Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Diploma · 800 h · 8 modules
Diploma in Underwater Welding
This program prepares you to become a highly qualified professional in a high-demand, high-paying field. You will learn the most advanced welding techniques, from SMAW to GTAW, adapted to the underwater environment. Master the…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
Prior Knowledge Assessment
These are the skills this programme builds. Tick the ones you already have and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is really for you.
Your profile
Tick what you already know to see your result.
Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Underwater Welding?
The Diploma in Underwater Welding
This program prepares you to become a highly qualified professional in a high-demand, high-paying field. You will learn the most advanced welding techniques, from SMAW to GTAW, adapted to the underwater environment. Master the inspection and repair of structures, including oil platforms, pipelines, and ship hulls. This program provides you with the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to pass international certifications and excel in the industry.
Differential Advantages
- Simulations and real-world practice: dives in controlled environments to perfect your technique.
- Expert instructors: professionals with extensive experience in underwater welding and certification.
- Comprehensive knowledge: from the physics of diving to workplace safety and emergency procedures.
- Networking: connection with leading companies in the sector and job opportunities.
- Recognized certification: validates your skills and opens doors in the global market.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Programme highlights
- Professional Certification: Obtain an internationally recognized accreditation in underwater welding, opening doors to global job opportunities..
- Advanced Techniques: Master the latest methodologies and cutting-edge technologies in hyperbaric and underwater welding.
- Safety and Regulations: Learn the most rigorous safety protocols and current regulations to ensure safe and efficient operations.
- Intensive Practice: Participate in realistic simulations and controlled environment training, developing essential practical skills. Expert Instructors: Learn from certified professionals with extensive experience in the field of underwater welding, receiving personalized guidance.
- Boost your career with high-level training in a constantly growing sector.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of commercial diving, hyperbaric physiology and underwater environment
- Introduction to commercial diving and underwater welding: history, fields of application (hydraulic works, offshore, oil rigs, helmet repair) and diver-welder profile
- Hyperbaric physiology and hygiene: physics of gases in aquatic environment, laws of Dalton, Henry and Boyle-Mariotte; Prevention of decompression disease (EDD) and nitrogen narcosis
- Surface-supplied diving commercial diving equipment: Diving helmets and masks (Kirby Morgan), umbilicals, gas panels, clothing and voice communications
- International Marine Contractors Association (International Marine Contractors Association), ADCI (Association of Diving Contractors International) and OSHA Standards for Underwater Work
- Planning of diving operations and decompression tables: calculation of bottom times, gas mixtures (air, nitrox, heliox), decompression stops and use of hyperbaric surface chambers
- Risk management in underwater jobs: null visibility, currents, imprisonment, hypothermia, suction/discharge zones (Delta P) and emergency procedures
- Technical terminology in commercial diving and welding: standardised communication in English and Spanish between the diver-welder, the diving supervisor and the tender
- Diver-surface communications and underwater video
02
Principles of Marine Metallurgy, Welding Processes and AWS D3.6M Code
- Metallurgy of steel in aquatic environment: Effects of severe cooling (Quenching), hydrogen embrittlement, cold cracking and martensite formation in the ZAT (heat-affected area)
- Underwater welding according to AWS D3.6M code: Technical specifications for Class A (surface quality), Class B (qualified quality), Class C (minor structural repairs) and Class O
- Mechanical properties of underwater welded joints: tensile strength, ductility, hardness and toughness against impact on carbon steel and marine stainless steels
- Electricity and physics of the underwater electric arc: Formation of the plasma bubble, arc stability, direct polarity (DCEN) vs. Reverse polarity (DCP) and ionization of the gaseous medium
- Wet welding consumables: waterproof coated electrodes, synthetic/ceramic coatings, flux formulation and diameter selection (E6013, E7014 modified)
- Underwater welding electrical equipment: DC generators/inverters (DC), blade safety switches (Knife Switch), high-section marine cables and waterproof electrode clips
- Underwater Electrical Safety: Electrocution Prevention, Grounding Back Isolation, Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) and Direct Current Use Only
