Underwater welding jobs are some of the most competitive and exciting careers ever developed. This job combines the exotic pass time of underwater diving as well as the skill of welding metals. Many positions in this field demand large amounts of experience and education in order to be considered. The field is highly competitive and candidates who have earned certifications and logged time underwater are the ones that get the jobs.
Underwater Welding Education
Having an education from an accredited diving/welding academy can make the difference between being hired and being passed over for a position. Individuals should look for schools that offer a lot of water time. For example training that culminates in at least 1800 to 2000 minutes of underwater time should be adequate to impress an employer. A school that offers hands on learning for students is another important aspect. Underwater welding is an extremely dangerous job and employers want candidates with a lot of experience. Little or no job history will not bar you from employment but no water time or other experience will. Lastly, individuals should also choose a school that will allow them to earn certifications that are well recognized in the industry.
Skills for underwater welding jobs
A person that works in this field is a certified welder and also a trained commercial diver. These are two skills that often do not go hand in hand. There are academies that train people on how to become both at the same time however possessing one or both of these skills is a must to begin training or entering a career in underwater welding. A commercial diver should be familiar with performing duties associated with commercial sub-sea work. These individuals must be able to perform weld setup and prep, weld in accordance with the AWS D3.6M, wet or dry, underwater welding code, as well as other welding activities.
How much do welder-divers get paid?
Like other professions, there are multiple factors that influence how much underwater welding jobs pay. In general, a certified welder-diver can make anywhere from 100K to 200K annually. Many of these individuals are not paid weekly or bi weekly as in a typical job. They are paid on a per-project basis and may not always be working for the same employer. For example they may perform contract work. The task of welding underwater is extremely dangerous with varying degrees of difficulty. For instance the depth a diver needs to go, the amount and type of work that needs to be performed and the region of the world where work is being done will all effect how much the diver gets paid.
Being a welder-diver is an exciting and diverse career. These positions take people all over the world and diver-welders enjoy good pay and a stimulating work environment. There are strict requirements for qualification in this field and the industry is highly competitive. People in this line of work must possess a variety of unlike skills in order to be successful in underwater welding jobs.