Underwater Welding Information: Career and Jobs

The foremost requirement for underwater welding jobs is to become a certified diver. The task involves repair works of damaged ship or vessel components; pipelines carrying inflammable substances like oil or gas; construction and maintenance of bridge-supports and so on.

Essential Skills Welding Diving Active Listening Critical Thinking Operational Monitoring Good Communicator Time Management

Thus, it involves working under high-pressure and perilous conditions for a long duration. Therefore, along with being an expert welder, one should be a good diver and adept to many different working conditions. Usually, welding underwater involves use of a six basic methods which are - dry welding in habitat, in atmosphere, dry chamber welding, friction stud welding, dry spot welding and wet welding. Out of these, wet welding involves direct contact between welding apparatus and water, unlike other methods, where it is performed after isolating the job area from making contact with water.

Since most of the underwater welding jobs involve use of electrical appliances underwater, it becomes even more challenging. Certainly, it is not meant for the faint-hearted. Nevertheless, one who successfully undergoes the training courses and loves taking up challenges, will surely benefit as it is a high-paying job in most countries. Underwater welding jobs also involve traveling to many distant lands and putting up in locations which might not be very comfortable for a stay. Hence, before taking up an underwater welding career, one must have intense passion and willingness to adapt to different living conditions.

A very important concern is the usage of electricity. Since, underwater welding requires a Direct Current (DC) supply rather than Alternating Current (AC), a diver cum welder should be properly insulated against any shocks. The equipment used in welding should be used only after ensuring proper and spacious working conditions. The dangers are significantly less, when a diver is welding in a pond, lake or a reservoir. But, in the deep seas there is very poor visibility as one goes deeper in the water. Sometimes, in order to prevent drifting away because of strong ocean currents, a diver has to secure himself to snaffling ropes. Certain marine-life, like jellyfish, stinging worms or sting grays also pose a danger for underwater welders.

Average Salary $ 55,000 - 58,000

There are a stringent set of rules and guidelines laid down by many competent bodies in the US for underwater welding career. The American Welding Society, Association of Diving Contractors, the US Navy in tandem with many commercial diving schools help guide the aspirants and govern the technicalities of this job. There are many commercial training institutes and also US Navy courses for getting started with an underwater welding career. College of Oceaneering, Wilmington, California, is one such institute that offers highly professional and advanced training in underwater welding applications.