India Completes First-Ever Underwater Welding Certification Program with IRS and IIT Guwahati
India’s First Underwater Welding Program a Big Success
The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have made history. Together, they finished India’s very first training and certification program for deep diving and underwater welding. This is a huge achievement for India as it helps build a skilled workforce to maintain underwater assets like oil rigs, gas pipelines, and ships.
Training Held at Kochi’s Neel Diving Academy
The program started after IRS and IIT Guwahati’s Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) made an agreement in 2023. The training took place at the Neel Diving Academy in Kochi. Trainers from both IRS and IIT Guwahati led the sessions, teaching the students both theory and hands-on skills. The participants practiced underwater welding and had to pass several tests to show their abilities. Their work was checked carefully to make sure it met strict quality and safety rules. Once they passed, they received official certificates to prove they were skilled in underwater welding.
Why This Program Matters
Dr. Asokendu Samanta, who is the Divisional Head of Research and Development at IRS, said, “This program is a big step in training our workforce in underwater wet welding and deep diving. These skills will be very important for keeping India’s oil, gas, and shipping infrastructure in good shape.”
A Major Achievement for India’s Maritime Skills
Prof. N R Mandal from IIT Guwahati, who is in charge of the Technology Innovation and Development Foundation, said, “The success of this program is a big win for both IRS and IIT Guwahati. It shows our progress in developing special maritime skills, which are crucial for maintaining underwater assets.”
Combining Learning with Real Skills
IIT Guwahati’s Director, Prof. Devendra Jalihal, added, “This is the first program of its kind in India. It combines academic lessons with practical skills. We are happy to work with IRS to develop skills that are very important for India’s maritime and energy industries.”
Supporting Self-Reliance in India
This training program is a key part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) vision. It aims to give India’s oil, gas, and shipping sectors the skilled workers they need for underwater maintenance. This means India can rely less on foreign experts and do more work within the country.
