Abstract: Aiming at the problems that there is a lack of technical standards and professional training in visual testing of special equipment in China, which causes the randomness and blindness to the test, this paper introduces the visual testing superiority and influence factors on visual testing, and prepares a pressure vessel testing process. The test found serious defects in the pressure vessel, thus proving the good application effect. Finally the paper put forward some suggestions and initiatives, urging related sectors and industries to accelerate the visual testing, to promote the visual testing technology in special equipment inspection, to carry on theoretical research, to perfect standard system and to carry out training and certification, so as to promote its good application and rapid development.