRUSION (EXCESS PENETRATION BEAD)
d. Root Concavity is not to exceed 1.0mm in depth for welds in pipes up to a
nominal bore of 50mm, or 1.5mm for welds in pipes of nominal bore 50mm and
over and the thickness of the weld is to be not less than the base material
thickness.
e. The bore surface is to have a smooth contour. Root protrusion or concavity is
to blend smoothly into the base material with no evidence of sharp
discontinuities or corners. For seawater systems, penetration into the pipe bore
is to be as uniform as practical around the entire circumference.
4.1.4 Acceptance Standard System Level 4
a. Clauses 3.1.1a.−3.1.4d. are to be applied to the examination of pipe butt welds.
4.1.5 Misalignment
a. Linear Misalignment (Radial) of pipe butt joints after welding is not to exceed
25% of the thickness of the (thinner) parent material or 3mm when this
thickness exceeds 12.0mm.
4.1
NES 773
4.1.6 Weld Profile
a. The height of external reinforcement of a pipe, unless otherwise specified, is to

be not less than 1.0mm. The maximum height is to be not more than the
thickness of the (thinner) pipe or 5.0mm, when this thickness exceeds 5.0mm.
The reinforcement is to be substantially symmetrical about the centre line of
the joint.
b. The limits on Root Protrusion, as defined in TABLE 4.1 and

Clauses 4.1.3b.−4.1.3e. are to be applied to pipe butt welds.
c. Root concavity is permissible provided that the thickness of the weld is not less
than the (thinner) parent material thickness.
4.1.7 Tube—Tubeplate Welds
a. Assessment of tube to tubeplate procedure test pieces and production welds are
to comply with DG Ships PS 9023.
4.2
NES 773
5. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION

OF ALL WELDS
5.1 General
a. Magnetic particle examination is to be performed in compliance with NES 729
Part 2.
b. The surface area examined is to include the weld and heat-affected zone and
extend to at least 25mm on each side of the weld or around the weld
surface/buttered area.
c. Where examination of arc strikes or other defects located outside the weld area
is specified, then the area examined is to extend to 25mm all round the visibly
affected area.
5.2 Evaluation
5.2.1 Cracks
5.1
NES 773
5.2
NES 773
6. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR LIQUID PENETRANT EXAMINATION OF

ALL WELDS EXCEPT WELD METAL SURFACING AND CLADDING
6.1 General
a. Liquid penetrant examination is to be performed in compliance with NES 729
Part 4.
b. The acceptance standards in this section are equally applicable to indications

revealed by either dye penetrant or fluorescent penetrant examination.
c. Any imperfection revealed by liquid penetrant examination of a weld which

exceeds the permissible limits of Section 3. is to be cause for rejection.
6.2 Welded Joints

a. The surface area examined is to include the weld and heat-affected zone and
extends to at least 25mm on each side of the weld.
6.3 Cracks
6.1
NES 773
6.2
NES 773
7. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR LIQUID PENETRANT EXAMINATION OF

WELD METAL SURFACING AND CLADDING
7.1 General
a. Where the surface is only partially clad, liquid penetrant examination is to

include the parent metal extending to 25mm beyond the cladding limits.
b. Clauses 6.1a., 6.1b. and 6.3a. of Section 6. are to apply to this Section.
7.2 Weld Build-Up/Buttering
a. Clauses 7.3b. to 7.3g. inclusive are to apply, depending on the standard of Weld
Build-Up/Buttering required to restore worn or otherwise undersized
components.
7.3 Standards for Rounded Indications
a. It is important that the designer fully considers the nature of the application
and the service conditions before specifying the acceptance standards for
rounded inclusions contained in TABLE 7.1.
b. Rounded indications are defined as indications having no sharp corners whose

length does not exceed twice their width.
c. For corrosion-resistant or wear-resistant cladding the surface is to be assessed

as far as possible in units of 5000mm2.
d. If the area to be examined is less than 5000mm2 the permissible number of

maximum size indications and the permissible sum of diameters of indications
is to be adjusted pro rata to the values stated for the class specified.
e. If the separation between any two rounded inclusions is less than 1.25 D where
D is the diameter of the large inclusion. The combination is to be assessed as a
single rounded inclusion whose circumscribing perimeter will contain both
indications.
f. Rounded indications are considered to be aligned when a straight line through

the centres of two indications touches two or more additional indications lying
in the longitudinal axis of the weld run. An alignment of four or more
indications in any 5000mm2 area is not acceptable.
g. Unless otherwise specified in the contract document or drawing, Class G/00 is

to apply to corrosion resistant or wear resistant cladding ie:
(1) d less than 0.5mm is to be ignored.
(2) Indications where d is greater than 0.5mm but less than 1.0mm are to be
assessed as 1.0mm.
(3) d is not to exceed 1.5mm and the product of n ¢ d is not to exceed 12 in

any 5000mm2.
(4) Indications where d is greater than 1.0mm but less than 1.5mm are to be
assessed as 1.5mm.
7.1
NES 773
No of indications Maximum Permissible size

of Maximum of Indication (d)
Permissible
size (n) 1.00mm 1.5mm 3.0mm
4 Class A Class B Class c

