One of the best sources that you could check into would be Duke Ogden at the college of oceaneering, their number is 800-432-3483. You might also try calling Global Divers, they have a good wet welding program and do a lot of R&D for wet welding. Their number is 800-525-4383, the person that you want to talk to would be Tom Reynolds. I'm one of the underwater welders for Global, so if you would like some info, my e-mail is cwelch5215@aol.com, good luck on your thesis.
Chuck