The Basics On Underwater Welding

Summary

This video features a commercial diver demonstrating underwater welding at the Ocean Corp in Houston, Texas. It explores the realities of the profession, debunking myths about high earnings and emphasizing the diverse tasks divers perform, such as construction and repairs, in addition to welding. The video discusses different techniques, equipment, and the learning curve between top-side and underwater welding. It also touches on diver career paths, including the progression from tender to diver and eventually saturation diver, with insights into pay scales, challenges, and life as a professional diver.

Takeaways

• 🌊 Underwater welding is part of commercial diving, where divers are trained to perform various tasks, not just welding.
• 🚨 A standby diver is always required during underwater operations for safety and assistance in case of emergencies.
• 🔧 Commercial divers engage in multiple tasks like construction, repair, and welding, often in difficult underwater conditions.
• ⚡ Only DC current is used for underwater stick welding, and welders need to adjust to the cooling effect of water, relying on feel more than visibility.
• 🛠️ The type and amount of welding work varies depending on location, with more repair work in inland diving versus offshore diving.
• 📜 Certifications for underwater welding focus on specific positions and tasks, like 2F and 4F for fillet welds, which are common in underwater work.
• 💸 The pay for underwater welders and commercial divers is not as high as some myths suggest, with starting salaries around $50,000, increasing with experience and specializations like saturation diving.
• 📈 Progression from a tender to a lead tender and eventually to a diver depends on personal work ethic and experience, typically taking 1 to 3 years.
• 🚀 Saturation diving involves deep-sea work at extreme depths, where divers live in pressurized chambers and work in shifts for extended periods.
• 🏆 The career span of a diver can be long if they stay healthy, with many divers continuing into their 40s and beyond, contrary to myths of short career lifespans.

Q & A

What is the role of the standby diver in underwater welding?

The standby diver is responsible for assisting the primary diver if communication is lost or if the diver encounters any trouble. The standby diver gets dressed quickly and checks on the diver, then escorts them out of the water if necessary.

How do welding students perceive underwater welding, and what do they learn in reality?

Many welding students come in thinking they'll only be doing underwater welding, but they quickly learn they are being trained as commercial divers. Underwater welding is just one aspect of the job, which also includes construction and repair work.

What type of welding is used underwater, and why is DC current preferred?

Stick welding is used underwater, and only DC (Direct Current) is preferred. DC is used because it ensures the electrode tip heats up properly in water, which cools the weld quickly, and it prevents dangerous electrical risks associated with AC current.

What are the differences between Broco and Moo brand electrodes used in underwater welding?

Broco electrodes are industry-standard and dipped in wax, which helps with starting the weld. Moo electrodes have a baked flux coating that makes them easier to start and stop, and they run hotter, which is beneficial underwater.

Are certifications needed for different welding positions underwater?

Yes, certifications are needed for different welding positions. At the school, students can get certifications like 2F or 4F, which cover most of the types of welding required underwater, such as fillet welding for repairs.

What is Hyperbaric welding, and why is it less common in the Gulf of Mexico?

Hyperbaric welding involves creating a dry environment using a habitat where water is blown out to perform welds. It’s less common in the Gulf of Mexico because it's expensive, requires more work, and divers need special training.

How much can an underwater welder expect to make early in their career?

New underwater welders can expect to make around $50,000 per year. As they gain more experience, especially with certifications in mixed gas and saturation diving, their salary can increase to six figures, though $300,000 per year is unrealistic for most.

What is the career progression for commercial divers after graduating from school?

Graduates start as a diver tender, assisting divers and managing their gear. With experience, they can become a lead tender, and eventually, after 1-3 years, they can become a full diver. Progression depends on the diver's work ethic and availability.

What is the lifespan of a commercial diver's career, and are there age limits?

There’s no specific age limit for commercial divers. Many divers work into their 40s or 50s, and their career length depends on their health and desire. Some move into more stable roles after making money, while others remain active divers for decades.

What challenges do divers face when welding underwater compared to welding topside?

Underwater welding is much harder due to poor visibility, faster cooling of the weld puddle, and the need to rely on feel rather than sight. These conditions make it very different from welding topside, requiring a shift in mindset and technique.