The first underwater welding and deep diving, organized by IIT Guwahati

Guwahati (Assam): The training and certification program in underwater welding and deep diving, organized by IIT Guwahati in collaboration with the Indian Register of Shipping, is a groundbreaking step for India. This initiative aims to improve the country’s capabilities in underwater asset maintenance, which is crucial for various sectors, including maritime, energy, and oil and gas. The program is designed to cultivate a skilled workforce that can meet the growing demands of these critical industries.

The certification programme is designed to meet the growing demands of India’s offshore, maritime, oil, and gas industries.
During the programme that aimed to address a critical skills gap in the Indian maritime and energy sectors, the participants gained hands-on experience in underwater welding, a vital skill for maintaining offshore and maritime infrastructure.

The participants engaged in rigorous underwater welding exercises and underwent a series of technical evaluations.
Prof Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, emphasised the significance of the program in his address: “This first-of-its-kind initiative blends academic rigor with hands-on expertise, addressing a crucial skills gap in the maritime and energy sectors. We are proud to partner with IRS to drive innovation and capability development, advancing India’s capabilities in underwater asset maintenance.”

Prof N R Mandal, Chair of the Technology Innovation and Development Foundation, IIT Guwahati, added, “The success of this programme underscores our commitment to advancing specialised maritime skills and strengthening India’s underwater asset maintenance capabilities. This initiative aligns perfectly with the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) by fostering local expertise in critical sectors.”