What You Should Know About Underwater and Hyperbaric Welding

May 2, 2025 | Personal Injury

What You Should Know About Underwater and Hyperbaric Welding

Working with intense heat and electricity while submerged in water might seem improbable or ill-advised, but it happens every day around the world. However, underwater and hyperbaric welding are among the most dangerous jobs in existence. Here’s what you need to know about these high-risk professions.

How Underwater Welding Works

Underwater welding is commonly employed to fix ships, oil platforms, underwater pipes, and other materials that can’t be brought to the surface. Rather than moving these huge structures, welders go down to them. There are two main types of underwater welding: wet welding and dry welding.

Wet Welding

With wet welding, the welder works directly in the water using special waterproof equipment. This method is generally faster and cheaper, but it can be more dangerous and create weaker connections.

Dry (Hyperbaric) Welding

With dry welding, workers create a sealed chamber around the welding area, then pump out the water and fill the space with gas. This creates a dry zone underwater where welding can be done more safely.

Why Underwater Welding Is So Dangerous

Underwater welding is one of the deadliest jobs in the world. According to some statistics, the average life expectancy of an underwater welder is only 35–40 years due to the many risks associated with the profession. The main hazards include:

  • Electric shock, which is much more dangerous underwater
  • Decompression sickness (“the bends”) from changing water pressure
  • Drowning due to equipment failures
  • Explosions from hydrogen and oxygen gases that build up during welding
  • Being alone and far from help in emergencies

When accidents happen underwater, they happen fast, often with tragic results.

How Underwater Welding Damages the Body

Even when underwater welders manage to avoid major or fatal accidents, the occupation can still take a toll on their bodies over time. Common health issues include:

  • Joint damage from working in high-pressure environments
  • Hearing loss from constant underwater noise
  • Nerve damage from cold water and vibrating tools
  • Breathing problems from exposure to special gas mixtures

Most underwater welders can only work for about 10–15 years before their bodies give out. Many end up filing workplace injury claims due to the physical impacts of the job.

Special Laws That Protect Underwater Welders

Underwater welders aren’t covered by regular workers’ compensation like most jobs. Instead, they fall under special maritime laws like the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. These laws provide better protection and larger payments when injuries occur, as they recognize that underwater welding is much more dangerous than regular jobs.

How To Become an Underwater Welder

Despite its risks, underwater welding is an attractive career path — underwater welders can pull in $90,000 or more per year. However, breaking into the field requires years of training and certification. The steps include:

  • Getting certified as a commercial diver (three to five months)
  • Learning to weld on land (one to two years)
  • Taking special underwater welding courses (several more months)
  • Working under experienced welders

Most underwater welders spend three to five years in training before they’re fully qualified. This long educational period shows just how complex and perilous the job really is.

What Happens When Safety Rules Are Ignored?

Even with extensive training and rigorous safety protocols, accidents still happen. Most occur when companies or workers take shortcuts. Common examples include:

  • Not maintaining equipment properly
  • Not having enough safety monitors
  • Rushing to finish jobs faster
  • Poor training or supervision
  • Working in bad weather or murky water

When safety rules are broken and workers get hurt, they may need much more financial support than basic workers’ compensation can provide.

Think Hard Before Pursuing a Career in Underwater Welding

Welders who work underwater make good money, but they also face serious risks. Anyone considering this career path should think long and hard about both realities. For those already working as underwater welders, knowing your legal rights can make a world of difference if you get injured on the job.

If you’ve been injured in a personal injury, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

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