In addition to the deputy boiler inspectors provided for in AS 18.60.230 and the approved inspectors appointed under AS 18.60.235(a), the Department of Labor and Workforce Development shall, upon the request of a company authorized by the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development under AS 21.09 to insure against loss from explosion of boilers and unfired pressure vessels as described in AS 21.12.070(a)(7), or upon the request of a company operating unfired pressure vessels, issue to an inspector of the company a state commission as a special inspector. However, to be eligible for a commission as special inspector, a person must have passed the examination provided for in AS 18.60.290, or hold a certificate as an inspector of boilers from the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors.