As both commercial divers and professional welders, underwater welders need to undergo extensive training to prepare for the job. While the path to becoming an underwater welder may vary from person to person, aspiring underwater welders need to take a few key steps to qualify for the role.
1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED
Most employers require welders to have at least a high school diploma or an equivalent credential, such as a GED diploma.
2. Pursue Welding Training
Formal welding training is essential for prospective underwater welders. They can receive this training through many different avenues, such as a welding training program. These programs balance classroom instruction, in which students learn about welding calculations and how to read technical documents, such as blueprints, with hands-on training. Additionally, many states require welders to be licensed, and formal training is typically a prerequisite for licensure.
3. Gain On-the-Job Experience
Underwater welding requires a high level of technical expertise and practical know-how, so gaining some work experience in an entry-level welding role is recommended. By gaining experience, individuals have an opportunity to hone the skills they need to excel as underwater welders.
4. Get a Commercial Diving Certification
After receiving welding training and accruing some entry-level experience, obtaining a commercial diving certification is required to become an underwater welder. The length of a commercial diving program varies, but it generally takes several months. Commercial diving training covers an array of topics, including diver communication, emergency procedures, diving physiology, and the use of underwater tools.
5. Develop Key Skills
Underwater welders begin developing certain key skills during their training and continue to hone them throughout their careers. These skills include the following:
Detail-oriented mindset. Underwater welders perform precision work, so having a good eye for detail is vital, particularly in aquatic environments where visibility may be low and conditions are less forgiving than on the surface.
Physical strength and stamina. Welding is often a physically demanding job, even more so when done underwater. Underwater welders often work under extreme conditions, wearing several layers of heavy protective clothing, so they need to be able to handle staying in sometimes-awkward positions for long periods and be able to handle heavy equipment and materials. Passing a physical exam is often a prerequisite for employment as an underwater welder.
Problem-solving. Underwater welders can encounter all sorts of issues in the course of their job. Understanding how to minimize risks to structural repairs and devise the best solutions for project construction are critical.
Job Outlook for Underwater Welders
Public and private sector investments aimed at enhancing American infrastructure and energy generation are expected to lead to scores of construction projects over the next decade, many of which will require the expertise of welders. For example, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA; aka the bipartisan infrastructure law) that Congress passed in 2021 allocated hundreds of billions of dollars in infrastructure improvements. Underwater welders will be involved in many of these projects, such as bridge repairs and offshore wind farm construction.
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects modest net employment growth for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers between 2022 and 2032, the agency projects approximately 42,600 job openings for these professions each year, on average, over the decade. Because of the highly specialized nature of their work, underwater welders are expected to be in even greater demand than general welders, according to Zippia.
Additionally, more than 155,000 welders are approaching retirement age, according to the American Welding Society (AWS). This bodes well for those looking to enter the profession. Between industry growth and attrition, AWS estimates that the nation will need approximately 330,000 new welding professionals between 2024 and 2028.
Launch Your Underwater Welding Career With Fortis
Billions of dollars worth of construction projects in the infrastructure and energy sectors will likely drive demand for underwater welders in the coming years, making it an excellent time to pursue this profession.
Completing a welding training program can represent an important first step on the path to becoming an underwater welder. The Welding Technology training program at Fortis offers small classes and hands-on instruction to prepare you for various entry-level roles, and the skills and knowledge you gain in the program can serve you well as you advance in your career.
Learn more about the Welding Technology training program at Fortis, along with our other skilled trade programs, and discover how we can set you on the path to a rewarding career.
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Certified Welding Inspector: Career Overview
4 Essential Welder Skills
How Do Welding Training Programs Work?