Reaching new depths - Qualification underwater welders at 21m for Cyprus-based P.S.S. Ltd.
Upon winning an expansive project in Turkmenistan, Professional Subsea Sevice Limited (P.S.S. Ltd.) reached out to Hyperbaric Welding Center for support for the required certificates, procedures and qualifications. With part one of the project behind us, we look back on a successful effort to expand the welding capacity of this highly professional Cyprus-based contractor. In this article we’ll walk you through the scope of the project.
Initially based in Ukraine, Professional Subsea Sevice Limited focuses primarily on performing subsea technical-, design- and investigational activities within petrochemical, maritime and heavy industry. Following the developments in Ukraine P.S.S. has been forced to relocate to Nicosia Cyprus, where they currently reside. Upon commencing with the actual diving activities, P.S.S. requested our assistance for acquiring the necessary WPQ’s, under internationally recognized AWS (American Welding Society) standard. The client required P.S.S.’ welders to produce welding certificates for several depths; 3,5m as well as 21m.
Welder qualifications under AWS D3.6 Class B
Qualifying (and renewing) welders under AWS D3.6 has become a standard practice at the Hyperbaric Welding Center. However, even for highly experienced welders, the 21m qualifications can be quite challenging. The scope of the project required P.S.S. to qualify under class B, intended for less critical underwater applications and leaving small margins for discontinuities (as opposed to class O, where regulation is even more stringent). The goal was to qualify for a Pipe-plate joint in positions 2F and 4F at 3,5m and 4F for 21m.
Optimizing time and resources
To improve our chances of getting a good result, we organized a training ahead of the tests. In an attempt to make the best use of time and resources, we agreed to work in a dual set-up. Using the dive pit and dive pool simultaneously we were able to substantially increase our output. Considering all the variables (decompression, use of nitrox, etc.), it’s amazing what we’ve been able to accomplish together over the span of just 5 days. A testament to the professionality of P.S.S. as an organization as well as the skills of their divers.
Our unique facilities in Enkhuizen enable us to raise the bar for underwater welding related training and certification within the Benelux. With an inside diving pool area and outside diving pit, as well as the possibility to train/qualify in open water, Hyperbaric Welding Center can facilitate a broad range of tests, courses and qualifications.
Expanding the collaboration
We are thrilled to report all qualifications were carried out successfully. We’d like to congratulate Professional Subsea Service Ltd. with this impressive result, and have just received confirmation for a follow-up project taking place later this month. This will involve expanding the team’s welding procedures (WPQR). More on phase 2 later!