India’s First Underwater Welding Certification Program Boosts Maritime Skills

The Indian Shipping Register (IRS) and the Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing India’s first deep diving and underwater welding training and certification program. This groundbreaking initiative is aimed at developing a skilled workforce for the maintenance of subsea facilities. The training, which took place at Neel Diving Academy in Kochi, involved theoretical and practical sessions conducted by trainers from IRS and TIH IIT Guwahati. Participants underwent rigorous underwater welding exercises and technical assessments, leading to the issuance of certificates upon meeting quality and safety standards.

Dr. Asokendu Samanta, Head of Research and Development at IRS, emphasized the importance of equipping the workforce with underwater wet welding skills and deep-water diving expertise to support India’s critical oil, gas, and shipping infrastructure. The success of the program was echoed by Prof. NR Mandal, Chair Holder at the Foundation for Technology Innovation and Development, IIT Guwahati, highlighting the advancement of specialized maritime capabilities and India’s enhanced capacity in maintaining subsea assets. Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, commended the program for combining academic rigor with practical expertise, crucial for the nation’s maritime and energy sectors.

This initiative aligns with the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) by providing essential expertise in underwater wet welding to the oil and gas and shipping sectors. The collaboration between IRS and TIH IIT Guwahati represents a significant step forward in advancing specialized maritime skills and enhancing India’s capabilities in maintaining critical subsea assets. The program’s successful completion signifies a critical milestone in building a skilled workforce to meet the demands of India’s growing maritime and energy industries.

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