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How to Be a Navy Welder – Expert’s Advice

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Joining the Navy is one of the best career choices you can ever make. Most people feel picking a career in the Navy is all about the infantry, but that’s not always the case. When you enlist in the U.S Navy you have the option to choose from a variety of Naval specialties, that can steer you into a wonderful career path in or out of uniform. As an expert in welding or an aspiring welder, you are open to numerous opportunities in the Navy if you choose to enroll. The Navy requires skilled professionals in various fields, especially experts on above and below waterline welding. 

Pursuing a Welding career in the Navy is easier than you may think. You do not need any prior welding qualifications to enlist in the Navy. Even if you do, you must still undertake the Navy welding course before you can begin your career as a Navy welder. In today’s post, I’ve arranged all the necessary information you will need as you embark on this career path.

Requirements/ Qualifications needed to be a Navy Welder

  • To become a navy welder you must first be a U.S citizen or reside permanently in the U.S having a high school diploma or its equivalent. 
  • Both men and women are equally qualified to be navy welders, however, the minimum age for recruitment is 17 years, while the maximum age is 34 years.
  • You must pass two drug tests administered by the Navy and also meet their physical and medical standards.
  • You should be able to manage and use tools, equipment, and machines. You must have good writing and speaking skills, and good knowledge of algebra.
  • You must do detailed work and always keep records. Having good team cooperation is also essential. Other requirements will depend on whether you have already had a record in the Navy. After you have successfully gone through the Navy boot camp, you will now go on to train in your chosen military specialty, which in this case is welding.

What does a Navy Welder do?

Before embarking on this career path, you need to be ready for life at sea, because you’re going to be spending a whole lot of time there. Remember to get the best bed sheets you can find and other necessary accessories you need to make your life at sea as comfortable as possible.

As a Navy welder, you will be working on and off the naval base, repairing and fabricating metallic components of different equipment, vehicles, and structures. And if deployed overseas, you will be responsible for repairing tools, weapons, and vehicles when needed.

As a navy welder, you should be able to utilize different types of tools and welders, in servicing numerous equipment from pipes to girders. Once you have been enlisted in the Navy, you will undergo a series of training in which you will acquire the needed skills in welding naval and air equipment. Your military duties will take you around the world to different military installations, and you may also encounter some hostile environments during your tour.

Did you know that as a Navy welder, you can become a hull technician? It’s an option open to all Navy welders. Hull technicians are members of the Navy’s Mechanical and industrial technology workers, they are described as specialists in equipment and installation.

If you’re looking for a real challenge as a Navy welder, then try your hand at underwater welding. This involves salvaging vessels sunk at sea or performing repairs below the waterline. To become an underwater welder, you must be a Navy diver as well as a welder. The requirements for underwater welders are slightly different, there are eyesight and teat requirements and you must not be older than 31 years.