How to Become An Underwater Welder In South Africa

An Underwater Welder uses many common arc welding processes to weld and cut in a wide range of aquatic environments. They must use their welding know-how and intricate knowledge of diving procedures and protocol to effectively lay down strong welds, often in tight spaces and less-than-forgiving surroundings.

Are underwater welders in high demand?

Underwater welders are almost always in demand. Aging infrastructure, new infrastructure, and increasing offshore drilling projects continue to drive the need for skilled, experienced underwater welders both inland and offshore.

Where do most underwater welders work?

Different factors must be considered for safety purposes, such as gas pressure, water pressure, diving equipment, specialized welding equipment, restricted space, power supply and more. Underwater welders work in remote and dangerous locations, such as offshore oil rigs and pipelines.

Why do underwater welders have a low life expectancy?

Decompression sickness: When an underwater welder dives too fast between pressure zones, they face a risk of inhaling harmful gases. Too much exposure to the gases can be fatal.

How to Become An Underwater Welder In South Africa

While a career as a commercial diver and underwater welder can be rewarding, it is not for everyone. The industry demands total commitment, long hours, extensive travel, a great attitude and superior work ethic.  If you’re interested in becoming a commercial diver and underwater welder then it’s important that you be ready for a physically and mentally challenging career.

What you will need

If you believe becoming an underwater welder is right for you, these are the minimum requirements you will need to possess:

High school Diploma or GED

Ability to swim

Mechanical aptitude

Commercial Diving Certification

AWS Certified Welding Training

Finding a School

A commercial diver certification requires significantly more training than a standard recreational SCUBA certification.  As a certified commercial diver, you are trained to work in industrial environments that frequently involve heavy construction and dangerous working conditions including electrocution and pressure related injuries. 

Commercial divers receive the specialized training that allows them to work in a wide variety of environments from inland dams and bridges to offshore pipelines and oil rigs.

In order to become a certified underwater welder, you will need formal underwater welding training from an accredited dive school and pass their program in accordance with the In South African Welding Society D3.6 standard. 

The Air Mixed Gas Commercial Diver Program does not qualify a student to become an underwater welding specialist. Additional training is required for certification.

Choosing the right school is an important first step to getting certified. Learn more about what CDA Technical Institute offers its students here.

List Of Underwater Welding Schools In South Africa

List of underwater welding schools in south africa – Welding Specialist. The Welding Specialist program prepares a graduate for entry level positions in structural, pipe and pipeline, and thin alloy welding. Key welding processes include SMAW (stick), GMAW/FCAW (MIG/Fluxcore), and GTAW (TIG) welding procedures.

Where To Study Underwater Welding

Below is the List of Underwater Welding Schools in South Africa;


Seadog Commercial Diving School

ABJ Welding

BS Divers Commercial Diving School

JACKS DIVE CHEST

Costs and Financial Aid

There are many costs associated with obtaining the required certifications to become a commercial diver. Financial aid (for those who qualify) – in the form of grants and loans – can assist you with the required costs of underwater welding training. Here are some of the typical costs associated with the certification:

Tuition

Registration Fees

Room & Board

Books / Equipment

Dive Physical

To view CDA’s tuition and fees for the Air/Mixed Gas Commercial Diver Program (Underwater Welder) click here. And for more information on financial aid available at CDA Technical Institute, click here.

Get a dive physical

CDA Tech offers the option of obtaining  your required ADCI offshore diver physical on the first day of school ($399). However, this physical can be completed by any national board certified hyperbaric physician who is approved by the Divers Certification Board of Canada (DCBC). If you have any questions please contact our Admissions Department at 888-974-2232, or contact us through the website here.

After graduation

CDA Alumni are assisted by the director of student services who provides every student with one-on-one counseling in their professional career development. Personnel from both offshore and inland / coastal dive companies are in contact with CDA regularly to recruit our graduates. Consequently, CDA’s job-placement rates are in excess of 90% placement.

How much do underwater welders earn in South Africa?

R387,253 (ZAR)/yr.

How long does it take to become an underwater welder in South Africa ?

Depending on which school you attend, the period of underwater welding training can last as little as 6 months or as long as 2 years. Once you obtain the certification for underwater welding, along with any specializations, you’re ready to launch your career.

What qualifications do I need for underwater welding in South Africa ?

If you believe becoming an underwater welder is right for you, these are the minimum requirements you will need to possess:

High school Diploma or GED.

Ability to swim.

Mechanical aptitude.

Commercial Diving Certification.

AWS Certified Welding Training.

How much does it cost to become an underwater welder in South Africa ?

Cost. Underwater welding training is expensive. The average tuition rate of training institutions around the world is approximately R 230068.48, and the average cost of training in the United States is around R 268413.22.

How much education do underwater welders need in South Africa ?

Earn your high school diploma or G.E.D. (12 years) Earn experience and certification in topside welding (2-5 years) Apply to a commercial dive school and pass their physical exam (1 month)

Are underwater welders in high demand in South Africa ?

Underwater welders are almost always in demand. Aging infrastructure, new infrastructure, and increasing offshore drilling projects continue to drive the need for skilled, experienced underwater welders – both inland and offshore.

What special training is involved for underwater welding in South Africa ?

Underwater welders require extensive training, including advanced welding knowledge and diving experience to perform technical construction tasks beneath the water. Acquiring these skills and certifications takes time, but are essential to preparing you for this exciting career.

Can you go to college for underwater welding in South Africa ?

National University Polytechnic Institute

Embedded within their standard commercial diving program is the underwater welding course, and all students will participate without having to pay extra. Once you complete the course, you’ll receive your Certification of Completion in Underwater Welding.