IIT Guwahati, IRS hold India’s first underwater welding training, certification programme

NEW DELHI: The Technology Innovation Hub (TiH) of Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) in collaboration with the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) organised India’s inaugural training and certification programme in underwater welding and deep diving.

The training and certification programme was conducted at the Neel Diving Academy in Kochi, Kerala. Trainers from both IRS and TIH IIT Guwahati delivered comprehensive theoretical and practical sessions.

Participants underwent rigorous underwater welding exercises and a series of technical evaluations. They were certified for their proficiency in underwater welding based on the the quality and safety of their work samples.

IIT Guwahati director Devendra Jalihal said: “This first-of-its-kind program blends academic rigour 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.”

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Speaking at the event, NR Mandal, chair, Technology Innovation and Development Foundation, IIT Guwahati,said: “The success of this program underscores our commitment to advancing specialized maritime skills and strengthening India’s underwater asset maintenance capabilities.”

This certification programme aligns with the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) by building local expertise in underwater wet welding—a skill crucial for maintaining India’s offshore and maritime infrastructure, it said.

Divisional head of R&D at IRS Asokendu Samanta said: “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.”