SCUBA Welding Training
The advent of scuba technology has afforded many recreational divers the opportunity to explore the undersea world. The technology has also led to the booming trade of underwater welding where skilled welders don scuba gear and repair or build metal underwater structures, such as platform supports or ship hulls. Individuals interested in this field must not only learn the welding trade, but also must become certified scuba divers. Once certified, the individual can look forward to a demanding yet rewarding career.
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Job Description
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Underwater welding, also known as hyberbaric welding under certain conditions, is the trade of using steel or specially blended metals to repair existing underwater structures. The depth of the work is limited by underwater pressures; at greater depths, dry welding (the worker performs work from inside an underwater vehicle) is used in lieu of scuba. Ships, submerged pipelines and offshore oil platforms are common work sites for welders.
Training
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Although no previous experience is necessarily required, prospective students must possess a valid welder's certificate before enrolling in a commercial diving course. Many schools recommend that students have little to no previous diving experience before enrollment. After obtaining both diving and welding certifications and being hired on to a dive company, on-the-job training entails expanding on previous skills and composes most of the employee's training. The entry level position is Diver Apprentice; advancement to Diver-Welder is dependent on the needs of the employer and position availability.
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On-the-Job Training
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Apprenticed divers are gauged on their previous knowledge of welding techniques. Generally, the new employee's on-the-job training will include skills sets required of both underwater ("wet") and hyberbaric welding techniques. Dependent on the organization granting the diving license, employees will be expected to keep their diving certifications up to date, although any related fees are generally paid for by the employer.
Additional Skills
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Additional skills are not generally taught as part of a training curriculum but are looked favorably upon by employers as valuable skills. Knowledge of these skills, in additional to welding, may help the prospective employee land the job. Underwater metal cutting, rigging and fitting and underwater photography/video operation are among those skills.
Associated Training Risks
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Students are expected to face the same dangers as on-the-job welders do: decompression sickness (aka "the bends") from surfacing too rapidly and from breathing pressurized gases for extended periods is the most common risk. Electric shock from poorly insulated welding equipment cables is another. The physiological effects of sustained submersion at depth remains unknown, which may result in negative effects on the body.
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References
- Photo Credit diving tank image by Marcin Wasilewski from Fotolia.com
