EN ISO 15618-2:2001 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 15618-2:2001 - "Qualification testing of welders for under-water welding - Part 2: Diver-welders and welding operators for hyperbaric dry welding" (CEN) defines approval testing and certification principles for welding personnel performing fusion welding of steels in a dry, hyperbaric (pressurized) underwater environment. The standard sets out essential requirements, test conditions, acceptance criteria and the recommended certificate format (Annex A). Annex B gives guidance on job knowledge and practical experience.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and purpose: Applies where the skill of the diver-welder or hyperbaric welding operator significantly affects weld quality; used when purchaser, inspection authority or organisation requires approval testing.
• Welding processes covered: Typical fusion processes for hyperbaric dry welding are listed (e.g. 111 MMA, 114 self‑shielded tubular-cored, 131 MIG, 135 MAG, 136/137 flux‑cored variants, 141 TIG, 15 plasma). Other processes may be included by agreement.
• Test pieces and joint types: Approval tests use standardised butt (BW) and fillet (FW) weld test pieces in plates or pipes. The standard specifies shapes, dimensions and test specimen preparation.
• Essential variables and ranges of approval: The standard identifies variables (process, joint type, material group, consumable, dimensions, position, hyperbaric environment) that determine the scope of an approval. It provides rules for ranges of approval based on plate/pipe thickness and diameters.
• Materials and consumables: Applies to steel groups defined in CR ISO 15608 (groups 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 and 10). Consumable classifications reference EN 499/EN 1600/ISO 3581 (e.g. basic coverings). Only consumables suitable for the intended hyperbaric application are permitted.
• Examination, testing and acceptance: Visual, destructive and non‑destructive tests and acceptance criteria reference established EN/ISO NDT and weld test methods. Certificates are issued by the examining body under its responsibility.
• Job knowledge: Practical experience and job knowledge assessment (non‑mandatory) are described to ensure safe, competent performance in hyperbaric welding operations.

Practical applications - who uses it

• Diving contractors, offshore construction and repair teams performing underwater hyperbaric dry welding
• Welding engineers and QA/inspection bodies specifying operator qualifications and approvals
• Certifying organisations and examiners issuing diver‑welder or hyperbaric welding operator certificates
• Procurement and project managers ensuring compliant personnel for subsea fabrication and maintenance

Related standards

• EN 1418 (welding personnel approval for mechanized/automatic welding)
• EN 288 series (welding procedure/specification rules)
• EN 499 / EN 1600 / ISO 3581 (welding consumables)
• CR ISO 15608 (material grouping) and ISO 4063 (process nomenclature)

EN ISO 15618-2:2001 provides a harmonised framework for qualification testing of diver‑welders and hyperbaric operators, enabling consistent approval, certification and mutual recognition across maritime and offshore welding applications.