- Underwater Welder Certification
03
Wet Wet Welding Techniques
- Preparation of joints and cleaning of underwater surfaces: Elimination of marine scale (biofouling), rust and paint by manual scraping, hydraulic brushes and pneumatic/hydraulic grinders
- Underwater welding positions and geometry: welding in flat position (1g/1f), horizontal (2g/2f), vertical up/down (3g/3f) and overhead (4g/4f)
- Electrode Handling Techniques: Drag Technique, Working Angle, Feed Angle, Arc Length, and Deposition Speed in Reduced Visibility
- Execution of fillet and bezel welds: puncture (tack welding), root beads, filling passes and presentation cords in decks and tubes
- Gas and slag bubble control: trapped gas management, cleaning between underwater passes by means of a pickaxe and a stainless steel wire brush
- Wet welding on offshore structures and ship hulls: Crack repair, hull patching (Cofferdams / sealing patches) and pile reinforcement
- Common defectology in wet welding: Excessive porosity, lack of penetration, scour, slag inclusions, hydrogen fissures and methods for its prevention
- Wet welding procedure qualification
04
Dry Hyperbaric Welding Underwater Welding
- Principles of dry hyperbaric welding: submerged dry habitats, pressure chambers, water evacuation systems by gas pressurization and environmental conditioning
- Welding processes in dry habitats: TIG/GTAW welding, SMAW and GMAW/FCAW adapted to high hyperbaric pressures
- Effect of hyperbaric pressure on the welding arc: arc constriction, metal transfer, chemistry of reactions in the melting bath and changes in the protection gas composition
- Life support and ventilation systems in habitats: welding smoke extraction, control of oxygen levels, carbon monoxide (CO) and internal temperature
- Alignment and preparation of high pressure pipes (pipelines): use of mechanical/hydraulic aligners, bezel machining and root separation adjustment (root gap)
- Hyperbaric Welding Procedures Rating (WPS/PQR): Compliance with AWS D3.6M Class A Requirements for Oil and Gas Submarine Pipelines
- Real-time visual inspection and control techniques from surface: Monitoring by HD cameras in habitat, control of electrical parametres and supervision by the welding engineer
- Repair welding on ships' hulls
05
Underwater cut and demolition: Oxicorte Broco and thermal lance
- Basics of Exothermic Submarine Oxite (Broco System): Thermochemical reaction, exothermic rod burning, use of high purity oxygen and arc ignition
- Exothermic Cutting Equipment and Components: Insulated Cutting Torches, Reactive Wire Cutting Rods, High Flow Oxygen Regulators, and 12V Ignition Batteries
- Cutting techniques in steels, alloys and concrete: angle of inclination, continuous drag technique, hole drilling and cutting of thick structures
- Arc-oxygen cut with carbon/steel tubular electrodes: operating principles, electrode consumption and naval sheet metal applications
- Safety precautions and flammability in underwater exhaust: Accumulation of bags of hydrogen and oxygen under structures, prevention of explosions and purging of cavities
- Dismantling and demolition of submerged metal structures: pile cutting techniques, rescue of shipwrecks, removal of obstructions and controlled blasting
- Use of hydraulic and pneumatic cutting tools: Chain saws for concrete, hydraulic shears, grinders and diamond disc cutters
- Abrasive Water Jet Cutting Tools
06
Underwater Non-Destructive Inspection (NDT) and Quality Control
- Principles of Inspection and Quality Control in Submerged Structures: Roles of the Diver-Inspector NDT (CSWIP / ASNT Level II Underwater) and Regulations of Classification Companies (DNV, ABS, Lloyd’s)
- Underwater Visual Inspection (VT): Evaluation of cord profiles, underwater measurement, underwater photographic records, and lifting of technical condition reports
- Underwater magnetic particle inspection (MT): Use of marine magnetic yokes (AC/DC), fluorescent particles and ultraviolet light (UV/black light) for detection of surface cracks
- Underwater ultrasound test (UT): measurement of sheet metal thicknesses in hulls and tanks, calibration of marine probes with coupling and detection of internal discontinuities
- Alternating Current Field Measuring Technique (ACFM): Detection and characterisation of cracks through coatings and paint without the need for white metal cleaning
- Cathodic protection control and corrosion potential measurement (CP): Use of reference electrodes (Ag/AgCl) to verify the level of protection in metallic structures and welds
- Documentation, digital reporting and defect mapping: Preparation of the final NDT inspection report, fault location schemes and repair recommendations
- CSWIP 3.1U and 3.2U Inspector Certification
07
Operational safety, emergency procedures and maintenance of equipment
- Prevention of specific risks in welding and submarine cutting: electric shock, explosion by gaseous mixtures, umbilical entrapment and thermal burns
- Isolation and consignment of systems (Lockout/Tagout under water): Blockage of water intakes, propellers, Azimuthal propellers and valve stems during the intervention of the diver
