Introduction to Underwater Welding

Underwater welding is a specialized skill that combines commercial diving with welding expertise. It is widely used in offshore oil rigs, ship repairs, and marine construction. If you’re interested in a high-paying, adventurous career, here’s how you can become an expert in underwater welding.

Steps to Become an Underwater Welder

Step 1: Obtain a High School Diploma or GED

A strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and technical subjects is essential for underwater welding. Taking courses in welding, metal fabrication, or mechanical engineering can be beneficial.

Step 2: Become a Certified Welder

Gain experience in topside welding before attempting underwater welding.

Obtain certifications such as:

AWS (American Welding Society) Certification

Certified Welder (CW)

Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

Step 3: Attend Commercial Diving School

Choose a school accredited by the Association of Commercial Diving Educators (ACDE) or the Diver Certification Board of Canada (DCBC).

Training includes:

Diving physics & physiology

Underwater safety & hazards

Emergency procedures

Use of diving equipment

Step 4: Get Underwater Welding Training & Certification

Take specialized courses in underwater welding at commercial diving schools.

Obtain certifications such as:

AWS D3.6M Underwater Welding Code

CSWIP 3.1U or 3.2U (Certification Scheme for Welding Inspection Personnel – Underwater)

ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) Certification

Step 5: Gain Diving Experience

Work as a commercial diver to build underwater welding experience.

Accumulate dive hours to qualify for advanced projects.

Step 6: Apply for Underwater Welding Jobs

Look for opportunities with offshore oil rigs, shipyards, and marine construction firms.

Join professional networks like the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI).

Key Topics in Underwater Welding Training

Commercial Diving Techniques – Use of surface-supplied air, SCUBA, and saturation diving.

Underwater Welding Methods – Wet welding vs. dry (habitat) welding.

Welding Processes – Stick welding (SMAW), Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW), MIG & TIG welding.

Underwater Safety – Avoiding pressure-related injuries, electric shock prevention, decompression sickness.

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) – Inspection techniques for underwater welding.

Marine Engineering & Metallurgy – Understanding materials used in marine environments.

Emergency & First Aid Training – CPR, first aid, and diving accident response.

Companies Hiring Underwater Welders

Oil & Gas Industry

Subsea 7 (Global)

Saipem (Italy & Global)

McDermott International (USA & Middle East)

Petrofac (UK & Middle East)

Shipbuilding & Repair

Damen Shipyards (Netherlands & Global)

Bollinger Shipyards (USA)

Huntington Ingalls Industries (USA)

Marine Construction & Salvage

Global Diving & Salvage (USA)

Phoenix International (USA & Global)

C-Dive (Gulf of Mexico)

JFD Global (UK & Offshore)

Conclusion

Underwater welding is a challenging yet rewarding career that offers excellent job opportunities worldwide. By obtaining the right certifications, gaining commercial diving experience, and networking with industry professionals, you can build a successful career in underwater welding. Whether you want to work in offshore oil drilling, ship repairs, or marine construction, this field has numerous opportunities for skilled professionals.