To get a quick answer on How to Become An Underwater Welder You need to get certification (7-24 months). Master SMAW at 300-400A, 20-40V. Earn commercial diving cert (3-12 months). Train in wet welding (6-24 months) at 35-45° angle, 300-400A DC. Pass AWS D3.6M cert. Salaries: $38K-$88K avg. 15% fatality rate. Use 1/8-1/4″ waterproof electrodes.
Prerequisites
Before diving into the world of underwater welding, you must first gain a solid foundation in welding and diving. Here’s what you’ll need:
Welding Certification and Experience
Enroll in a welding training program that covers techniques such as:
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
- Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) These programs typically take between 7 and 24 months to complete.
Gain practical experience as a topside welder for 1-3 years to master working with various metals, positions, and welding processes. Focus on SMAW, as it is heavily used in underwater welding with currents ranging from 300 to 400 amps and voltages between 20 and 40 volts.
Commercial Diving Certification
Attend a commercial diving school to learn essential skills, including:
- Diving physics
- Underwater tools and cutting
- Hyperbaric chamber operations
- Diving safety Programs can last from 3 to 12 months.
Develop key diving abilities:
- Swim 400 meters unassisted
- Tread water for 15 minutes
- Maintain excellent physical conditioning
Pass a thorough diving physical examination that assesses your cardiovascular health, vision, and hearing.
Underwater Welding Training
Once you have acquired the necessary welding and diving skills, it’s time to embark on specialized underwater welding training.
Enroll in an underwater welding program that spans 6-24 months and covers:
- Wet welding techniques
- Underwater cutting
- Specialized equipment like waterproof electrode holders
Master wet welding techniques:
- Maintain a 35-45° angle to allow gas bubbles to escape
- Rely on touch and sound to gauge weld quality due to low visibility
- Use typical power supply settings of 300-400 amps of DC current at 20-40 volts (never use AC current underwater due to electrocution risk)
AWS D3.6M Underwater Welding Certification
To demonstrate your proficiency and qualify for underwater welding jobs, obtain the American Welding Society’s D3.6M certification.
- Study the AWS D3.6M:2017 standard, which covers the requirements for underwater wet and dry welding in various classes based on weld criticality.
- Pass a written exam and hands-on welding performance qualification test witnessed by a certified welding inspector.
Equipment and Safety Considerations
Underwater welders must use specialized equipment and adhere to strict safety protocols to mitigate the risks inherent in this profession.
Equipment
A typical wet welding setup includes:
- Waterproof electrode holder
- Knife switch
- 300-400 amp DC power source
- 1/8″ to 1/4″ diameter electrodes with waterproof coating
Safety
Consider these sobering facts:
- Underwater welders face a fatality rate of up to 15%, the highest of any profession.
- The most common causes of death are drowning and decompression sickness.
To minimize risks:
- Always follow proper safety procedures
- Maintain your equipment in excellent condition
- Stay alert and focused during underwater operations
Career Outlook and Earnings
Despite the challenges, underwater welding offers significant financial rewards for those who master this demanding trade.
Experience Level | Annual Salary Range |
---|---|
Entry-Level | $38,000 – $50,000 |
Mid-Career | $50,000 – $70,000 |
Experienced | $70,000 – $88,000 |
The average annual salary for an underwater welder is $54,640, making it one of the highest-paying welding careers.
Conclusion
Becoming an underwater welder requires a rare combination of advanced welding skills, commercial diving expertise, and specialized underwater welding training. By following the steps outlined in this guide and dedicating yourself to mastering the technical aspects of this unique profession, you can turn your passion into a thriving and rewarding career.
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