From surface to seabed: Journey to becoming underwater welder

KUANTAN, 22 April 2024 – Final year students from six institutions including higher education institutions (IPT), colleges and polytechnics across the country who have not yet found employment, recently participated in the Introduction to Underwater Welding Programme.

According to the Lecturer of the Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology (FTKMA), Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) who is also the programme director, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Siti Rabiatull Aisha Idris, this programme targets final year students or graduates who have graduated in 2023 but have not yet found a job.

“It aims to provide added value to students to enter an increasingly competitive career field.

“Through this kind of programme, students will gain more skills and knowledge about underwater welding.

“Underwater welding or wet welding is a metal joining process that is done underwater either on the seabed or in other aquatic locations.

“It requires specific techniques through comprehensive training because working underwater involves high risks.

“However, the demand for careers in this field is very high and is needed by various industries, both local and international.

“The training given to participants through this programme combines theories and practice.

“The participants were taught basic welding techniques, the use of specialised welding tools and strict safety procedures for working underwater,” she said.

She added that among the topics taught to participants were welding techniques, water safety procedures, diving training and welding quality checks.

“Underwater welding is one of the exciting and challenging careers, but with comprehensive training, participants can be prepared according to the industry needs.

“In addition to providing an important role in various industries, those with underwater welding skills are often in high demand with good opportunities for career development,” she said.

The four-day programme, which runs from 22 to 25 April 2024 in Johor Bahru, is a collaboration between UMPSA and Aquasplash Academy.

By: Associate Professor Ts. Dr.  Siti Rabiatull Aisha Idris, Faculty of  Mechanical & Automotive Engineering Technology

Translation by: Dr.  Rozaimi  Abu  Samah, Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology