Purpose

• Underwater welding is a fabrication process utilized to repair offshore pipes, oil rigs and platforms damaged by storms or collisions.
  
  

Wet Welding

• Wet welding is the type of welding done when the welder is in direct contact with the aquatic environment. The way it is performed is similar to welding on land, with power supplied through cables running to the diver.
  
  

Dry Welding

• Dry welding, also called hyperbaric welding, uses a closed chamber around the structure that needs welding. This chamber is filled with breathable air but remains at the same pressure as the rest of the water.
  
  

Welder

• Experienced welder-divers usually possess certifications in commercial diving and welding. The setup of the weld may take more time than the welding, so good diving skills are important.
  
  

Risks

• Electric shock is a common risk to welder-divers. Gas pockets that build up from welding are also dangerous because they can be explosive. Nitrogen in the blood stream can be dangerous too if the diver surfaces too quickly.