Underwater Welder career guide
Underwater Welders combine commercial diving and welding skills to repair ships, offshore platforms, pipelines and marine infrastructure.
Career guide reviewed by Certyz · October 2026
Entry routes vary by employer and role. Compare the options below before deciding what to research next.
What does an Underwater Welder do?
Underwater Welders combine commercial diving and welding skills to repair ships, offshore platforms, pipelines and marine infrastructure.
- Underwater environments
- Offshore platforms
- Ports
- Shipyards
- Marine engineering companies
- Offshore contractors
- Shipyards
- Oil and gas companies
How to become an Underwater Welder
Underwater welding is a highly specialised engineering career supporting offshore energy and maritime infrastructure.
Welding qualification followed by HSE-approved commercial diving certification.
- Apprenticeship
- College
- Direct employment or training
Skills and progression for Underwater Welder
- Technical welding
- Physical fitness
- Attention to detail
- Health and safety
- Problem solving
- Senior Underwater Welder
- Dive Supervisor
- Marine Project Manager
- Offshore Operations Manager
- Business Owner
Check current entry requirements before deciding
This Certyz guide is a starting point. Qualifications, registration rules and apprenticeship availability can change. Confirm the latest requirements with employers, course providers, relevant professional bodies and official careers guidance.
What could the outlook mean for you?
Career opportunities can look different depending on where you live, your preferred route and the subjects and activities you enjoy. Your report brings those factors together rather than giving you a generic answer.
- Regional vacancy and salary intelligence
- Your personal career-match reasoning
- Opportunity strength and market direction
- Alternative careers worth considering