4.0 6.0 12.0
8 Class F Class G Class H

8.0 12.0 24.0
12 Class L Class M Class N

12.0 18.0 36.0
NOTES;
1. a. Class 0—No bleed areas caused by pores less than 0.5mm

permitted.
b. Class 00—Pores less than 0.5mm permitted. See note 5.
2. The table is based on a unit area of 5000mm2.
3. The letter contained in the square in TABLE 7.1 is the class identity for
that standard of acceptance. From the class identity a limiting number
of indications (n ¢ d) of maximum size is obtained.
4. A greater number of diameters of inclusions which are smaller than the
stated maximum may be accepted provided that:
a. The product of diameters of indications n ¢ d does not exceed the
dimension of the class identity.
b. Any indications greater than 0.5mm but less than 1.0mm are to be
assessed as 1.0mm.
5. Class 00 may be considered with the classes shown in this table and is
to be specified as Class A/00, Class B/00 etc. In this case micro
porosity may be accepted but pores greater than 0.5mm are to be limited
to the maximum number of maximum size indications for the class letter.
TABLE 7.1 ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR ROUNDED INCLUSIONS IN WELD METAL

SURFACING AND CLADDING
7.2
NES 773
8. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION OF

WELDS INCLUDING PIPES
8.1 General
a. Radiographic examination is to be carried out to comply with NES 729 Part 1.
8.2 Defect Evaluation

a. Questionable indications on a radiograph, ie where doubt exists as to whether
the indication is a surface or sub-surface defect, are to be compared with the
weld or parent plate surface. Where the indication is attributable to a surface
mark, it is to be assessed to comply with the visual acceptance criteria of
Section 3.
b. Uniformly distributed sub-surface rounded gas pores (of length not

exceeding twice their width), for the purposes of defect evaluation, are to be
assumed to lie in a single plane of area equal to the product of the diagnostic
weld length on the radiograph and the thickness of the (thinner) parent
material.
c. Wormholes (elongated pores) are to be evaluated on the same basis as

non-metallic inclusions. (See Clause 8.4a.)
d. Linear porosity is defined as a string of gas pores situated parallel to the axis of
a weld. An alignment of pores for the purposes of assessment consists of four or
more pores in any 150mm of weld length where a straight line drawn on a
radiograph through the centres of two indications touches two or more
indications lying between them.
e. The maximum porosity level and the maximum metallic inclusion level and
where applicable Lack of Fusion/Lack of Penetration (LOF/LOP) are
permissible in the same length of weld.
8.3 Tube—Tubeplate Welds

a. When radiography of test pieces is required by purchase documents, acceptance
levels are to be as specified in BS 4870 Part 3.
8.4 Class 1 Acceptance Standard For Structure, Engineering Assemblies and Pipe
Welds in Level 1 Systems
a. Cracks are not acceptable.
b. Lack of fusion and incomplete root penetration are not acceptable.

c. Non-metallic inclusions are not acceptable if either:
(1) the length of any inclusion measured along the weld axis, exceeds that
shown in FIGURE 8.1;
(2) the combined length of two or more inclusions in any 150mm weld length
exceeds the limits in (1) above.
If the separation between two adjacent inclusions is less than 1.25L, where
L is the length of the longer inclusion, measured in the direction of
separation, they are to be assessed for the purpose of L and L1 as a single
defect. The dimensions of the combined ‘defect’ as defined by FIGURE 8.2
are to be used to assess similarly the separation from other defects.
8.1
NES 773
d. Uniformly distributed porosity is not acceptable if when evaluated to

comply with Clause 8.2b., it produces a loss of area of more than 1%.
FIGURE 8.3 shows limiting levels of uniformly distributed porosity for specific
material thicknesses. These limits are illustrated schematically in FIGURE 8.4
for 1% porosity in various thicknesses and in FIGURE 8.5 for three levels of
porosity in a single thickness, 25mm. FIGURE 8.6 provides an aid to the
calculation of the total area corresponding to various combinations of defect
sizes.
e. Individual sub-surface round gas pores or blowholes are not acceptable if

