An underwater welder joins, cuts and repairs steel structures while working below the waterline, on jobs such as offshore oil and gas platforms, pipelines, ship hulls, port installations and bridge piers. It is a hands-on trade that combines commercial diving with welding, so the work is physically demanding and carries real safety risks.
In India the trade is usually entered through a welding trade or diploma after Class 10 or 12, followed by a commercial diving course, rather than a long university degree. Demand tends to follow offshore energy, port and harbour development and marine construction, so opportunities are concentrated in coastal regions and at sea.
This page explains what the job involves, the training route, eligibility, where you can work, how pay usually progresses, and the questions to ask before you commit. Use it to decide whether the physical demands and risks suit you before you invest in training.
- Minimum Qualification
- Class 10 or 12 with welding training
- Typical Degree
- Welding trade certificate or diploma, plus diving course
- Expected Entry Salary
- Varies by employer and project
- Entry-level to Senior
- Rises with experience and certifications
- Job Demand Growth
- Tied to offshore, port and marine projects
- Work Hours
- Shift and rotation based; long offshore spells
- Places of Work
- Offshore platforms, ships, ports, dams, bridges
