09 — Trades
Rig Welding
Welding is one of the most critical trades on any oil rig. Structural failures in an offshore environment can be catastrophic — every weld matters.
Processes
Welding Processes Used on Rigs
| Process | Full Name | Best Used For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAW | Shielded Metal Arc (Stick) | Structural repairs, pipe, windy conditions | Workhorse of rig welding. Works outdoors. Simple equipment. |
| GTAW | Gas Tungsten Arc (TIG) | Stainless steel, exotic alloys, precision | Highest quality weld. Slow. Requires clean conditions. |
| FCAW | Flux-Cored Arc Welding | Fast structural welds, windy outdoor work | Self-shielded variant works in wind where MIG fails. |
| GMAW | Gas Metal Arc (MIG) | Shop fabrication, indoor repairs | Fast and clean, but shielding gas disrupted by wind. |
| Hyperbaric | Dry Underwater Welding | Subsea structural repair | Done inside pressurized dry habitat. Best quality underwater weld, down to ~1,000m. See full guide. |
| Wet | Wet Underwater Welding | Emergency repairs, 30–400 ft depth | Welder is directly in water. Lower quality than hyperbaric. |
Key Certifications
API 1104
Pipeline welding standard. Mandatory for most rig pipeline positions. Tests welding in multiple positions.
Pipeline — EssentialAWS D1.1
Structural steel welding standard. Required for platform, derrick, and structural work. 6G pipe is the highest standard.
Structural — EssentialAWS D3.6M
Underwater welding certification. Required for any subsea welding work.
Underwater WeldingASME Section IX
Pressure vessel and boiler welding qualification. Required for high-pressure vessel and piping work.
Pressure VesselsExplore Welding
Underwater Welding
How hyperbaric and wet welding actually work, what it pays, and how to become a commercial diver-welder.
Read More →Certifications & Career Path
The complete progression from junior welder to CWI inspector, with pay at every stage.
Read More →