IIT Guwahati and IRS Launch India’s First Underwater Welding and Deep Diving Certification Program

IIT Guwahati and IRS launch India’s first Underwater Welding and Deep Diving Certification Program to boost underwater asset maintenance and address skills gaps in maritime and energy sectors. Check details here

India’s First Underwater Welding and Deep Diving Certification Program

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati’s Technology Innovation Hub (TiH), in partnership with the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), has launched India’s first-ever training and certification program in underwater welding and deep diving. This pioneering initiative marks a significant milestone in advancing the nation’s technological and operational capabilities in underwater asset maintenance.

By addressing the critical skills gaps in industries such as maritime and energy, the program aims to develop a highly skilled workforce equipped to handle complex underwater operations. This collaboration underscores IIT Guwahati’s commitment to driving innovation and strengthening India’s industrial infrastructure through cutting-edge training initiatives.

The program was held at the Neel Diving Academy in Kochi, where expert trainers from IRS and TiH IIT Guwahati conducted in-depth theoretical and practical sessions. Participants underwent intensive training in underwater welding, including hands-on exercises and rigorous technical evaluations. Their work samples were meticulously assessed for quality and safety, adhering to stringent industry standards.

Upon meeting these criteria, participants were awarded certifications recognizing their proficiency in underwater welding. This initiative aligns with the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) by fostering local expertise in underwater wet welding - an essential skill for maintaining and advancing India’s offshore and maritime infrastructure.

Highlighting the broader impact of this initiative, Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati, said, “This first-of-its-kind program blends academic rigor with hands-on expertise, addressing a critical skills gap in the maritime and energy sectors. We are proud to partner with IRS to drive innovation and capability development in these fields.”

Speaking on the achievement, Prof. N. R. Mandal, Chair, Technology Innovation and Development Foundation, IIT Guwahati, remarked, “The success of this program underscores our commitment to advancing specialized maritime skills and strengthening India’s underwater asset maintenance capabilities.”

Speaking about the program, Dr. Asokendu Samanta, Divisional Head of R&D at IRS, added, “This program equips our workforce with vital underwater wet welding and deep diving skills, which are essential for maintaining India’s oil, gas, and shipping infrastructure.”

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