Welding is a skilled profession that is always in demand. Its use in different industries and even everyday applications are numerous. That is why good and highly skilled welders will always be able to find some employment. They are part of the blue collared work force that can be secure about the future. They know that the kind of skill that they have and can offer will always be a rare commodity.
But there is an even more rare type of welding and that’s called underwater welding. This form of working on metals is required on construction sites that need to build the foundation in water. The most common place where underwater welding is needed is on an oil rig that may be miles away from the nearest land. Underwater welding requires expert knowledge in both welding and diving. Since there are not many welders who are qualified divers at the same time, there is always a shortage for underwater welders. That means that the underwater welding salary is a lot more than a regular welder’s and it is not surprising that a lot of people are getting interested in learning about it.
If you are one of those who are interested in learning more about underwater welding, here are some of the more common questions asked about it and the answers:
1. What are the skills needed for underwater welding?
It is not enough that you know how to do welding and you have some experience in diving. You need to be able to do work following the Underwater Welding Code and you must be a commercial diver.
2. If I am a certified welder, what kind of training do I have to go through in order to become certified as an underwater welder?
You need to attend a commercial diving school and get a certification from them. You can then find employment as an apprentice diver and after a year or two you can take the tests for certification as an underwater welder.
3. I am a certified diver already, what kind of training do I have to undergo?
This would depend on the company. Contact the company and find out the certification that you need. If you are a certified commercial diver already, you might qualify as a diver apprentice right away. Remember that experience in SCUBA diving is not the same as commercial diving. Obviously, you’ll also need to become a certified welder and gain experience with underwater welding applications and processes.
4. Is there an age limitation to diver welders?
There is no age limitation but you need to pass a yearly physical exam.
5. What kind of salary can I expect?
Salaries can range anywhere from $100,000 to $200,000 a year, but there are a lot of factors that are considered for determining the pay scales of divers and some are paid per project.
6. Are there any other skills that can improve my chance?
Having some skills when it comes to rigging, fitting, testing, and underwater photography are all additional skills that can contribute in improving your chances for landing a better job and higher pay as a diver welder. This is one field that is bound to grow and open more doors of opportunity in the future. Talk to welders who have experience on rigs and phone up oil companies and speak to their careers center to determine what kinds of skills they’re asking for from their welding divers.