Dan Thomas graduated from JCC last May with an Associate in Applied Science degree in welding technology. He returned to JCC’s Manufacturing Technology Institute this fall to tell current students about how he has furthered his education to take his welding skills to a new location – underwater.

“I've enjoyed the water since grade school and was on the swim team for seven years,” said Thomas, a 2006 graduate of Chautauqua Lake Central School. “So even before I had graduated from JCC I was already researching careers in underwater welding and commercial diving in general.”

Prior to entering the Minnesota Commercial Diver Training Center this summer, Thomas had to achieve a prerequisite scuba certification. In Minnesota, he earned additional certifications including ADCI Entry Level Tender/Diver, Kirby Morgan Dive System Inc. Helmet/Bandmask Operator/User, Technical Diving International (TDI) Nitrox Diver, TDI Advanced Nitrox Diver, TDI Nitrox Gas Blender, Diving Alert Network (DAN) O2 Provider, and American Heart Association EFR, CPR, and first aid.

"The scope of jobs that require underwater welding is enormous and varied," said Brent Harkeness, welding instructor at JCC’s MTI. "Welders may be called on to add strength to an underwater structure like a bridge or platform or to make a repair in a nuclear power plant."

Most underwater welding operations are concentrated in a few key industries: the petroleum business for offshore platforms, pipelines and ships; the US Navy for ships and facilities; and structural and marine engineering companies.

Applications also include construction, repair and maintenance of port and harbor facilities, sheet piling, seawalls, bridges, water district facilities, underwater pipelines, and more. Salvage and shipping companies also utilize wet welding in their operations.

“If you enjoy working with your hands and have interest in any type of welding technology, I would highly recommend a career in welding,” Thomas said. “I've been told by numerous individuals that acquiring anything dealing with a trade or specialized field is always going to be something you have under your belt and can never be taken away and there will always be a demand. As for the commercial diving/underwater welding, if you enjoy adventure, are an adrenaline junkie, or hope to see different parts of the world, commercial diving is one of the careers for you. There are endless possibilities and paths in this career. You always have to remember to have a strong sense and understanding of safe practices and safety procedures.

“My personal experience with JCC was a very enjoyable and exciting one,” Thomas said. “Not only did I acquire a degree in a fast-paced exciting and high demand trade, I made lifelong friends that I can always rely on.”

For additional information on careers in welding technology and JCC’s welding technology degree and certificate programs, call Harkness at 716.338.1000 or visit www.sunyjcc.edu/welding.