Underwater Welder

Job Overview

Underwater welders combine welding skills (TIG/MMA) with commercial diving to work on subsea pipelines, ship hulls and offshore platforms. The role involves welding, inspection, maintenance, and ensuring high safety standards in a high‑risk, high‑pay environment.

• Execute underwater welding (TIG/MMA) on various offshore structures.
• Perform scuba or saturation dives as required.
• Maintain safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Document work performed and report findings to the engineering team.
• Collaborate with engineers and operations staff to resolve technical issues.

• Underwater welding qualification (TIG/MMA) preferred but not mandatory.
• Commercial diving certification (HSE Part I, IMCA, or equivalent).
• Experience in welding or related trades is an advantage.
• Strong safety awareness and problem‑solving abilities.

• Welding (TIG/MMA)
• Commercial diving
• Safety and emergency response
• Technical knowledge of subsea structures

Optional training can support skill development:

• Underwater Welding Certification programmes.
• Commercial dive courses such as HSE Part I, Surface‑Supplied, or Saturation training.

Typical progression to a paid underwater welder position takes 1–3 years:

• Inshore Welder Diver – subsea work in UK waters.
• Offshore Saturation Welder Diver – saturation dives for oil and gas.
• Subsea Engineer, Diver, Drafter.