Quality control in the shipbuilding industry has evolved from inspections at the end of the process to each craftsperson understanding the contract's quality requirements Shipbuilding has historically been one of the industries that advances our knowledge of materials, welding, and inspection. From the early days when steam boilers were placed aboard vessels to power paddle wheels, or when the demands of World War II required a fleet of Liberty Ships for carrying cargo, experience has taught us that standards need to be written to avoid loss of life and property. After boiler explosions took many lives on steam-powered vessels, rules were written for the control of design, materials, and safety relief valves. Welding rules for shipboard boilers and piping also evolved. The United States Coast Guard Marine Inspectors enforced these rules until recent times, when the task was transferred to the American Bureau of Shipping Surveyors.
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