Upon completion of this workshop participants should be able to:
Understand the fundamentals of underwater welding
Obtain practical experience in diving/welding by hands-on practice. (i.e. actual diving/welding by participants is subject to diving qualification)
Select the appropriate wet welding electrodes and techniques based upon code requirements, design parameters, and diver capabilities
Relate the elements of diver safely that is required for underwater installation and welding repair.
Anticipate and recognize how design, fabrication, and inspection affect underwater wet weldment
Understand the significance of weld defects, joint strength, and structural reliability.

The Ohio State University (OSU) has been actively conducting research and development programs to advance underwater welding technology since 1985. Many organizations including both federal agencies and private companies have supported OSU's endeavor. The Ohio Sea Grant, the State of Ohio, National Coastal Resources Research and Development Institute, US Navy and industrial partners including Arcair Company and Welding Consultants in Ohio, have provided research funds. The OSU underwater welding researchers have been awarded numerous awards by American Welding Society and recognized as the leader in underwater welding technology in the world.

Recently, the demand for technological advancement, the OSU researchers and other investigators, mostly sponsored by the US navy and private diving companies, have conducted studies to curb many of the difficulties surrounding underwater welding. Unfortunately, the newly developed technology by other investigators is usually proprietary to the developers and never makes the transition into industry. To overcome this obstacle, the OSU researchers have teamed with Jonathan Bennet of Canadian Welding Skills and Brian McCrodan of Diving Services to jointly conduct a workshop to promote awareness of recent developments in underwater welding technology for the benefit of worldwide industrial users. The other purpose of this workshop is to provide an opportunity for students who are interested in underwater welding and the professions to participate in this knowledge enrichment program.

Workshop Description: This workshop provides a basic understanding of the techniques available for underwater wet welding and field diving/welding skills. The content of this workshop represents experience and research hours spent by industry and the university. The course is composed of four parts: technology review, industrial applications, practical diving/welding, demonstration and hands-on practice. Each participant will have access to state of the art technology in a concise straightforward manner. Major course topics are summarized in the attached outline.

The lectures, demonstrations, hands-on practices and discussions are designed for interactive exchanges and information dissemination. Each person can take part in an activity to learn by doing or learning form others, benefiting from past experiences. Open discussions are essential to the workshop's success.

Program Schedule: The following is a schedule for various activities associated with the workshop program.

1. Workshop Information for public announcement (website and email announcements and information packet by post) - 3/31/1999
2. Detailed plans including course delivery and logistic issues -3/31/1999
3. Final program planning -4/30/1999
4. Pre-registration - 4/1-6/30/1999
5. Notification of Final Program - 8/13/1999
6. Lecture materials and handouts - 8/15/1999
7. Test coupon preparation for hands-on demonstration and practice - 8/15/1999
8. Workshop activities - 8/30 - 9/1/1999