would it be recommended that you take classes in welding before going to dive school?

[theyogitrade]

im simply trying to get the best results coming out!

 

[sealark]

NO it is a completely different process, in water welding is. At least it was when I went through Navy dv school. But then my projects looked like shower heads when tested. I'm sure since 1966 the procedure has changed big time. Maybe a recent UW welder could help. I have heard reports that a cofferdam is built around the site and welded like a normal weld. If that was the case Yes learn topside welding. Besides it would be a good thing to get proficient at anyway.

 

[Killerflyingbugs]

under water is way different than top side. Unless you plan on working on water towers you really wont be doing much if any welding under water. I would concentrate on learning to use a u/w cutting torch over U/W welding. Top side welding is a good skill to have especially is you plan on working in the Gulf of Mexico.

 

[JohnnyC]

Listen to Episode 28 of the Welding Tips and Tricks podcast. They are interviewing a commercial underwater welder.

Welding Tips and Tricks Podcast

 

[Superlyte27]

In nearly 20 years post comm dive school, I welded exactly 0 times underwater. However, good pipe fitting and welding skills topside are extremely valuable.

 

[Sekeli]

I learned how to weld before attending DIT in 2011. All it allowed me to do in dive school was pass with flying colors through the welding class. After graduation I got my welding certs from a community college which helped me land a job and has helped me out tremendously in the industry.

If you have the time and money, I would say yes. If you can stick weld and use a cutting torch it will save your ass. As for welding underwater I have only welded a handful of times since 2011.

 

[Killerflyingbugs]

Learning to weld U/W made me better at top side, it still wasn't worth it in my eyes. U/W cutting on the other hand is worth it to learn. Good burners are always in demand.

 

[theyogitrade]

I learned how to weld before attending DIT in 2011. All it allowed me to do in dive school was pass with flying colors through the welding class. After graduation I got my welding certs from a community college which helped me land a job and has helped me out tremendously in the industry.

If you have the time and money, I would say yes. If you can stick weld and use a cutting torch it will save your ass. As for welding underwater I have only welded a handful of times since 2011.

how is DIT? im thinking about going there, seems like the best school around in the US atleast.

 

[Sekeli]

I was in a class of only 6 vs the typical class size of 20-30 students so we had a lot of practical time Topside and in the water which helped us a lot. Although they are a great school and the instructors are phenomenal, it seems to me that they made passing tests and classes much easier than when I was threre, removing mid terms and other tests, eliminating the need to retain valuable and life saving information. The companies I have worked for always try at some point to hire DIT or other dive school graduates and the result is typically the same, they don't last long.

From personal experience I will tell you that DIT is a great school and you will get your money's worth if you are willing to give above and beyond, always ask questions, show up early, stay late, see if there's any tasks you can help with when there's down time, take advantage of every opportunity because they help you someday, and don't expect to diving hard hat full time right out of school. Perseverance is key before and after graduation. If you follow this advice and others, you'll do great and make an excellent diver.

 

[Akimbo]

Divers with a variety of mechanical skills, which includes topside welding, are more likely to be hired -- especially for new grads. You almost never get in the water before you prove yourself working in the shop, mobilizing, and tending first. Welding AND fabrication skills are invaluable for emergency repairs, inventing unique solutions to problems that constantly come up, and securing equipment for sea.