IIT Guwahati
This initiative is a significant step towards enhancing the nation’s capabilities in underwater asset maintenance and developing a skilled workforce to support critical industries

Guwahati: The Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) of IIT Guwahati has successfully conducted India’s first training and certification programme in underwater welding and deep diving.

The programme was conducted in collaboration with the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).

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This initiative is a significant step towards enhancing the nation’s capabilities in underwater asset maintenance and developing a skilled workforce to support critical industries.

The programme was conducted at the Neel Diving Academy in Kochi, where trainers from both IRS and IIT Guwahati’s TIH delivered comprehensive theoretical and practical sessions.

The participants engaged in rigorous underwater welding exercises and underwent a series of technical evaluations.

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The quality and safety of their work samples were assessed against stringent standards, following which participants were certified for their proficiency in underwater welding.

Highlighting the broader impact of this initiative, Director of IIT Guwahati Prof Devendra Jalihal said, “This first-of-its-kind programme 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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This certification programme aligns with the vision of self-reliant India by building local expertise in underwater wet welding – a skill crucial for maintaining India’s offshore and maritime infrastructure.

Speaking about the programme, Divisional Head of R&D at IRS Asokendu Samanta said, “This programme equips our workforce with vital underwater wet welding and deep diving skills, which are essential for maintaining India’s oil, gas and shipping infrastructure.”

IIT Guwahati is committed to nurturing talent and empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to make meaningful contributions to the nation’s progress.

Through initiatives like this, the institute not only addresses critical industry needs but also contributes to the holistic growth and development of India’s workforce.

IRS is an international ship classification society providing ship classification, certification and technical inspection services.

As a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), IRS ensures international standardisation and assurance across a broad spectrum of shipping, offshore and industrial projects.