Hyperbaric Welder Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of advanced technology, the role of hyperbaric welders has never been more crucial.

As underwater structures and installations progress, the demand for skilled professionals who can construct, maintain and protect these submerged systems escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a hyperbaric welder?

Whether you are:

• A job aspirant trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A recruitment manager creating an outline for the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the unique challenges of underwater welding,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable hyperbaric welder job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Hyperbaric Welder Duties and Responsibilities

Hyperbaric Welders are specialized professionals who perform welding tasks underwater, often at high pressures.

They must be skilled not only in welding but also in diving and must adhere to strict safety protocols due to the high-risk nature of the job.

The duties and responsibilities of a Hyperbaric Welder include:

• Performing underwater welding tasks using specialized equipment and techniques
• Inspecting and repairing underwater structures and equipment
• Following safety procedures and protocols to prevent accidents and ensure the health and safety of all personnel
• Maintaining and repairing welding equipment and diving gear
• Conducting pressure and leak tests to ensure the integrity of welds
• Communicating effectively with team members above and below the water
• Carrying out non-destructive testing to assess the quality and integrity of welds
• Preparing detailed reports on completed welding tasks and any issues encountered
• Undergoing regular health checks and training to ensure fitness for the physically demanding role

 

Hyperbaric Welder Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Hyperbaric Welder to join our team.

This position requires a combination of welding experience and the ability to work under extreme conditions, particularly underwater.

As a Hyperbaric Welder, your duties will include welding pieces in hyperbaric chambers, inspecting underwater structures, performing tests to ensure weld quality, and adhering to safety procedures.

The ideal candidate should be physically fit, possess excellent welding skills, and be comfortable working at significant depths underwater.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform underwater welding and cutting using standard equipment
• Inspect, repair, maintain, and construct underwater structures, pipelines, and foundations
• Utilize hyperbaric chambers to simulate deep-water conditions for welding procedures
• Follow safety procedures and regulations to prevent accidents
• Conduct tests to ensure weld quality and strength
• Prepare reports detailing work carried out, conditions encountered, and equipment used
• Respond to emergencies and carry out underwater rescues if required
• Cooperate with the rest of the diving team and support operational activities
• Train and supervise junior diving personnel

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Hyperbaric Welder or Underwater Welder
• Strong knowledge of welding techniques and procedures, including the use of specialized underwater welding equipment
• Ability to swim proficiently and pass physical fitness tests
• Professional Diving Certification from a recognized institution
• Ability to work well under pressure in challenging conditions
• Strong awareness of safety procedures and emergency response protocols
• Understanding of physics as it pertains to pressure and buoyancy
• Good communication and teamwork skills

 

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Danger pay
• Travel opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Hyperbaric Welder
• Work Environment: This position involves working in extreme conditions, including underwater and in confined spaces. Travel to various locations is required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Diving Supervisor or Project Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $80,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, professional diving certification, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Hyperbaric Welder Do?

Hyperbaric Welders, also known as underwater welders, work in one of the most challenging and risky professions.

Their work involves a combination of welding skills and commercial diving skills.

They are responsible for the construction, repair, and maintenance of structures underwater, such as oil platforms, bridges, pipes, and ships.

This requires them to use specialized equipment to perform welding tasks underwater at high pressure.

They work closely with other divers and engineers to ensure the safety and accuracy of their work.

Before starting a project, they study the blueprints and specifications to understand the welding requirements.

Their job also includes inspecting structures, diagnosing problems, and deciding on the best welding technique to use, which may vary depending on depth and water conditions.

In addition to welding, they may also be involved in rigging, fitting, cutting metal, and conducting non-destructive testing.

Safety is a primary concern in this role, and hyperbaric welders must follow strict procedures to minimize risks associated with diving and welding.

After completing a project, they are also responsible for testing and inspecting their work to ensure it meets the required standards and specifications.

Due to the nature of their work, hyperbaric welders often spend extended periods away from home, working in various locations around the world.

 

Hyperbaric Welder Qualifications and Skills

Hyperbaric Welders use a variety of technical skills, soft skills, and industry knowledge to perform welding tasks under extreme conditions, including:

• Technical welding skills to perform accurate and high-quality welding tasks in hyperbaric environments such as underwater or in pressurized chambers.
• Physical stamina and conditioning to handle the intense physical demands of the role, including swimming, carrying heavy equipment, and tolerating high pressures.
• Understanding and adherence to safety protocols to ensure the health and safety of oneself and the team in high-risk environments.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills to adapt to changing conditions and troubleshoot equipment or process issues.
• Communication skills to effectively coordinate with the team, understand instructions, and report any issues or concerns promptly and accurately.
• Dexterity and hand-eye coordination to operate welding tools and equipment effectively under challenging conditions.
• Ability to work well under pressure both physically due to the hyperbaric environments and mentally to meet project deadlines and handle high-stake tasks.
• Knowledge of different welding techniques, materials, and equipment to select the most suitable approach for each task.

