I'm 21 years old and am going to start my career in welding. I want to get into underwater welding but I need more Information on the subject. I was looking at the international Commercial Diving Academy in Jacksonville FL, but am unsure if the academy holds any credentials with employers. Or if the certificate they offer will be of any use to me if I'm unable to find work in the water and need to take a job on land while I search.

I was also wondering what the need for underwater welders is with the economy the way it is.

I was thinking about getting a two year welding diploma before going to the academy, I would like some professional opinions if this is a good idea or if it would just be a waste of time and money.

Thanks to who ever helps me with this.

Ladies and Gentlemen:
       I have an extensive underwater welding background how be it not current being a graduate of a marine diving school http://natpoly.edu Wilmington California and worked in the management  of the company with world's largest diving contract with world largest oil producing company. As a career move, I would suggest giving it thought. Look in the newspaper or other help wanted places and count the number of fits for welders and/or welding technicians compared to marine divers. Ten to one away from marine diving is a guess. You might spend time contacting marine diving concerns and see there response to you looking for the work. The work is seasonal. If you do the course, you will be looking for work as they are laying off. Personally I did underwater welding, invented underwater technology ( sticks ) resulting in five patent, went through 20 -30 wet welders on one job and was deemed an expert in underwater welding by the  IIW ( International Institute of Welding ) and had fun with it. I wish you luck and that starting your career 20 seems where a lot of us would like to be at. I hope this is helpful.
Sincerely
Len Andersen    www.lenandersen.com
212-839-6599, 4042 FAX / 914-237-7689 (H) / 914-536-7101 (Mobil)
www.lenandersen.com

Ladies and Gentlemen:
      Tim that is a very broad subject that is something I have dealt with personally doing the work as a underwater wet welder and in the management with my people in danger. As a start point I would suggest know what safety requirements are required for your situation. OSHA ( www.osha.gov ) in USA and when call out elsewhere. There is equivalent foreign requirements and/or "guidance" that might be in the contract. A respected reference is the  "US Navy Underwater Cutting & Welding Manual" www.hnsa.org/doc/pdf/cut_weld.pdf  ! With DC stick wet it has been done for 70 years. With other process etc they are doing a learning curve. If you are wet welding you get into peripheral nervous system accumulative effect. Underwater welds’ quality is a dangerous "assumption".
    To emphasize my views I met a fellow who was one who was a welder on the Chesapeake Bridge Tunnel complex. Only one underwater welder got killed. The other number ? They started with two. I hope this is helpful.
Sincerely
Len Andersen    www.lenandersen.com
212-839-6599, 4042 FAX / 914-237-7689 (H) / 914-536-7101 (Mobil)
www.lenandersen.com
PS- If you have question ask!