- 2025 Inductee
Robert Rendon
Authorized Inspector
“Currently Retired”
- EXPERIENCE
- 27 years
- COMPANY
- "Currently Retired"
- SPECIALTY
- Sec VII Div 1
- EXPERIENCE
- List Item #3
- REGION
- List Item #3
Areas of Focus
Sec VII Div 1
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Credentials / Professional Snapshot
- NATIONAL BOARD NUMBER
- 12141
- STATE ENDORSEMENTS
- A, B, R
- AIA'S WORKED FOR
- Authorized Inspection Associates, LLC
- YEAR BECAME AN AI
- 1998
- PREFERRED CODE SECTIONS
- Sec VII Div 1
Background
- WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
- Guanajuato, Mexico
- FIRST JOB
- As QCM and EM was in Proyectos Industriales Garcia SA de CV a Pressure Vessels Shop
Career Journey
- HOW DID YOU BECOME AN AI?
- This is a story that has a special meaning to me. Early in my careeras QCM and EM, my Authorized Inspector at the company Proyectos Industriales García S.A. de C.V. recommended me to another company, Calderera del Centro S.A. de C.V., where he continued as my AI. His name was Sergio Rodríguez (RIP). Over time, we became good friends. I remember that every time he came for an inspection, I challenged myself to be fully prepared—it became a motivating and even enjoyable experience for me. Unfortunately, he passed away at a young age, around 42 or 43 years old. His influence, however, remained with me. About a year later, I reached out to an inspection agency, Delta Lloyd’s, LLC, asking if there was an opportunity for me to become an Authorized Inspector. They responded about a year later, offering me the chance to pursue the certification on my own, while they would support me by arranging the exam and covering the associated travel and exam costs. I accepted the challenge. I studied intensively on my own for more than six months and eventually took the two-day (16-hour) examination. Unfortunately, I did not pass on my first attempt. Determined to succeed, I made an agreement with the agency: they would arrange for me to take the exam again at the next available date, I would cover all the expenses myself, and if I passed, they would reimburse me and offer me the position. That is exactly what happened.
- HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AN AUTHORIZED INSPECTOR, AND WHAT FIRST LED YOU INTO THIS ROLE?
- Had been an Authorized Inspector for 27 years, working with A, B, and R commissions through different Authorized Inspection Agencies. My path into this role was driven by both opportunity and determination. Early in my career, I was exposed to the work of Authorized Inspectors, which sparked my interest in the level of responsibility, technical rigor, and trust required in this profession. That initial exposure motivated me to pursue the role seriously. Becoming an AI was not immediate—it required a significant personal commitment. I invested months of independent study and perseverance before successfully passing the examination. That process taught me discipline, resilience, and respect for the profession from the very beginning.
- HIGHLIGHT OF BEING AN AI?
- One of the most meaningful highlights of my career as an Authorized Inspector has been the opportunity to contribute not only to safety and code compliance, but to the development of people. Over the past 27 years, working across multiple Authorized Inspection Agencies and participating in Joint Reviews, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring inspectors and Quality Control Managers, helping them understand not only the technical aspects of the Code, but also the importance of the QCM–AI relationship built on trust, clarity, and shared responsibility. This journey has also allowed me to work in different regions, including Mexico, Central America, and Europe, and to collaborate closely with ASME auditors—experiences that have enriched me both professionally and personally. Throughout my career, I’ve always tried to lead with integrity and professionalism. Being recognized for that across the industry in Mexico is something I deeply value, especially knowing that maintaining those standards is not always the easiest path, but always the right one. Seeing these principles carried forward by others is what I value the most. Being an AI is not just about enforcing the Code—it’s about building trust, developing people, and leaving a lasting positive impact on the profession.
- WHAT WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART OF BEING AN AI?
- The part I’ve liked the least is when you have to say “no” in situations where others are expecting a “yes.” Those moments can be uncomfortable, especially when there are pressures from schedule or, costs. However, they are also the moments that define your integrity as an Authorized Inspector. Another difficult aspect has been when, after investing significant time supporting a manufacturer—guiding them through the process and helping them meet certification requirements—the inspection contract is canceled for economic reasons. While I understand the realities businesses face, it can be discouraging after the level of commitment and effort involved.
- WHAT DID YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING AN AUTHORIZED INSPECTOR?
- What I have enjoyed most about being an Authorized Inspector is the opportunity to make a positive impact on people and the profession. One of the most meaningful aspects has been working with Quality Control Managers and helping them understand how to perform their work with honesty, transparency, and confidence. This has been especially important in environments where there can be misconceptions about the role of integrity. Throughout my career, being recognized as a person who upholds these values has been very rewarding. I have also greatly valued the relationships I’ve built over the years—with ASME auditors, supervisors, QC personnel, and many others. These interactions have been a constant source of learning, both professionally and personally. Finally, the opportunity to travel and work in different regions has been an enriching experience, allowing me to see different approaches, cultures, and ways of working within the industry.