- Maintenance and review of underwater welding equipment: torch sealing inspection, cable insulation verification, gauge calibration and connector cleaning
- Contingency management and equipment failure: loss of communication, cut of gas supply Breathing, weld generator failure and umbilical breakage
- Specific First Aid and Rescue of the Diver-Welder: Recovery procedures for an unconscious diver in the background, lifting to surface lifting and administration of normobaric/hyperbaric oxygen
- First aid for burns and electric shocks: immediate care for injuries from electrical failures or splashes of molten metal in aquatic environment
- Emergency plans and drills on board: Coordination between support ship team (DSV - Diving Support Vessel), diving supervisors and hyperbaric medical staff
- Decompression management after prolonged work
08
Capstone Project: Planning, Execution and Certification of an Underwater Repair
- Selection of the study case and operational scenario: Definition of the project (repair of crack in the ship's hull, reinforcement of the pile of the spring or joint of pipes on offshore platform)
- Preparation of the diving and welding operations plan: draughting of the risk assessment (JSA/HAZID), selection of breathable mixtures, decompression tables and equipment logistics
- Welding Procedure Specification Design (WPS): Definition of electrical parametres, type of waterproof electrode, gasket preparation, geometry and acceptance standard (AWS D3.6M)
- Execution of the welding procedure/underwater cut: step-by-step simulation of surface preparation, spiking, execution of welding passes or cutting of the damaged section
- Non-Destructive Inspection and Testing Plan (NDT): Design of the quality control protocol by visual inspection, ultrasound or magnetic particles after welding
- Calculation of operating costs, resources and background times: Estimation of the operation budget, total immersion time, required personnel and consumption of gases/electrodes
- Repair Technical Report and Class Certificate
- Presentation and Final Defence: Presentation of the integral project before an evaluation court composed of commercial diving supervisors, welding engineers IWE/EWE and NDT submarine auditors
Workload
Study Time and Workload
800 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Professional divers looking to expand their career opportunities with underwater welding certification.Certified welders who want to master the techniques and procedures specific to the underwater environment.Naval engineers and technicians interested in the repair and maintenance of marine structures and vessels.Marine construction and maintenance companies seeking highly qualified personne
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Perform high-quality underwater welding
- 02Inspect and repair submerged structures using welding
- 03Applying cutting and welding techniques in hyperbaric environments
- 04Strictly comply with safety regulations in underwater welding operations
- 05Mastering communication and coordination techniques in diving and welding teams
- 06Select and maintain specialized underwater welding equipment
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Underwater Welder on Oil Platforms: Performing welding and structural repairs in marine environments.
02Underwater Welder in Shipbuilding: Participating in the construction and repair of ships and vessels.
03Underwater Welder in Maritime Works: Participating in the construction and maintenance of ports, docks, and other underwater infrastructure.
04Underwater Welding Inspector: Verifying the quality of welds and compliance with safety standards.
05Underwater Maintenance Technician: Performing preventive and corrective maintenance tasks on underwater structures.
06Professional Diver with Welding Specialization: Combining diving and welding skills for diverse underwater work.
07Welding Project Supervisor Underwater Welding: Management and coordination of underwater welding teams.
08Underwater Welding Consultant: Technical advice on underwater welding and repair projects.
09```
Questions
Entry Requirements
In an underwater environment, whether in fresh or salt water.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Underwater environments, whether in fresh or salt water.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Academic/Professional Profile:Certified Welder (SMAW, GTAW, FCAW, etc.); and Professional Diving Certification (Class 1, 2, or 3).Physical Competence:Medical Certificate of Fitness for Professional Diving; Physical fitness tests (swimming, endurance).Documentation:Updated CV, copies of welding and diving certifications, accident insurance, ID/Passport, cover letter.Additional Requirements:Demonstrable experience in welding and/or diving (desirable); knowledge of underwater safety regulations.```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Leave your details and admissions will write back. If you already know this is the one, go straight to the application and pay in the same session.