The American Petroleum Institute (API) initiated an Aboveground Storage Tank Inspector Certification Program with the issuance of Supplement 1 to API 653, Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction. This program promotes safe storage and material handling of petroleum products in a manner that protects employees, the public, and the environment. The program was developed with the participation of storage tank owner/users, and establishes a uniform national program that will assist state and local governments in aboveground storage tank regulations.