any dimension exceeds 0.2t, where t is the thickness of the (thinner) member,
or 5mm, when this thickness exceeds 25mm. Pores less than 0.5mm may be
discounted in thicknesses greater than 3mm.
f. Wormholes (elongated pores) shall be assessed as non-metallic inclusions.
g. Linear Porosity as defined in Clause 8.2d. is not acceptable when associated

with lack of fusion/penetration. When not associated with lack of
fusion/penetration it is to be assessed as an individual non-metallic inclusion as
in Clause 8.4a. The extreme pores will form the boundary of the indication.
Inclusions
h. Tungsten inclusions are acceptable to the same individual limits as for pores in
Clause 8.4a. Their total area is also to be included cumulatively with distributed
porosity to assess acceptability to comply with Clause 8.4a. Copper inclusions
are not permitted.
Clustered Porosity
i. Localized or clustered porosity is not acceptable when its diameter exceeds ½t

or 20mm whichever is the smaller where ‘t’ is the thickness of the thinner
member.
j. The separation of otherwise acceptable individual clusters is not to be less than

5t or 75mm whichever is the smaller.
k. Subject to cluster porosity being acceptable to the limits of sub clauses i. and j.
it is to be accepted in addition to the percentage loss of area of uniformly
distributed porosity as permitted in Clause 8.4a.
8.2
NES 773
Note: For weld lengths less than 150mm the permissible inclusion length is to
be reduced pro rata.
FIGURE 8.1 MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE NON-METALLIC INCLUSIONS

CLASS 1 ACCEPTANCE STANDARD
8.3
NES 773
FIGURE 8.2 COMBINATION OF ADJACENT DEFECTS
FIGURE 8.3 MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE DISTRIBUTED POROSITY IN BUTT WELDS
8.4
NES 773
FIGURE 8.4 SCHEMATIC ILLUSTRATIONS OF 1% POROSITY AS VIEWED IN

RADIOGRAPHS OF BUTT WELDS OF THICKNESS t
8.5
NES 773
FIGURE 8.5 SCHEMATIC ILLUSTRATIONS OF 1−3% POROSITY AS VIEWED IN

RADIOGRAPHS OF BUTT WELDS OF THICKNESS 25mm
8.6
NES 773
FIGURE 8.6 DIAMETER OF SINGLE ROUNDED PORE/AREA OF PORE
8.7
NES 773
8.5 Class 2 Acceptance Standard (excluding aluminium alloy) for Structure and
Engineering Assemblies and Pipe Welds in Level 2 and 3 Systems
a. Cracks are not acceptable.
b. Lack of fusion and incomplete root penetration are not acceptable when they
exceed the limit shown in FIGURE 8.7.
c. Non-metallic inclusions are not acceptable when either:
(1) the length of any inclusion, measured along the weld axis, exceeds that
shown in FIGURE 8.8.
or
(2) the combined length of two or more inclusions in any 150mm weld length
exceeds the limits in 8.5a. above;
(3) If the separation between two adjacent inclusions is less than 1.25L, where
L is the length of the longer inclusions measured in the direction of
separation, they are to be assessed, for the purpose of L and L1 as a single
defect as defined in FIGURE 8.2. The dimensions of the combined defect
as defined in FIGURE 8.2 are to be used to assess similarly the separation
from other defects.
d. Individually sub-surface round gas pores or blowholes are not acceptable

if any dimensions exceed 0.2t, where t is the thickness of the thinner member,
or 5mm, when this thickness exceeds 25mm.
e. Uniformly distributed porosity is not acceptable when it produces a loss of

area of more than 1.5% (see FIGURE 8.1−FIGURE 8.4).
f. Wormholes (elongated pores) are to be assessed as non-metallic inclusions.
g. Linear porosity as defined in Clause 8.2d. is not acceptable when associated

with lack of fusion or lack of penetration when the length of indication exceeds
the limits of FIGURE 8.7. Where linear porosity is not associated with lack of
fusion/penetration it is to be assessed as an individual non-metallic inclusion
and subject to the limits of FIGURE 8.8.
h. Localized or clustered porosity is not acceptable when its diameter exceeds

0.8t or 20mm whichever is the smaller where ‘t’ is the thickness of the thinner
member.
i. The separation of otherwise acceptable individual clusters is not to be less than

4t or 75mm whichever is the smaller.
j. Subject to clustered porosity being acceptable to the limits of sub-clauses 8.5a.

and 8.5b. it is to be accepted in addition to the percentage loss of area of
uniformly distributed porosity in Clause 8.5a.
8.8
NES 773
FIGURE 8.7 MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE LACK OF FUSION AND/OR INCOMPLETE ROOT

PENETRATION. CLASS 2 ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS
8.9
NES 773
FIGURE 8.8 MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE NON-METALLIC INCLUSIONS.