Professional Perspective
- WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON MISCONCEPTION PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT AUTHORIZED INSPECTORS?
- One of the most common misconceptions is that the Authorized Inspector is the one who “stamps” the vessel or owns the ASME stamp. I’ve often been contacted by new companies asking if I can simply come in and stamp their equipment, as if the process depended solely on the inspector. This reflects a misunderstanding of how the ASME certification system works.
- WHAT'S ONE INSPECTION HABIT OR BEST PRACTICE YOU BELIEVE EVERY MANUFACTURER SHOULD TAKE SERIOUSLY?
- One of the most common misconceptions is that the Authorized Inspector is the one who “stamps” the vessel or owns the ASME stamp. I’ve often been contacted by new companies asking if I can simply come in and stamp their equipment, as if the process depended solely on the inspector. This reflects a misunderstanding of how the ASME certification system works.
- CAN YOU SHARE A MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER WHERE YOUR INSPECTION MADE A MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE?
- Recall one particular experience that stands out. One night, I was returning to Mexico City airport after completing another inspection when I was urgently contacted by a company requesting me to witness a hydrotest. They arranged transportation and took me directly to the site where the vessel was located. Upon arrival, I asked for the inspection documentation and realized that the radiographic (RT) films had not yet been reviewed by me. I informed them that I could witness the hydrotest, but its acceptance would be conditional upon my review of the RT films. They were very confident in the results, explaining that their Level II inspector had already accepted the films. The hydrotest was completed successfully, and I scheduled a visit to the shop the following day to review the RT films. During my review, I identified a slag inclusion that had been overlooked. I required the company to perform the necessary repair and repeat the hydrotest. The owner of the company personally attended the repair to witness the discontinuity firsthand, and the issue was confirmed, and they repeated the hydrotest. From that moment on, I earned a high level of respect as an Authorized Inspector.
- WHAT QUALITIES SEPARATE A "GOOD" INSPECTION PROCESS FROM AN EXCELLENT ONE?
- A good inspection process ensures compliance; an excellent one builds trust. The difference lies in preparation, a strong QCM–AI relationship, and, most importantly, integrity—consistently verifying, never assuming, and maintaining the same standard regardless of pressure.
- HOW DO YOU STAY CURRENT WITH CHANGES TO ASME CODES AND INDUSTRY EXPECTATIONS?
- I stay current through a combination of continuous Code review, Online National Board Training courses and practical experience in audits and inspections, and ongoing collaboration with other inspectors, QCMs, and ASME auditors. I value the exchange of knowledge with ASME auditors. These professional interactions are an important source of learning and help maintain alignment with best practices.
- WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ENGINEERS, QA TEAMS, OR FABRICATORS WORKING WITH AUTHORIZED INSPECTORS?
- My main advice is to see the Authorized Inspector as a partner in the process, not as an obstacle. The goal of both sides is the same: to ensure safety, compliance, and quality. When engineers, QA teams, and fabricators understand that the AI is there to verify and support the process—not to delay it—the entire dynamic changes
- WHY DO YOU THINK THE ROLE OF THE AUTHORIZED INSPECTOR IS CRITICAL TO THE INDUSTRY'S FUTURE IN A DIGITAL WORLD?
- As the industry continues to evolve with digital tools, automation, and data-driven processes, the role of the Authorized Inspector becomes even more critical—not less. Technology can improve efficiency, documentation, and traceability, but it cannot replace professional judgment, experience, and integrity. The responsibility of an AI is not only to verify compliance, but to interpret requirements, evaluate real conditions, and make decisions that directly impact safety.
- WHAT'S ONE LESSON THE JOB HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT APPLIES BEYOND INSPECTIONS?
- Doing things the right way, every time—even in small decisions—creates a foundation that others can rely on. I’ve learned that this goes beyond inspections. It applies to how you work with people, how you build relationships, and how you carry yourself in all aspects of life.
Fun / Personality
- WHAT'S THE WEIRDEST THING YOU'VE EVER FOUND HIDDEN INSIDE A PRESSURE VESSEL OR WELD JOINT DURING AN INSPECTION?
- One of the strangest findings I encountered was a piece of slag trapped in an area that had already been accepted visually.
- IF YOUR CAREER AS AN AI HAD A MOVIE TITLE AND TAGLINE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
- Title: The Moment My Life Changed Tagline: What began as a career became a life-changing journey—one that gave me purpose, brought me true happiness, allowed me to support my family, improved my quality of life, and ultimately gave me the freedom to grow both professionally and personally.