Marine Welding Training

Marine welding is dangerous work.

Marine welding does not only include boat yard or on-shore construction work, but also underwater, or wet, welding. In order to be accepted into marine welding schools, applicants must provide proof of both welding and diving skills.

Function

Marine welders are required on shipyards, marine construction such as fishing towers, outrigging and docks. Their work will include ship building, underwater repair work on pipelines and oil rig installation or fabrication. Welding underwater is a dangerous profession with risks of electric shock, explosion due to conflicting chemicals, and excess nitrogen absorption into the blood.

Types

Underwater welding is performed through either enclosures, where the water is pushed away from the working area, and wet welding, which involves handling arcs covered with electrodes that protect against the water environment via hydrogen absorption.

Time Frame and Fees

Training courses can last up to 16 weeks and will include diving and welding training on site. Course fees are high, approximately $15,000 as of 2010,and do not include equipment and certification fees. Once certified, marine welders are usually self-employed and work on a project to project basis.

References

• American Welding Society: Underwater welding schools
• WCWelding: Job description