If you’ve been around storage tanks for a while, you know one thing for sure: regulations don’t stay still for long. Since 2020, API 653 inspections by tank inspection companies —the backbone of aboveground storage tank compliance—have gone through some pretty noticeable shifts. Some of these changes have been pushed by new technologies, others by regulatory pressure, and a good chunk by the reality of aging infrastructure across industries.
Now, it’s easy to glance at inspection updates and think, “Alright, just another tweak to the rulebook.” But the truth is, the way these inspections are carried out today looks a lot different than it did just a few years back. And if you own or manage tanks, those differences aren’t just paperwork—they impact your costs, downtime, and even long-term tank life.
A Bigger Spotlight on Risk-Based Inspection
Before 2020, inspections already leaned toward risk-based strategies, but let’s be honest, plenty of teams still defaulted to traditional calendar-driven schedules. That’s changed. API 653 inspectors are now digging deeper into why a tank is at risk rather than just checking the date on a calendar.
Think of it this way: instead of treating every tank like it’s the same, inspectors are tailoring their approach. Tanks holding highly corrosive products or those sitting in harsh environments? They get prioritized. Meanwhile, tanks with a cleaner history aren’t necessarily being pulled apart as often. It’s more efficient, but it also means tank owners need to have solid records—because risk-based inspection only works when data is accurate.
Technology Is No Longer “Optional”
Five years ago, tools like drones, 3D scanning, and digital twins felt like nice-to-have add-ons. Fast forward to now, and they’re edging closer to standard practice. Fiberglass tank inspection professionals are flying drones into hard-to-reach areas, mapping corrosion digitally, and sometimes even building a “virtual model” of a tank to monitor changes over time.
What does this mean for owners? Less downtime and, in some cases, less cost. Instead of draining and entering a tank for every little thing, certain issues can be assessed remotely or predicted earlier. That doesn’t replace the human inspector, but it absolutely changes how inspections are planned and executed.
Regulatory Push from Aging Infrastructure
Here’s the elephant in the room: tanks aren’t getting younger. A large number of U.S. tanks are already pushing or surpassing their intended design lives. Since 2020, regulators have taken a firmer stance on how API 653 inspections address aging steel, welds, and foundations.
You might’ve noticed more emphasis on integrity testing, stricter evaluation of bottom plates, and closer looks at settlement issues. None of this is brand-new, but the intensity has ramped up. Inspectors aren’t just checking compliance boxes—they’re asking, “Will this tank realistically hold up another decade?”
The COVID Factor (Yes, Still Relevant)
It’s impossible to talk about inspection evolution without mentioning the pandemic. COVID disrupted inspection schedules in 2020 and 2021, forcing many facilities to delay work. In response, API guidance and inspectors had to adapt—balancing safety with compliance. Out of that came a stronger reliance on remote monitoring tools and digital record-keeping. Even now, that shift hasn’t reversed. The industry got a taste of efficiency, and it stuck.
What This Means for Tank Owners Today
So, what’s the takeaway if you’re managing tanks right now? For one, inspections may feel more involved than they did five years ago, but they’re also smarter. Instead of blanket shutdowns or unnecessary tests, you’re more likely to see customized inspection plans that actually fit your tanks’ conditions.
The flip side? You can’t get away with sloppy data anymore. If your maintenance records are incomplete or outdated, risk-based inspection doesn’t work, and you’ll probably end up with more conservative (and costly) recommendations.
FAQs
- How often do API 653 inspections need to be done now?
The core timelines haven’t disappeared—out-of-service inspections are still required every 10 years, with in-service inspections more frequent. But inspectors are leaning heavily on risk-based assessments to determine the exact schedule. - Are digital tools like drones replacing human inspectors?
Not quite. They’re making inspections faster, safer, and more precise, but at the end of the day, you still need certified inspectors to interpret the data and make the final call. - Has COVID permanently changed how inspections are carried out?
In some ways, yes. Remote data collection and digital reporting became normal out of necessity, and now they’re part of the toolbox moving forward.
Final Thought
Since 2020, API 653 inspections have moved from being a straightforward “checklist exercise” to a more dynamic, data-driven process. That’s good news if you’re proactive—because the system now rewards owners who keep clean records, embrace new tech, and stay ahead of risks.
If you’re still treating inspections as a necessary evil instead of a tool for extending your tanks’ lifespan, you’re missing the point. The evolution since 2020 isn’t just about compliance—it’s about smarter, safer, and ultimately more cost-effective tank management.
