What Does a Underwater Welder Do?
The job of an Underwater Welder is a challenging yet rewarding trade job in the Manufacturing industry. As an Underwater Welder, you'll have the opportunity to combine two unique skills - welding and diving. Your main responsibility will be to perform different types of welding repairs and installations under the water.
This job typically involves working in diverse environments including offshore oil platforms, ships, bridges, and damns. You'll spend a significant portion of your time submerged, often in deep and pressurized environments. Therefore, in addition to being highly skilled in welding, you should also be a trained and competent commercial diver.
Keep in mind, safety is paramount in this role due to the higher potential for danger compared to other welding jobs. As an underwater welder, you are not only expected to deliver high-quality work but also to always ensure your own safety and the safety of your team. If you have a knack for adventure and hands-on work, this could be the right career for you!
Skills Required
Technical Skills
- Underwater Welding
- Blueprint Reading
- Diving
- Soldering
- Pressure Handling
- Safety Procedures Awareness
- Metal Fabrication
Soft Skills
- Physical Stamina
- Problem Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Time Management
- Communication
Technical Skills
- Underwater Welding
- Blueprint Reading
- Diving
- Soldering
- Pressure Handling
- Safety Procedures Awareness
- Metal Fabrication
Soft Skills
- Physical Stamina
- Problem Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Time Management
- Communication
Education and Training Requirements
Required Education
- High School Diploma or Equivalent: Complete high school with emphasis on mathematics, physics and technical drawing. Or complete a GED (General Education Diploma)
- Welding Training Program/Course: Completing a Welding Training course that provides comprehensive training covering the theory and application of welding.
- Earn a Welding Certification: Obtain a welder certification from the American Welding Society (AWS) or a recognized national welding association.
- Get Practical Experience: It is recommended to get several years of experience as a general welder before moving to the undersea area.
- Complete Diving Training: Register for a commercial diving course that meets the standards of the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI).
- Earn Diving Certification: Obtain a commercial diving certification from a recognized diving organization such as ADCI or Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).
- Complete Underwater Welding Specialty Training: Complete a specialized underwater welding program which involves training on skills needed to execute welding tasks underwater using various techniques.
- Get Underwater Welding Job Experience: Work in the field under the supervision of an experienced underwater welder to gain practical firsthand experience.
- High School Diploma or Equivalent: Complete high school with emphasis on mathematics, physics and technical drawing. Or complete a GED (General Education Diploma)
- Welding Training Program/Course: Completing a Welding Training course that provides comprehensive training covering the theory and application of welding.
- Earn a Welding Certification: Obtain a welder certification from the American Welding Society (AWS) or a recognized national welding association.
- Get Practical Experience: It is recommended to get several years of experience as a general welder before moving to the undersea area.
- Complete Diving Training: Register for a commercial diving course that meets the standards of the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI).
- Earn Diving Certification: Obtain a commercial diving certification from a recognized diving organization such as ADCI or Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).
- Complete Underwater Welding Specialty Training: Complete a specialized underwater welding program which involves training on skills needed to execute welding tasks underwater using various techniques.
- Get Underwater Welding Job Experience: Work in the field under the supervision of an experienced underwater welder to gain practical firsthand experience.
Licensing and Certification
State Requirements
Required in most states