This guide includes an outline of the fundamental prerequisites for personnel performing visual examination of welds. Such prerequisites include physical limitations or capabilities@ as well as technical knowledge@ training@ experience@ judgment@ and certification.This guide essentially provides an introduction to visual examination of welding. These examinations fall into three categories based on the time they are performed@ as follows: (1) prior to welding@ (2) during welding@ and (3) after welding. An extensive treatment is provided on weld surface conditions@ including reference to frequently used terminologies associated with preferred and nonpreferred conditions. Visual examination may be performed by different people or organizations. Personnel performing welding examination include welders@ welding supervisors@ the contractor??s welding inspector@ the purchaser??s examiner@ or the regulatory inspector. For the purpose of simplicity@ these individuals referred to as visual inspectors in the remainder of this standard in that they perform visual inspection. Fabrication documents@ contract specifications@ and regulatory agencies may specify who performs final inspections.Also provided is a review of visual examination equipment aids routinely used@ such as gauges and lighting equipment. Formal documentation of visual examination results is contained in Section 6@ Records. Finally@ the guide suggests additional reading or references@ that may provide more detailed requirements for specific visual examination applications.