CLASS 2 ACCEPTANCE STANDARD
8.10
NES 773
8.5.1 Inclusions
a. Tungsten inclusions are acceptable to the same individual limits as for pores in
Clause 8.5a. Their total areas are also to be included cumulatively with
distributed porosity to assess acceptability in compliance with Clause 8.5a.
Copper inclusions are not permitted.
8.6 Class 2 Acceptance Standard—Aluminium Alloy Welds

a. Clauses 8.5a., 8.5b, 8.5c and 8.5d, 8.5f and 8.5g and 8.5j are to be applied to the
examination of aluminium alloy welds.
8.7 Porosity
a. Uniformly distributed porosity in aluminium alloy welds is not acceptable when
it produces a loss of area of more than 3%.
(See FIGURE 8.2−FIGURE 8.5.)
b. Localized or clustered Porosity
(1) Clauses 8.5g.h. and 8.5g.(2) are to apply.
(2) Subject to clustered porosity being acceptable to the limits of

Clause 8.5g(1) and 8.5g(2), 8.5b. and 8.5c, it is to be accepted in addition
to the percentage of loss of area of uniformly distributed porosity
permitted in Clause 8.7a.
8.11
NES 773
8.12
NES 773
9. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION OF ALL

WELDS EXCEPT WELD METAL SURFACING AND CLADDING
9.1 General
a. This section is to be applied to comply with Clauses 2.5a.−2.5c. and NES 729
Part 5 to welded joints of Acceptance Standard Class 1.
b. If the separation between two adjacent defects is less than 1.25L, where L is the
length of the longer defect, they are to be assessed as a single defect whose length
is the sum of the individual defect lengths together with their separation. The
dimensions of the combined defect as defined in FIGURE 8.2 is to be used to
assess similarly, the separation from other defects.
9.2 Butt Joints

a. Defect indications having a reflectivity less than 5% FSD are to be disregarded.
b. Defect indications having a reflectivity of 80% FSD or more are to be cause for
rejection.
c. Defect indications having a reflectivity greater than 5% FSD and up to 20% FSD
are acceptable, provided that the following conditions are met:
(1) The indicated length of any continuous defect does not exceed 2t where
t is the thickness of the thinner member, or 76mm whichever is the least.
(2) The indicated total length of defects in any 30t length of continuous weld
does not exceed 4t. For welds less than 30t in total length, this defect limit
is to be proportionately decreased.
d. Defect indications having a reflectivity in excess of 20% FSD but less than 80%
FSD are acceptable, provided that the following conditions are met:
(1) The indicated length of any continuous defect does not exceed 1.0t where
t is the thickness of the thinner member, or 38mm whichever is the least.
(2) The indicated total length of defects in any 30t length of continuous weld
does not exceed 2t. For welds less than 30t in total length, this defect limit
is to be proportionately decreased.
e. Indications transverse to the major axis of the weld above 20% FSD are to be
cause for rejection.
9.3 Tee-Butt Joints

a. For application of ultrasonic examination to tee-butt joints, see Clause 2.5c.
b. The reference standard and equipment calibration is to comply with NES 729,
Part 5.
c. Indications having amplitude, equal to or less than 20% FSD are to be

disregarded.
d. Vertical probe indications having amplitude greater than the equivalent of t/5
are to be cause for rejection, where t is the thickness of the joining member.
9.1
NES 773
e. A vertical probe indication having amplitude greater than 20% FSD but not
exceeding the equivalent of t/10, is acceptable where t is the thickness of the
joining member and:
(1) The indicated length of any single defect or the total length of broken
indication does not exceed 4 ¢ t or 100mm whichever is the less, in any
1200mm of weld length.
(2) For welds less than 1200mm in total length defect limits are to be
decreased pro rata.
f. A vertical probe indication having amplitude greater than the equivalent of t/10
but not exceeding the equivalent of t/5 is acceptable where t is the thickness of
the joining member and:
(1) The indicated length of any single defect or the total length of broken
indications does not exceed 2 ¢ t or 50mm whichever is the less in any
1200mm of weld length.
(2) For welds less than 1200mm in total length defect limits are to be reduced
pro rata.
g. Shear probe indications having amplitude less than 20% FSD are to be
disregarded.
h. A shear probe indication having amplitude in excess of 40% FSD is to be cause

for rejection.
i. Shear probe indications having amplitude above 20% FSD but not exceeding
40% FSD are acceptable when:
(1) The indicated length of any continuous defect does not exceed t, where t
is the thickness of the joining member, or 25mm, when this thickness
exceeds 25mm.
(2) The indicated total length of defect indications in any 40t length of
continuous weld does not exceed 8t. For welds less than 40t in total length,
this defect limit is to be proportionately decreased.
9.2
NES 773
10. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION OF WELD