 

Hyperbaric Welder Experience Requirements

Hyperbaric welders typically start their careers as welders, gaining practical experience and honing their skills on the job.

This initial phase may take between 2 to 5 years, during which the welder learns the basics of welding and gains general experience in different welding techniques and environments.

In order to specialize as a hyperbaric welder, it is generally required to undergo further training in commercial diving.

This additional training combines undersea diving skills with welding techniques and can last from several months to more than a year, depending on the program.

Once the commercial diving training is complete, hyperbaric welders often need to gain on-the-job experience through internships or entry-level roles in the underwater welding field.

This can last anywhere from 1 to 2 years, during which the welder gains specific experience in various underwater conditions and depths.

In addition to the welding and diving experience, hyperbaric welders need to maintain their certification through continuous learning and regular recertification, as stipulated by the diving industry standards and guidelines.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience as a hyperbaric welder often develop their technical skills, safety knowledge, and project management skills.

These professionals may be ready for supervisory or managerial roles in the underwater welding industry.

 

Hyperbaric Welder Education and Training Requirements

Hyperbaric Welders usually start their career by obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent.

They then need to complete a welding certification program from a recognized technical school, which typically takes 6 to 18 months.

The program includes both theoretical and practical training in various welding techniques.

Some of the important welding techniques that are taught include shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), and gas metal arc welding (GMAW).

After acquiring a basic welding certification, they need to undergo specific training in underwater welding.

This training is provided by commercial diving schools and takes about 6 months to 1 year to complete.

In the underwater welding program, trainees learn diving physics, diving medicine, blueprint reading, welding procedures, and safety measures.

After completing the underwater welding training, the welders need to obtain a certification from the American Welding Society (AWS) and/or the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI).

Most employers require Hyperbaric Welders to have a few years of experience in dry welding before they start working underwater.

Continuous learning and skill enhancement is a must in this field due to the evolving technology and safety measures.

Many welders take additional courses in advanced underwater welding techniques and safety procedures throughout their careers.

 

Hyperbaric Welder Salary Expectations

A Hyperbaric Welder can expect to earn an average salary of $54,000 (USD) per year.

However, experienced welders working in offshore or hazardous environments can earn up to $90,000 (USD) or more annually.

The salary can significantly vary based on experience, the level of risk involved, location, and the employer’s industry.

 

Hyperbaric Welder Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Hyperbaric Welder need?

Hyperbaric Welders should possess a high school diploma or GED as a minimum requirement.

Besides that, they must obtain formal welding training through vocational schools, community colleges, or military service.

A certificate in underwater welding from a commercial diving school is essential.

These professionals must also be certified by the American Welding Society or an equivalent organization in their region.

 

What are the daily duties of a Hyperbaric Welder?

On a typical day, a Hyperbaric Welder starts by checking and preparing their welding and diving equipment.

They will conduct safety checks and ensure all gear is in optimal working condition.

Throughout the day, they will dive to perform welding tasks underwater, often at extreme depths.

These tasks may include repair, installation, or maintenance of structures like pipelines or ship hulls.

They will also need to draft reports and document their work.

 

What qualities make a good Hyperbaric Welder?

A good Hyperbaric Welder has excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to handle the precision that underwater welding requires.

They should have a high level of physical fitness and endurance due to the physically demanding nature of their job.

Good Hyperbaric Welders should also be detail-oriented to ensure all safety protocols are followed and the welding job is done accurately.

 

What are the risks and challenges of being a Hyperbaric Welder?

Hyperbaric Welding is a high-risk occupation due to the inherent dangers associated with diving and welding.

Hyperbaric Welders face challenges such as decompression sickness, physical strain, exposure to hazardous materials, and potential injuries from welding equipment.

They often work in extreme conditions, at great depths, and for extended periods.

Because of these risks, Hyperbaric Welders must follow strict safety protocols and standards.

 

What should you look for in a Hyperbaric Welder resume?

A Hyperbaric Welder’s resume should first include their certifications in welding and commercial diving.

Also look for their years of experience, specifically in underwater welding.

Any additional skills, such as non-destructive testing or rigging, are beneficial.

Lastly, check for a solid record of safety, as this is paramount in such a high-risk profession.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve dived deep to reveal what it truly means to be a hyperbaric welder.

Surprising revelation?

It’s not just about joining metals.

It’s about constructing the world below the surface, one weld at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive hyperbaric welder job description template and real-world examples, you’re primed to take the plunge.

But why pause at the surface?

Submerge further with our job description generator. It’s your gateway to spot-on job listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Bear in mind:

Every single weld is a piece of a larger construct.

Let’s shape that underwater world. Together.

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