ISO 15614-9:2025

Overview - ISO 15614-9:2025 (Underwater hyperbaric wet welding)

ISO 15614-9:2025 defines how a preliminary welding procedure specification (pWPS) is qualified by welding procedure tests for underwater hyperbaric wet welding. The standard is applicable to production and repair fusion welding of steels (groups 1, 2, 3 and 8 per ISO 15608) performed in a hyperbaric wet environment. It covers qualification for specific processes (ISO 4063): 111 manual metal arc welding (covered electrode) and 114 self‑shielded tubular‑cored arc welding, while noting that the principles can be applied to other steel groups and processes.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Welding procedure qualification: Procedures for converting a pWPS into a qualified WPS through welding procedure tests and documentation (WPQR).
• Weld quality levels: Defines three quality levels - A, B and Z - each with specific criteria for mechanical properties and NDT requirements; the standard does not prescribe which level to select for a given application.
• Scope of materials and processes: Applies to fusion welding of steels in hyperbaric wet environments, with principles extendable beyond listed groups and processes.
• Welding variables and ranges: Differentiates essential and non‑essential variables and specifies the range of qualification for variables and welding positions.
• Test pieces and test methods: Specifies test piece geometry, welding of test pieces, and the suite of examinations and tests typically required, including:
  • Non‑destructive testing: visual, radiographic and ultrasonic methods (see ISO 17637, ISO 17636‑1/2, ISO 17640)
  • Destructive testing: transverse tensile, all‑weld metal tensile, bend, hardness, impact and fracture tests (see ISO 4136, ISO 5173, ISO 5178, ISO 9016, ISO 9017)
  • Macroscopic examination and location of specimens
• Depth limitations, acceptance criteria and re‑testing: The document includes rules for depth limits, acceptance requirements for test pieces, and conditions for re‑testing.

Practical applications and who uses ISO 15614-9

• Underwater welding contractors and divers performing hyperbaric wet welding
• Welding engineers and procedure writers preparing pWPS/WPS and WPQRs
• QA/QC inspectors, third‑party certifiers and classification societies verifying underwater welding qualifications
• Offshore oil & gas, subsea pipeline, ship repair and marine engineering projects requiring documented, qualified welding procedures for submerged, pressurized environments

Related standards

• ISO 15608 (material grouping), ISO 15609‑1 (WPS for arc welding)
• ISO 15618‑1 (qualification testing of welders for underwater welding - hyperbaric wet)
• NDT and destructive test standards cited (ISO 17637, ISO 17636‑1/2, ISO 17640, ISO 4136, ISO 5173, ISO 9016, etc.)

ISO 15614-9:2025 is essential for organizations that must demonstrate reliable, repeatable welding performance for submerged, high‑pressure wet welding operations and for those preparing compliant welding procedure documentation.