METAL SURFACING AND CLADDING
a. The reference standard and equipment calibration are to comply with NES 729
Part 5.
10.1 Acceptance Criteria for Weld Metal Surfacing and Cladding not Subject to
Significant Stress
a. The following acceptance criteria is to apply to cladding that is not subject to
significant stress or does not contribute to the load bearing capacity of the clad
component eg corrosion resistant or cosmetic overlay. Indications having an
amplitude of equal to or less than 20% FSD are to be disregarded.
(1) Defects greater than 625mm2 in area are not acceptable.
(2) Defects having a length in any direction which is greater than 40mm are
not acceptable.
(3) The centre-to-centre distance between any acceptable defects is not to be

less than 6 times the longest axis of the longest defect or 150mm
whichever is the smaller.
(4) There are to be no defects within 25mm of the edges of penetrations or

weld terminations.
(5) Defects less than 100mm2 (ie 10mm ¢ 10mm) may be ignored provided
that sub Clause 10.1a. is satisfied and the sum of the longer axes does not
exceed 150mm in any 22500mm2 area.
10.2 Acceptance Criteria for Weld Metal Surfacing and Cladding Subject to Significant
Stress
a. The following acceptance criteria is to apply to cladding, that is subject to
significant stress or contributes to the load bearing capacity of the clad
component, eg hard facing, reclamation and worn corroded surfaces.
Indications having an amplitude of equal to or less than 20% FSD are to be
disregarded.
(1) Defects greater than 50mm2 in area are not acceptable.
(2) Defects having a length in any direction which is greater than 15mm are
not acceptable.
(3) There are to be no defects within 25mm of the edges of penetrations or

weld terminations.
(4) Defects less than 7mm2 in areas (ie 3mm in dia) may be ignored provided
that sub Clause10.2a. is satisfied and the sum of the longer axes does not
exceed 70mm in any 22500mm2 area.
(5) The centre to centre distance between any acceptable defects is not to be
less than 8 times the longest axis of the longest defect or 200mm
whichever is the smaller.
10.1
NES 773
10.2
NES 773
11. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR EXAMINATION OF SLEEVE AND

SOCKET WELDS
11.1 Visual Examination
a. Clauses 3.1.3b.−3.1.4d. are to apply.
b. Fit-up clearances and fillet dimensions are to comply with DGS/PS/9023.
11.2 Dye Penetrant Examination

11.3 Radiographic Examination

a. General
(1) Clause 11.1b. is to apply for fitting/pipe gap clearances.
(2) Clause 8.2a. is to apply for defect evaluation.
b. Porosity
(1) Individual pores greater than 20%t in diameter where t is the pipewall
thickness are not permitted.
(2) Uniformly distributed porosity is not to exceed 1% loss of area, where area
is defined as the width of the weld, toe-to-toe, as projected on the
radiograph multiplied by the circumferential length of the outer diameter
of the pipe.
(3) Aligned porosity is not permitted.
(4) Elongated pores (wormholes) are to be evaluated as non-metallic

inclusions.
c. Non-Metallic Inclusions
(1) The total length of non-metallic inclusions in any weld is not to exceed
10% of the pipe circumference as measured at its outer diameter.
(2) No single inclusion is to exceed 20%t in depth where t is the pipewall

thickness.
d. Lack of Fusion and Lack of Penetration
Lack of fusion or lack of penetration are not to be evident in any part of the weld.
e. Cracks
Cracks are not acceptable.
f. Rectification of Defects
Section 13., Rectification of Defects is to apply where appropriate.
11.1
NES 773
11.2
NES 773
12. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR EDDY CURRENT EXAMINATION

