This standard applies to welding processes where the skill of the diver-welder or welding operator has a significant influence on weld quality.

This standard specifies essential requirements, ranges of approval, test conditions, acceptance requirements and certification for the approval testing of diver-welder or welding operator performance for the welding of steels underwater in a hyperbaric dry environment. The recommended format for the certificate of approval testing is given in Annex A.

During the approval test the diver-welder or welding operator should be required to show adequate practical experience and job knowledge (test non mandatory) of the welding processes, materials and safety requirements for which he is to be approved, information on these aspects is given in Annex B.

This standard is applicable when the diver-welder s or welding operator s approval testing is required by the purchaser, by inspection authorities or by other organisations.

The welding processes referred to in this standard include fusion welding processes which are designated as manual or partly mechanized welding for diver-welders and fully mechanized or automatic welding for operators (see 5.2).

All new approvals are in accordance with this standard from the date of this issue.

However, this standard does not invalidate previous diver-welder or welding operator approvals made to former national standards or specifications, providing the intent of the technical requirements is satisfied and the previous approvals are relevant to the application and production work on which they are to be employed.

Also, where additional tests should be carried out to make the approval technically equivalent it is only necessary to do the additional tests on a test piece which should be made in accordance with this standard. Consideration of previous approvals to former national standards or specifications should be at the time of the enquiry/contract stage and agreed between the contracting parties.

The certificate of approval testing is issued under the sole responsibility of the examiner or examining body.