Underwater Welding is a COOL job!
Underwater Welding is a unique way to make a living. These are very special people. They have diving skills plus welding & mechanical abilities. I salute them. One SURE way to get the training AND experience is in the Navy.
Throughout this page I've included several photos via the Navy. All credits go out to the Navy Welders and Photographers.
Timber companies that have their own cargo ships and that also pull logs up from the water via "log hauls", have occasional underwater welding needs. But the NAVY....well that's a full-time job.
**My Ebook is READY! "The Arc And Beyond"!**
Below is a Navy underwater welder at work:
Photo by Consolidated Divers Unit, Naval Station San Diego
Underwater Welding has 2 main catagories:
1) Wet welding
2) Dry welding
Wet welding simply means that the job is performed directly in the water. It involves using a special welding rod, and is similar to the process used in ordinary in-the-air welding.
This is the cheapest method & the fastest to get the job done. All needed power & air supply units are above ground, via cables & air lines.
But because of the effects of the water itself on the arc & the puddle process, it tends to be of somewhat less quality then dry welding.
Dry welding: (Hyperbaric Welding) is done within a pre-built chamber to provide the dry air conditions. The welds are high quality, but the preparation costs & times involved can make it a less desirable way to go in many cases.
Both methods have risks. But with careful preparation, safe equipment, & a top notch welder, you're "good to go".
In either case, you must adhere closely to safe practices. Follow the "checklist" precisely. If you wish to pursue this special welding job here is a link to the San Diego website:
Below is a link to several welding schools all over the USA plus Canada!
Below is a link to a 200 page PDF version of a Navy Underwater Welding and Cutting!
Below are pictures of some preparations involved
before they go "under":
Photos by: Consolidated Divers Unit, Naval Station San Diego
Like any other arc welding jobs, there can be much preparation going on.
They weld up all the parts they can before going "under".
Below is a photo of one of the "pieces" that they are working on:
Photo by: Consolidated Divers Unit, Naval Station San Diego
This is one of the bigger projects they'll
eventually get involved with.
Now finishing THIS job would really give you a feeling of
accomplishment!
Now were getting somewhere!
Let's get "suited up" and get going!
Photos by: Consolidated Divers Unit, Naval Station San Diego
Gearing up for this kind of welding can be extensive. But you don't want to leave out any steps HERE.
Both diving & underwater welding have been around for quite awhile. And there's more than just the Navy doing this stuff. Think about civilian ship-yards, off-shore oil-rig structures & more. Do some heavy on-line research if you wish to pursue this great special welding opportunity.
Below is some grinding preparation. Then below that is actual underwater welding.
Photo by: U.S. Navy Underwater Construction Force
Here's the U.S.Navy in action. By the way, although I spent time in the Navy, I'm NOT a recruiter!! I just admire how special this welding job really is. And I wanted to include this option in my website.
Plus joining the U.S. Navy is one SURE way to get both some special training AND experience in the job. Didn't I already mention that? Well...it is a positive way to get you in the field!
Very important above-water-equipment is shown below:
First is the gear bus with a self contained dive station.
Second is inside the gear bus.
Third is the communication console. COOL huh?
Photos by: U.S. Navy Consolidated Divers Unit Naval Station San Diego
You can see in the above photos details of related Navy Underwater Welding Equipment.
All this info plus these pictures give me a strong impression that the Navy really "has their act together" on this.
Once more, if you desire to pursue this "adventure in the Navy",
here is a link to their site:
Want MORE INFO on all welding subjects? Get it from my ebook, "The Arc And Beyond"!