12.1 General
a. Eddy current examination is to be performed in compliance with NES 729
Part 3.
b. Manual examination of welds by eddy current techniques is to be applied only

to structural welds in ferromagnetic materials.
c. Eddy current testing is not to be considered as a substitute for magnetic particle

examination in new structural welds and its application to these is to be subject
to prior approval by the MOD (PE) Quality Assurance Representative.
d. In order to verify the relevance of indications found by eddy current

examination of ferromagnetic weldments, such indications are to be tested
additionally by magnetic particle examination in compliance with NES 729
Part 3.
12.2 Evaluation
a. The acceptability of indications in ferromagnetic weldments initially revealed
by manual eddy current testing will be assessed by magnetic particle
examination per Clause 12.1d. and will be evaluated in compliance with
Clauses 6.2a.−6.3a.
12.1
NES 773
12.2
NES 773
13. RECTIFICATION OF DEFECTS

13.1 General
a. Following the detection of defects by any of the foregoing methods, a variety of
possible actions are to be considered to establish fully the nature, extent and
frequency of occurrence and the optimum method of rectification. These
possible actions include additional testing, dressing and weld repair; eg:
(1) repeat of test with or without prior surface improvement;
(2) increase of extent of NDE in the defective area;
(3) NDE of additional similar welds;
(4) application of additional NDE methods;
(5) dressing out of defects;
(6) weld repair.
b. If repair action to rectify defects is considered to be inexpedient for any reason,
eg where a weld:
(1) is just outside the acceptance standard;
(2) would prove extremely costly or difficult to repair;
(3) would entail a significant risk of introducing further defects or a
deterioration in metallurgical condition, then the appropriate Design
Authority within MOD(PE) is to be consulted for a decision as to the
desirability of repair action.
c. Where defects at or about the minimum acceptance levels occur repeatedly, it
is likely that the welding is being incorrectly carried out and suitable corrective
action is therefore to be initiated.
13.2 Parent Material
a. Parent material flaws found during the inspection of welds are to have their
severity and extent evaluated in compliance with the relevant parent material
specification and acceptance standard. If the parent material specification
contains no acceptance standards for the flaws detected, the acceptance
standards for the welds in compliance with this NES are to apply, as far as
possible. Parent material is to be repaired to comply with procedures approved
for the relevant material.
13.3 Weld Metal
a. Unacceptable weld metal surface flaws may be blended out locally by an
approved process, provided that the resulting depression does not reduce the
thickness below 90% of the nominal parent material thickness and satisfies the
requirements of Clause 3.1.4a. The depression is to be flared out with a
minimum radius equal to 6.0mm and the remaining weld thickness in the way
of depression is to be free of sub-surface defects, unacceptable to this NES.
b. Rectification of sub-surface weld defects by re-welding is to be by an approved
welding procedure, to comply with the relevant contract documents, fabrication
documents and specifications for particular material/weld metal, and is to be
followed by re-examination, normally by the same method(s) and to the same
standard(s) as the original inspection.
13.1
NES 773
c. When indications of lack of fusion or non-metallic inclusions are discovered by

partial radiography on structural welds, which are in excess of the limits of
acceptance in Section 8., additional radiography of the weld is to be undertaken
for a distance of 100mm either side of the defective area.
d. Where the indications on the original radiograph show a defect to extend beyond
the radiographed area, it may be chased through by gouging the defective area
until clear under visual and dye penetrant or magnetic particle examination.
e. For Class 2 acceptance standard, where a low percentage of radiography is

carried out, the examination is to be used to check that an acceptable standard
of welding is being maintained. When indications of lack of fusion or of
non-metallic inclusions are discovered which lie above the acceptance limits in
Section 8., repair action is to be carried out and steps are to be taken to establish
the reason for loss of quality and to initiate corrective action.
13.2
NES 773
ANNEX A.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
A.1 Reference is made to:
See Clause
BS 499 Welding Terms and Symbols. B.2, Annex C.
Part 1: Glossary for welding, brazing and
thermal cutting.
BS 4870 Specification for approval testing of weld 8.3a.
procedures.
Part 3: Arc welding of tube to tube-plate
joints in metallic materials.
PD 6493 Guidance on methods for assessing the 1.2a.
acceptability of flaws in fusion welded
structures.
IIS/IIW 340−69 Testing, measurement and controls of welds Annex C.
NES 706 Welding and Fabrication of Ship’s Structure 2.1c.
NES 729 Requirements for Non-Destructive
Examination Methods
Part 1: Radiographic 8.1a.
Part2: Magnetic Particle 5.1a.
Part 3: Eddy Current 12.1a., 12.1d.
Part 4: Liquid Penetrant 6.1a.
Part 5: Ultrasonic 2.1b., 2.5c.,
9.1a., 9.3b.,
10.a.
NES 743 Pipe Manipulation 2.1c.
Part 4: Welding
NES 745 Classification, Inspection Requirements and
Acceptance Standards for castings
Part 1: Copper and Nickel Alloy Castings SCOPE 4.
Part 2: Steel Castings SCOPE 4.
NES 770 Welding and Fabrication of Q1N, Q2N, 2.1c., 3.1.4a.,
HY80 and QT35 Steel 11.1a.
Part 1: General
DGS PS 9023 General Welding Specification for 2.1c., 4.1.7a.,
Machinery Purposes 11.1a., 11.1b.
DGS−NAS−3 Nuclear Acceptance Standard—Welds SCOPE 4.
A.1 ANNEX A.
NES 773
ANNEX A. A.2
NES 773
ANNEX B.
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
B.1 For the purpose of this NES the following definitions and abbreviations apply:
B.2 Definitions
a. Unless otherwise stated elsewhere in this NES, the meaning of any welding
term used is to comply with BS 499 Part 1.
b. Definitions and illustrations of weld defects referred to are contained in

