Q&A for How to Become an Underwater Welder

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  • Question
    How do I pass the American Welding Society test?
    Surekha Krishnan
    Metallurgy Expert
    Surekha Krishnan is a Metallurgy Expert based in Columbia, South Carolina. Surekha specializes in both arc welding and solid-state welding and has been a Plant Metallurgist at FN America, LLC since 2021. Surekha has over 7 years of experience, is an expert in all heat treat processes and record retention, has prior experience as a Weld Engineer, and has taught various IIW welding courses in the past.
    Metallurgy Expert
    Expert Answer
    So the American Welding Society certification test has various levels and specific roles. The Certified Welding Supervisor is an entry-level certification, focusing on ensuring that welders perform their tasks correctly through manual checks. The Certified Welding Inspector requires a higher level of expertise, involving the review of welding procedure specifications and other welder qualifications. CWIs can also choose their field of expertise, such as structural applications or boiler vessels, which determines the specific code of exam they will take. To become a CWI, you must pass two types of exams: a basic exam covering general welding knowledge, including some non-destructive testing, and a code exam specific to your chosen field. Preparation for these exams includes taking several courses and studying materials related to your chosen specialty. Lastly, and also at the highest level, is the Certified Welding Engineer, which requires advanced technical knowledge and responsibilities.
  • Question
    How do I get paid to train as an underwater welder?
    Community Answer
    You could probably search online to find paid training in your area.
  • Question
    What qualifications do I need?
    Community Answer
    You would need to have your welders qualification and your commercial diving qualification. (It needs to be a commercial diving certification because a regular sports diving training license would not give you the safety training you would need for offshore work.)
  • Question
    Is there an age requirement to become an underwater welder?
    Community Answer
    The typical age requirement is from 18 to 35.
  • Question
    How long can I practice this occupation?
    Community Answer
    As long as you're capable of doing so.
  • Question
    How can I find out where to learn underwater welding and diving in my country?
    Community Answer
    Visit Diversacademy.edu. It's the top commercial diving school on the East Coast with the deepest inland training facility in the nation.
  • Question
    I’m 49 and considering this profession. Is my age a restriction for certification and employment?
    Galasy4969
    Top Answerer
    It's a high-stress occupation that requires a lot of physical strength and stamina, as well as lots of time away from home. So long as you're fit and teachable, you'll be all good.
  • Question
    I want to be an underwater welder in India. Where should I study? (And I do not know how to swim, is that a problem?)
    Galasy4969
    Top Answerer
    You should learn to swim before considering any occupation that puts you in contact with bodies of water. As for your location, look at shipbuilding companies in your area (you may need to go to Malaysia or Indonesia for that, though).
  • Question
    What is the total duration of the training needed to become an underwater welder?
    Community Answer
    If commercial diving and general welding are a big part of the curriculum, the program will generally be anywhere from two to five years. On the flip side, a more specialized program that concentrates solely on underwater welding skills can sometimes be completed in as few as six months.
  • Question
    I'm 14 years old and really want to do underwater welding. How can I get into diving and welding schools?
    Mzm555
    Top Answerer
    Search online for local welding and diving schools, send a few inquiry emails and say you're interested. You may not be able to undertake welding training before the age of 16 or 17, but you might be able to at least do diving training, which will be greatly beneficial to your career. If you have the appropriate space at home, (e.g. a well-ventilated garage away from flammable materials), then you can simply buy a cheap welder and practice arc welding (aka stick welding) which is essentially the same process as used in most underwater welding. Decent and reliable arc welding machines can usually be bought for under $300.
  • Question
    Will I need my high school transcript to join in?
    Spaceship
    Community Answer
    if you are applying to community college or vocational school, you will have to submit your high school transcripts.
  • Question
    How much do wet-welders make in the US?
    Spaceship
    Community Answer
    The average salary for an underwater welder in the United States is around $53,000 a year, with the top earners getting around $80,000 a year.
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