//WeldFab Skill Center · Underwater Welding & Commercial Diving
UnderwaterWelding
From the welding booth to the ocean floor
India’s gateway to an international offshore career. A 65-day commercial diving and underwater welding programme delivered with IIT Guwahati TIH, the Indian Register of Shipping and Neel Diving Academy — build a career where engineering meets adventure.
- Training partners
IIT Guwahati TIH 
IRClass 
Neel Diving Academy - Certification
- Underwater Welder Certificate from IRS, Mumbai
- Programme
- 65 days across four phases, theory and practical
- Career
- Offshore, shipbuilding and subsea, in India and abroad
// The programme
Learn from India's leading underwater welding & commercial diving experts
At WeldFab Skill Center we are committed to providing world-class training through collaboration with renowned academic institutions and industry leaders. The Underwater Welding & Commercial Diving Training Program is delivered by experienced faculty, trainers and industry professionals.
The programme is designed for aspiring commercial divers, welders and marine professionals who intend to work in offshore oil & gas, shipbuilding, marine construction, underwater inspection and subsea engineering.
It combines welding technology, commercial diving fundamentals, underwater welding techniques, safety practices and industry-recognised certification pathways to prepare candidates for high-demand careers in India and abroad.
Technology Innovation Hub (TIH), IIT Guwahati
Welding theory and fundamentals, industrial interaction, participation certificate and grade sheet
Indian Register of Shipping (IRS / IRClass)
Welder qualification for underwater welding, and the underwater welding certificate itself
Occupational diving to 30 m, scuba and surface-supply air diving, underwater welding training
// The opportunity
Why Choose Underwater Welding?
Underwater welding is one of the world's most specialized and rewarding professions. Skilled underwater welders are employed in:
- Offshore Oil & Gas Platforms
- Shipbuilding & Ship Repair
- Ports & Harbours
- Naval Defence Projects
- Marine Infrastructure
- Offshore Wind Farms
- Underwater Pipeline Construction
- Bridge & Dam Maintenance
- Underwater Inspection & Repair
// Course structure
Detailed Syllabus
Four phases, 65 days. Each phase is delivered by the institution that certifies it, and each ends in a theory and practical examination.
42 days
Neel Diving Academy
Occupational diving to 30 m
History of diving, diving physics, diving physiology, diving first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, diving-related and non-diving-related illnesses, standard decompression tables, communication systems, underwater hazards, air chamber operations, underwater work, rigging, underwater search, inspection techniques, plant and equipment, regulations, maintenance and repair, seamanship, tides, chartwork and navigation, small boat handling, ship structure, underwater inspection and reporting.
Examination — Theory and practical
Certificates
- Occupational Scuba Activities — Neel Diving Academy
- PADI Scuba Diving — Neel Diving Academy
- Surface Supply Offshore / Inshore Air Diving — International Diving Schools Association
- Mixed Gas Diving — Neel Diving Academy
14 days
IIT Guwahati TIH · Neel Diving Academy
Surface & underwater welding
Fundamentals of underwater welding; classification of underwater welding processes, dry and wet welding, applications, advantages and disadvantages; underwater welding equipment and accessories; working principle of wet welding; shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), process parameters, welding polarity, electrodes for wet welding; defects in wet welding; inspection of underwater welding; unmanned and emerging wet-welding processes — laser, friction stir and MIG. Welder qualification as per AWS D3.6M: general requirements, classification and design of welded connections, workmanship, technique, welding procedure qualification, welder performance qualification, visual, radiographic, ultrasonic and magnetic examination, and recommended safety guidelines. Practical training in surface welding and underwater welding.
Examination — Theory and practical
Certificates
- Surface Welder Certificate — IIT Guwahati TIH and IRS
7 days
Indian Register of Shipping
Welder qualification for underwater welding
Awareness of nomenclature and ship structure, basics of thickness measurement, basics of survey requirements, understanding of NDT service suppliers, fundamentals of underwater welding, WPS and PQR for underwater welding, underwater welding witness, and testing of the samples in the laboratories.
