When a person decides to get underwater welding training, they must learn how to dive and weld. Thus, they must become a certified diver as well as a certified welder. At the end of their training, they will have the skills needed to weld under the guidelines of the Underwater Welding Code. In the past, some people were able to enter this field without a lot of training. Now, however, there is a higher demand for workers with more training. Many of the employers in this industry are companies who specialize in deep sea oil and gas and marine infrastructure repair. Thus, they need workers who are well trained and who can engage in sophisticated procedures and increased technology.
What to Expect from an Underwater Welding Training Course
These specialized training courses are available at a variety of institutions. At the completion of one of these courses, individuals should be able to weld in accordance with the EWF (European Welding Federation) and the AWS (American Welding Society). They will receive an entry level welding certification from the AWS and a certificate from their school which states that they have completed a topside welding course for commercial divers. While in an underwater welding training course, students can expect to take classes in the following types of subjects:
- How to safely weld underwater
- Introduction to welding equipment
- Special techniques for underwater work
- Terminology classes on electrode and welding terms
- Welding problems and defects
- How to Control weld operations
- How to maintain quality work
- How to hook together steel plates using three different techniques
Training for Individuals Who Are Already Certified Welders
People who already have their welding certification may be interested in becoming an underwater welder. Making this shift in their career often equates to a much higher salary. The average welder makes less than $20 an hour while an underwater welder may make anywhere from $100,000 to $200,000 per year.
In order to make this shift, these professionals do not necessarily need to attend an underwater welding training course. Instead, they can just get their commercial divers license. Then, they can start working as apprentice drivers. This period usually takes up to two years to complete. During this time, these divers will prove that they can efficiently perform all types of underwater welding.
Underwater Welding Training for People who Are Already Certified Divers
If a person is already certified as a commercial underwater diver, they may wish to expand their career options by taking an underwater welding course. They will have to learn about welding procedures and welding qualifications. There are many companies that offer this type of training, or interested people can opt to attend a school that offers the same training. However, this is only relevant for people who are commercially certified. Sport divers do not yet have the education about how to work in a commercial off shore environment.
If you are interested in expanding your career options and making a higher income, it is possible. With only a couple of years of training, you can become certified as an underwater welder. An underwater welding training course may be your first step to success.