Whereas most divers prefer using a scuba tank to carry out deep diving, welders are restricted to using diving hats. The diving hat is a helmet that seals the welders head and the rest of his body. It is preferred to the regular scubing tank because it does not put on more weight, enabling him to carry other tools of work as he moves deep beneath the water surface. The diving hat is also preferred as it contains a long pipe that connects to the ship providing constant supply of air to the welder thus preventing suffocation.
Welding underwater requires electrodes that are water resistant. When using the water-resistant electrodes underwater, an electrode with direct current flowing on it creates an arc of electricity. An extra insulation ensures the electrodes create the electrical arc without degrading the copper wire used to induce the current on the electrodes. The extra insulation aids in preventing risks of insulation among many other problems such as maintaining a consistent arc of electricity under water.
A hyperbaric chamber acts to seal the area where welding is going to take place. This tool creates a vacuum around the area welding area. As a result, the underwater welder is able to work on a dry surface but with equal amount of pressure as that of the water surrounding him. The hyperbaric chamber is often used when joining large rods of metals or when forming curves from the metals you are joining.
A pair of dark, airtight glasses is important when performing all sorts of welding, and this includes underwater welding. This tool serves to prevent your eyes from getting damaged or blindness. The underwater glasses have rubber strips fitted around the frames to make it airtight and waterproof. Some divers prefer dark glasses fixed to the diving hat.