Annex C.
B.3 Abbreviations
EB Electron Beam (Welding)
ECA Engineering Critical Assessment
FSD Full Screen Deflection
MIG Metal Inert Gas (Welding)
MMA Manual Metal Arc (Welding)
QAR Quality Assurance Representative
SA Submerged Arc (Welding)
TIG Tungsten Inert Gas (Welding)
FCW Flux Core Welding
ESW Electroslag Welding
OFW Oxy-Fuel Welding
PAW Plasma Arc Welding
B.1 ANNEX B.
NES 773
ANNEX B. B.2
NES 773
ANNEX C.
DEFINITIONS AND ILLUSTRATIONS OF WELD IMPERFECTIONS

In compliance with BS 499 Part 1, except for 5 and 6 which are to comply with IIS/IIW−340−69.
C.1 Excess Penetration bead (root protrusion)
Excess weld metal protruding through the root of

a fusion weld made from one side only.
C.2 Root Concavity
A shallow groove that may

occur in the root of a butt
weld.
C.3 Undercut
An irregular groove at a toe of

a run in the parent metal, or
in previously deposited weld
metal, due to welding.
C.4 Crack
A linear discontinuity
produced by fracture.
C.5 Lack of fusion
Lack of union in a weld:
(1) between weld metal and parent metal
(2) between parent metal and parent metal
(3) between weld metal and weld metal
C.1 ANNEX C.
NES 773
C.6 Incomplete root penetration
Failure of weld metal to extend into

the root of a joint.
C.7 Linear Misalignment
Misalignment between two welded pieces

such that, whilst their surface planes are
parallel, their projected surfaces are not at
the required level.
C.8 Angular Misalignment
Misalignment between two welded pieces

such that their surface planes are not parallel
or at the intended angle.
C.9 Inclusion
Slag or other foreign matter entrapped during

welding.
C.10 Tungsten Inclusion
An inclusion of tungsten from the electrode in

tungsten inert-gas welding.
C.11 Gas Pore
A cavity, generally under 1.5mm in diameter,

formed by entrapped gas during the solidification of
molten metal.
C.12 Blowhole
A cavity generally over 1.5mm in diameter, formed

by entrapped gas during the solidification of molten
metal.
ANNEX C. C.2
NES 773
C.13 Porosity
A group of gas pores.
C.14 Uniform porosity
Porosity distributed in a substantially uniform manner throughout a weld.
C.15 Localized or clustered porosity
Porosity confined to a small area of weld.
C.16 Linear porosity
A string of gas pores situated parallel to the axis of a weld.
C.17 Wormhole
An elongated or tubular cavity formed by entrapped gas during the solidification of

molten metal.
C.3 ANNEX C.
NES 773
ANNEX C. C.4
NES 773
ANNEX D.
PROCUREMENT CHECK LIST
Notes:
1. This Check List is to ensure that certain aspects of this Naval Engineering
Standard are consulted when preparing a Statement of Technical
Requirements for a particular application.
2. Clauses where a preference for an option is to be used or where specific data is
to be added are included in the Check List.
List
3. Each item is to be marked either
! = included
NA = not applicable
CHECK
CHECK CLAUSE No ! or NA
No
1 Whether this NES is to be applied modified or 2.1b.(1)
unmodified.
2 Required Class of Acceptance Standard. 2.1b.(1)(a)
3 For Class 2 Acceptance Standard, extent of 2.1b.(1)(b)
NDT required.
4 For each pipe system, the Level of Importance. 2.1b.(1)(c),
0405
5 For ultrasonic examination of tee-butt welds, 2.1b.(1)(d),
whether ‘complete’ or ‘partial’ examination is 2.5c.
required.
6 Any alternative methods and extent of 2.1b.(2)
inspection to be applied.
7 For all materials less than 10mm thickness or 2.5b.
for materials other than carbon steel, seek
advice of MOD (PE) before specifying ultrasonic
examination.
8 The acceptance standard for rounded 7.3b.
indications to be applied.
9 The type of weld metal surfacing and/or to be 10.1a., 10.2a.
inspected.
10 For eddy current examination of new structure 12.1c.
welds SSC, MOD (PE) is to be consulted for
approval.
D.1 ANNEX D.
NES 773
ANNEX D. D.2
Inside Rear Cover
© Crown Copyright 2000
Copying Only as Agreed with DStan
Defence Standards are Published by and Obtainable from:
Defence Procurement Agency