Examination — Theory and practical
Certificates
- Underwater Welding Certificate — IRS, Mumbai
2 days
IIT Guwahati TIH
Industrial interaction & valedictory function
IIT Guwahati TIH invites underwater welding companies from across the globe and introduces the candidates to them. Candidates may demonstrate their skills live and secure a placement.
Certificates
- Participation certificate and grade sheet — IIT Guwahati TIH
Applications are submitted to IIT Guwahati TIH, and after verification eligible candidates are called for an interview for final selection. A medical certificate, declaration form, liability release statement and waterman skills evidence are required at application.
// Curriculum
What Will You Learn?
The comprehensive Commercial Diving & Underwater Welding Program combines classroom instruction, practical workshops, underwater exercises, and industry-oriented assessments to prepare you for a career in offshore, marine, and underwater engineering.
Commercial diving fundamentals
- History and evolution of commercial diving
- Diving physics and pressure principles
- Diving physiology and human body response underwater
- Diving first aid and emergency response
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Diving-related and non-diving-related illnesses
- Standard decompression tables and dive planning
- Communication systems used in diving operations
- Air chamber (hyperbaric chamber) operations
- Underwater hazards and risk management
- Rigging and lifting techniques
- Underwater search techniques
- Inspection methods and reporting
- Diving plant, equipment, and maintenance
- Seamanship and maritime terminology
- Tides, chartwork, and navigation
- Small boat handling
- Ship structure fundamentals
Commercial diving practical skills
- Occupational Scuba Activities
- PADI Scuba Diving
- Surface Supply Offshore / Inshore Air Diving
- Mixed Gas Diving
- Underwater inspection techniques
- Underwater reporting procedures
- Safe underwater work practices
Surface & underwater welding
- Fundamentals of underwater welding
- Surface welding techniques
- Wet welding and dry welding processes
- Applications, advantages, and limitations of underwater welding
- Underwater welding equipment and accessories
- Working principles of wet welding
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) for underwater applications
- Welding parameters and polarity
- Selection and use of underwater welding electrodes
- Underwater welding defects and prevention
- Inspection of underwater welds
- Introduction to emerging underwater welding technologies
- Laser underwater welding
- Friction Stir Underwater Welding
- Underwater MIG Welding
- Safe underwater welding practices
Welding quality & inspection
- AWS D3.6M Underwater Welding Code overview
- Welding procedure qualification (WPS)
- Procedure Qualification Records (PQR)
- Welder performance qualification
- Welded joint classification and design
- Workmanship requirements
- Visual inspection
- Radiographic testing (RT)
- Ultrasonic testing (UT)
- Magnetic particle testing (MT)
- Recommended safety guidelines for underwater welding
Marine & offshore engineering awareness
- Ship structure and terminology
- Thickness measurement techniques
- Marine survey requirements
- NDT service provider awareness
- Underwater welding witnessing
- Laboratory testing of welded samples
- Documentation and quality assurance practices
Safety & offshore operations
- Occupational health and safety
- Underwater hazard identification
- Risk assessment and emergency procedures
- Hyperbaric safety awareness
- Safe diving and welding operations
- Industry regulations and best practices
// In the water
Hands-on Practical Training
Students receive practical exposure in:
Surface welding
Underwater welding
Commercial diving exercises
Underwater inspection
Rigging operations
Welding procedure implementation
Practical examinations and skill assessments
// Next step
Apply for the next batch
Send an enquiryEligibility
Applicants should:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have passed the 12th Standard
- Submit a valid medical fitness certificate
- Demonstrate required waterman / swimming skills
- Complete the selection process, including interview where applicable
Who Should Join?
