EN ISO 15618-1:2016 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 15618-1:2016 - "Qualification testing of welders for underwater welding - Part 1: Hyperbaric wet welding" (ISO 15618-1:2016) is a CEN-adopted international standard that defines the essential requirements, test conditions, acceptance criteria and certification format for welder‑diver qualification testing for hyperbaric wet welding on steel. The standard addresses fusion welding processes that are manual or partly mechanised (not fully mechanised or automatic). Annex A provides a recommended certificate format; Annex B gives guidance on required job knowledge (processes, materials, safety). Certificates are issued by the examiner or examining body.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Scope and applicability
  • Qualification testing for hyperbaric wet welding on steel; applies to new qualifications from the date of issue.
  • Previous national qualifications remain valid if they meet the technical intent and are relevant to the work.
• Essential variables for qualification
  • Welding process (manual/partly mechanised fusion processes)
  • Joint types (butt and fillet welds)
  • Material groups (steel)
  • Filler materials and fluxes
  • Dimensions and welding positions
  • Hyperbaric environment and visibility conditions
• Range of qualification
  • Defines how a test qualifies a welder‑diver for similar or “easier” conditions within the stated variables.
• Examination and testing
  • Test piece geometry, test methods, witness requirements and acceptance criteria are specified.
  • Test report content and format requirements, with a recommended certificate layout in Annex A.
• Certification and validity
  • Rules for re-tests, revalidation and period/confirmation of validity are included.
  • Certificate issuance is under the sole responsibility of the examiner/examining body.
• Job knowledge
  • Welder-divers may be required to demonstrate understanding of welding processes, materials and safety (Annex B).

Applications and Users

This standard is used by:

• Underwater welding contractors and welder‑diver training organisations
• Offshore and marine maintenance teams (oil & gas, shipping, offshore wind)
• Certification bodies, examiners and inspection authorities
• Project engineers and asset owners specifying qualified personnel for repair or construction work underwater EN ISO 15618-1 assists stakeholders in ensuring consistent qualification testing, traceable certification and safer, quality-controlled underwater welding operations.

Related Standards

• ISO 15618 series - Part 2: Diver‑welders and welding operators for hyperbaric dry welding (see ISO 15618-2)
• Developed by ISO/TC 44 (Welding and allied processes); adopted by CEN as EN ISO 15618-1:2016

Keywords: EN ISO 15618-1:2016, hyperbaric wet welding, welder-diver qualification, underwater welding certification, welding qualification testing, steel welding, job knowledge.