An Executive Agency of The Ministry of Defence
Directorate of Standardization
Kentigern House
65 Brown Street
GLASGOW G2 8EX
DStan Helpdesk
Tel 0141 224 2531/2

Fax 0141 224 2503
Internet e-mail enquiries@dstan.mod.uk
File Reference
The DStan file reference relating to work on this standard is D/DStan/69/02/773.
Contract Requirements
When Defence Standards are incorporated into contracts users are responsible for their correct
application and for complying with contractual and statutory requirements. Compliance with
a Defence Standard does not in itself confer immunity from legal obligations.
Revision of Defence Standards
Defence Standards are revised as necessary by up issue or amendment. It is important that

users of Defence Standards should ascertain that they are in possession of the latest issue or
amendment. Information on all Defence Standards is contained in Def Stan 00-00 Standards
for Defence Part 3 , Index of Standards for Defence Procurement Section 4 ‘Index of Defence
Standards and Defence Specifications’ published annually and supplemented regularly by
Standards in Defence News (SID News). Any person who, when making use of a Defence
Standard encounters an inaccuracy or ambiguity is requested to notify the Directorate of
Standardization (DStan) without delay in order that the matter may be investigated and
appropriate action taken.

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Ministry of Defence

Defence Standard 02-773 (NES 773)

Minimum Acceptance Standards

Incorporating NES 773 Category 1

Amd No Date Text Affected Signature and Date

This standard is raised to Issue 1 to update its content.

This standard supersedes the following:

Naval Engineering Standard (NES) 773 Issue 1 dated March 1994.

Naval Engineering Standard

NES 773 Issue 1 (Reformatted) March 1994

MINIMUM ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR

AMDT INSERTED BY DATE

MINIMUM ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR WELDS IN

HM SURFACE SHIPS AND SUBMARINES

The issue and use of this Standard

is authorized for use in MOD contracts

by MOD(PE) Sea Systems and

the Naval Support Command

Director of Naval Architecture

3. The acceptance standards herein are applicable to:

a. Welds produced by the following processes:

(1) Manual metal arc (MMA).

(2) Submerged arc (SM).

(3) Metal Inert Gas (MIG).

(4) Metal Active Gas (MAG).

(5) Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG).

(6) Flux cored welding (FCW).

(7) Electroslag (ESW).

(8) Oxy Fuel (OFW).

(9) Plasma Arc (PAW).

b. Welds examined by the following methods:

(1) Eddy Current.

(2) Liquid penetrant.

(3) Magnetic Particle.

(5) Ultrasonic and

(6) Visual examination.

a. weld repair of castings (covered by NES 745 Parts 1 and 2);

2. If it is found to be unsuitable for any particular requirement the Sponsor is to be informed in

4. No alteration is to be made to this NES except by the issue of an authorized amendment.

7. This NES supersedes DGS G10000B.

a. British Standards British Standards Institution,

b. Defence Standards Directorate of Standardization and Safety Policy,

c. Naval Engineering Standards CSE3a, CSE Llangennech, Llanelli,

d. Other documents Tender or Contract Sponsor to advise.

Note: Tender or Contract Sponsor can advise in cases of difficulty.

Health and Safety

SECTION 1. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS AND PIPE

SECTION 2. DRAWINGS AND CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 2.1

SECTION 3. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR VISUAL

SECTION 4. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR VISUAL

SECTION 5. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR MAGNETIC

SECTION 6. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR LIQUID

SECTION 7. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR LIQUID

SECTION 8. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR

SECTION 11. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR EXAMINATION

SECTION 12. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR EDDY

SECTION 13. RECTIFICATION OF DEFECTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.1

1. ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS AND PIPE SYSTEM LEVELS

1.2 Alternative Standard of Acceptance

1.3 Structure and Engineering Assemblies Including Pipework

(a) submarine structural welds subjected to diving pressure and/or

(b) welds in Level 1 piping systems in submarines and surface ships,