Underwater Welding?

wayfast73 · Jun 13, 2011

Anyone do this as a career? I got padi open water certified when I was 12-13, and went to college for welding. I dont think I want to turn wrenches for the rest of my life so I sent for some more information from welders academy in NJ. Its pretty expensive so if anyone has any experience Id appreciate the input.

straycat · Jun 13, 2011

That was one of my many jobs as a special ops combat diver for 17 years. At San Diego and Coronado I trained Dolphins and Sea Lions as well to search for bombs or place them. None of our animals were ever harmed and they were all very well loved by the way. We had to do a lot of repair work on our Subs and ships after any damage from many a mission!!! Shipyards need people for this type of work and the pay is very good. I have a buddy that works in Tampa at a shipyard and he does this as well as many other tasks. He makes well over $50.00 regular pay and makes a killing on overtime and gets extra diving pay when he does hull repair. It is a great way to make a living nowadays with this type of work being top of the line with the shipping industry. I got certified years ago in Bangkok, Thailand when I lived there.

Colin · Jun 13, 2011

In two weeks I graduate from diving school up here in Canada. I didn't try get my U/W welding ticket, although I did 2 weeks of in water practical. It takes a ton of skill, patience, and practice to pull off good consistent welds even with welding experience. That being said if you're good at it you can make serious money. If you're going to go to school in the States go to Seattle, they probably have the best school in the states for diving.

wayfast73 · Jun 13, 2011

Thanks for the advice, I know for a fact even tho Im certifiable on the topside, its going to be like learning how to weld all over again once Im in the water.

Colin · Jun 13, 2011

Its like 50 times harder. It's like learning to weld blindfolded while a retarded howler monkey fights you for the stinger. But its do-able

doorgunner · Jun 13, 2011

Colin said:
Its like 50 times harder. It's like learning to weld blindfolded while a*** retarded howler monkey*** fights you for the stinger. But its do-able

***Man....that sounds serious***

robertc1024 · Jun 13, 2011

Colin said:
Its like 50 times harder. It's like learning to weld blindfolded while a retarded howler monkey fights you for the stinger. But its do-able

I knew you'd be in on this one.

Ranger Kip · Jun 13, 2011

My mother's friend is a professional welder and did it for while, he was making well over $75 an hour + benefits!

doorgunner · Jun 14, 2011

WAIT!!!

that explains why the guy my company hired couldn't weld!!!

(no....not because the retarded howler monkey wasn't around)

the new guy said all he had ever done was weld underwater.....

so, my smart-mouthed foreman gave him a 5 gallon bucket full of water & told him to weld the part in the bucket of water..... :icon_welder:

Colin · Jun 14, 2011

robertc1024 said:
I knew you'd be in on this one.

Well I've done it right?

Ranger Kip said:
My mother's friend is a professional welder and did it for while, he was making well over $75 an hour + benefits!

Surface or U/W?

doorgunner said:
WAIT!!!

that explains why the guy my company hired couldn't weld!!!

(no....not because the retarded howler monkey wasn't around)

the new guy said all he had ever done was weld underwater.....

so, my smart-mouthed foreman gave him a 5 gallon bucket full of water & told him to weld the part in the bucket of water.....

He should've been a way better welder on surface then :icon_twisted:

racsan · Jun 14, 2011

never done underwater welding. did repair welding on new catalytic converters and stainless manifold for awhile at a honda supplier i used to work for. mostly tig but some mig. what i mostly use now is the old lincoln electrode arc welder. i dont mind doing my own projects/repairs. but back when i welded all day every day the last thing i wanted to do on my own time...was weld. made about $17/hr back then. reasnoable money, but other factors made it not worth it. im at a different supplier now. alot less stress, alot cleaner enviroment. only 15 a hour, but the pay cut was worth it.

wayfast73 · Jun 14, 2011

racsan said:
never done underwater welding. did repair welding on new catalytic converters and stainless manifold for awhile at a honda supplier i used to work for. mostly tig but some mig. what i mostly use now is the old lincoln electrode arc welder. i dont mind doing my own projects/repairs. but back when i welded all day every day the last thing i wanted to do on my own time...was weld. made about $17/hr back then. reasnoable money, but other factors made it not worth it. im at a different supplier now. alot less stress, alot cleaner enviroment. only 15 a hour, but the pay cut was worth it.

I hear ya about not wanting to work after work. I turn wrenches now and absolutely do not want to work on my ranger or my charger after fixing everyone elses cars all day. I like welding, but it isnt a hobby, and im not a huge fan of heights so ironworking is out of the question.

Underwater Welding?

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