The programme is built for:
- Welders
- Fabricators
- Marine Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Offshore Professionals
- Divers
- ITI Welders
- Diploma Holders
- Engineering Graduates
- Defence Personnel
- Shipyard Professionals
Career Opportunities
After successful completion, candidates can explore careers in:
- Offshore Oil & Gas
- Shipyards
- Marine Construction
- Port Authorities
- Offshore Inspection
- Underwater Maintenance
- Naval Projects
- Marine Engineering
- Diving Companies
- Offshore Fabrication
// Start here
Why Underwater Welding is a Future-Proof Career
Global investments in offshore wind farms, marine infrastructure, offshore oil & gas, subsea pipelines, and underwater maintenance are creating demand for highly trained underwater welding professionals.
This program equips candidates with the technical knowledge, practical exposure, and certification pathway needed to pursue opportunities in these growing sectors. Send us your enquiry and our team will confirm the next batch dates, fees and the documents you need for the selection interview.
Looking at surface welding first? The WeldFab Skill Centre runs the shop-floor welding courses, and placement support covers hiring on either side.
// Before you apply
Frequently asked questions
The questions that come up on nearly every first call.
What is underwater welding?
Underwater welding is a specialized welding activity performed in underwater environments, primarily for the repair, maintenance and construction of offshore structures, ships, pipelines and other marine infrastructure.
Who can apply for the underwater welding training program?
Candidates with relevant welding experience and/or commercial diving qualifications may be eligible. Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the training module.
Do I need to be a certified commercial diver?
Candidates intending to perform underwater welding generally require appropriate commercial diving qualifications. Candidates without diving qualifications may need to complete additional training before becoming eligible for underwater welding activities.
Do I need previous welding experience?
Previous welding knowledge or experience is highly beneficial. Candidates without adequate welding experience may be required to undergo additional welding training.
What will I learn during the training?
The program may cover fundamentals of underwater welding, underwater welding processes and techniques, welding equipment and consumables, safety procedures, practical welding techniques, inspection and quality considerations, and marine and offshore applications.
Is the training practical?
Yes. The program is designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure, subject to the course structure and training requirements.
Who conducts the training?
The underwater welding program is supported by experienced organizations and industry professionals, including technical and diving experts associated with the program.
Will I receive a certificate after completing the training?
Eligible candidates who successfully complete the program and meet the applicable assessment requirements will receive certification as per the course structure.
Does completing this course make me a commercial diver?
No. Underwater welding training and commercial diver qualification are separate requirements. Candidates must meet the applicable diving qualifications and regulatory requirements for commercial underwater work.
What career opportunities are available after underwater welding training?
Opportunities may exist in sectors such as offshore oil & gas, ship repair and shipbuilding, marine construction, ports and harbours, underwater infrastructure maintenance, and offshore renewable energy.
Is underwater welding dangerous?
Underwater welding is a specialized and potentially hazardous activity. Proper training, qualified supervision, appropriate diving procedures and strict safety practices are essential.
What is the duration of the training program?
The duration depends on the specific course structure, candidate eligibility and whether additional welding or diving training is required.
What documents are required for admission?
Candidates may be required to submit relevant educational, professional, welding and/or commercial diving qualifications as applicable to the program.
What is the course fee?
The course fee and applicable taxes will be communicated according to the selected training program and candidate requirements.
Are accommodation and food included in the course fee?
Accommodation and food may be charged separately unless specifically mentioned as included in the program fee.
Is placement guaranteed after completing the course?
Training completion does not guarantee employment. Career opportunities depend on the candidate's qualifications, experience, commercial diving eligibility, industry requirements and available opportunities.
How can I reserve my seat?
Candidates can contact WeldFab Tech to check eligibility, upcoming batch dates and seat availability.
Can companies nominate their employees for this training?
Yes. Companies involved in marine, offshore, shipbuilding, diving and underwater maintenance activities can contact WeldFab Tech for corporate or customized training programs.
More questions are answered on the site-wide FAQ.
Important disclaimer
Underwater welding is a highly specialized profession. Completion of a training program alone may not qualify an individual to perform commercial underwater welding. Candidates must meet applicable diving, medical fitness, safety, regulatory and employer-specific requirements before undertaking professional underwater welding assignments.
// Trained for depth. Built for excellence.
From the welding booth to the ocean floor
Ask about the next batch — dates, fees and the selection interview — and a person answers.