Welder (Marine)

Job Summary

A Marine Welder fabricates, repairs, and installs metal components on vessels and marine structures. The role involves welding and cutting steel, stainless, and aluminum in shipyards, onboard vessels, and dockside environments—often under tight schedules and strict safety/quality requirements. Work must meet marine standards for strength, watertight integrity, and corrosion resistance.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform welding on marine structures and vessel components using SMAW (stick), GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG), and/or FCAW depending on materials and job specs.

• Carry out structural repairs, fabrication, and installation of items such as: bulkheads, decks, frames, brackets, handrails, piping supports, foundations, and hull plating.

• Read and interpret drawings, isometrics, WPS (Welding Procedure Specifications), and work orders.

• Prepare materials by measuring, cutting, beveling, fitting, and tacking (using torch, plasma, grinder, or saw).

• Ensure correct fit-up, alignment, root gap, and joint preparation before welding.

• Perform gouging, grinding, back-chipping, and rework as required to meet inspection standards.

• Weld in multiple positions (1G–6G / flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead) as needed onboard and in the yard.

• Conduct basic checks for distortion control and apply techniques to minimize warping (sequencing, clamping, heat control).

• Work safely in shipyard conditions including confined spaces, hot work zones, and at heights; follow permits and gas testing procedures.

• Support inspections such as visual inspection, NDT preparation (e.g., MT/PT/UT/RT as applicable), and repair punch lists.

• Maintain welding equipment, leads, torches, regulators, and consumables; keep work area clean and safe.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of welding processes and marine fabrication practices.

• Ability to weld carbon steel, stainless steel, and/or aluminum (depending on the fleet/yard).

• Competence using cutting and prep tools: oxy-fuel torch, plasma cutter, grinders, beveling tools.

• Understanding of weld defects and prevention: porosity, lack of fusion, undercut, cracking, distortion.

• Familiarity with marine safety rules: hot work permits, confined space entry, ventilation, fire watch.

• Teamwork, reliability, and ability to meet deadlines without cutting corners.

Qualifications & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

• Welder certification preferred/required (yard-specific), such as:

  • AWS (e.g., D1.1 structural steel, D1.2 aluminum)

  • ABS / Lloyd’s Register / DNV / Bureau Veritas approvals (depending on the operation)

• 2+ years of experience in shipyard, marine repair, offshore, or heavy fabrication preferred (adjust to junior/senior level).