Hypothetical question:

How much liability does the manufacturer of pressure vessel assume if PV was too explode? The manufacturer carries coverage by, say Hartford or similar recognized insurance agency. Manufacturer holds appropriated "U" stamp and performs all requirements under ASME Sec VIII Div 1 code with AI involvement and vessel is also registered with NBIC.

Any comments especially from AIs would be appreciated.

This is a difficult question to answer .

Normally if vessel had been fabricated as per applicable rules & paper work is right , there should not be any liability . So much for theory .

In practice one could not be so sure.

The manufacturer holds all responsibility (unless he can prove other's responsibility: eg. misuse bu the User), AIA has a non-liability clause before the signature of the AI and in accordance with the Code the AI is not responsible. The insurance of the Manufacturer pays just for the damage caused. Do not confuse insurance co. and Authorized Insp. Agency (AIA)
Mauro