A Deep Dive into One of Commercial Diving’s Most Demanding Disciplines

Underwater welding is more than a skill—it’s a fusion of engineering, physics, and elite-level diving. It remains one of the most technically complex and dangerous specialties in the commercial diving industry. At Florida Commercial Diving Institute (FCDI), we train divers to meet those challenges head-on with world-class instruction, advanced equipment, and real-world applications.

Technical Overview: Wet vs. Dry Welding

Underwater welding at FCDI focuses on Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), adapted for both wet welding (directly in the water) and dry hyperbaric welding (inside a pressurized habitat). Each method requires distinct techniques, tools, and safety protocols.

Wet Welding:

• Performed in open water using waterproof electrodes
• Ideal for quick repairs and lower setup costs
• High cooling rates increase porosity and cracking risk
• Requires constant monitoring and high precision

Dry Hyperbaric Welding:

• Conducted in a sealed chamber filled with helium or argon
• Produces superior weld quality with reduced defects
• Used in deep-sea infrastructure and offshore oil operations
• Requires complex logistics and safety support

At FCDI, our underwater welding program is led by Sid Preskitt, a seasoned instructor and commercial diver who has successfully performed hyperbaric welding operations at depths exceeding 1,000 feet—a rare and elite achievement in the diving world.

Metallurgy and Material Considerations

The extreme environment of underwater welding accelerates metallurgical changes. Training at FCDI emphasizes:

• Controlling interpass temperature and using low-hydrogen electrodes to prevent cold cracking
• Preheating protocols when applicable, to reduce thermal stress
• Post-weld heat treatment strategies for residual stress relief
• Understanding how water’s cooling effect impacts grain structure and hardness

This advanced instruction prepares students to deliver safe, reliable welds in the most critical applications—from subsea pipelines to offshore platforms.

Safety Comes First: Risk Mitigation at Depth

Welding underwater presents unique hazards, including:

• Electric shock
• Decompression sickness
• Explosive gas accumulation
• Limited visibility and confined space risks

That’s why FCDI emphasizes:

• Strict inspection protocols for dive gear and electrical systems
• Use of modern dive computers and decompression algorithms
• Emergency drills for rapid evacuation and medical response
• Life-support and chamber protocols for dry habitat operations

Sid Preskitt’s expertise in deep hyperbaric welding brings an unparalleled level of real-world safety instruction to every cohort.

Operational & Offshore Challenges

Commercial welders often work in unstable or offshore environments, requiring:

• Integration with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and non-destructive testing (NDT) systems
• Dynamic positioning to stabilize divers on offshore rigs
• Advanced helmet communication systems for weld monitoring and real-time feedback
• Project coordination with engineers, inspectors, and support vessels

At FCDI, our curriculum ensures divers are trained not just to weld, but to operate seamlessly as part of an industrial dive team.

Advancing the Future of Underwater Welding

As the commercial diving industry evolves, FCDI stays ahead by collaborating with research institutions and exploring new technologies such as:

• Pulsed arc welding for greater underwater arc stability
• Robotic and automated welding to reduce diver exposure
• Development of custom electrode coatings for unique conditions and materials

We’re not just training welders—we’re preparing future innovators in subsea fabrication and engineering.

Conclusion: Train with the Best, Dive with Confidence

Underwater welding plays a vital role in maintaining global infrastructure—from bridges and oil rigs to ship hulls and underwater power systems. At Florida Commercial Diving Institute, students receive instruction rooted in experience, precision, and safety.

With industry veterans like Sid Preskitt leading the way and training rooted in hyperbaric experience at extreme depths, FCDI remains one of the top commercial diving schools in the United States.

📍 Located in Hudson, FL
📞 Call (352) 209-1234
🌐 www.fcdidiving.com

Train hard. Dive smart. Weld deeper.