BS EN ISO 15618-1:2016

BSI Standards Publication

Qualification testing of welders

for underwater welding
Part 1: Hyperbaric wet welding (ISO
15618-1:2016)
BS EN ISO 15618-1:2016 BRITISH STANDARD

National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN ISO 15618-1:2016.
It supersedes BS EN ISO 15618-1:2002 which is withdrawn.
During the development of EN ISO 15618-1:2016, the UK committee
emphasized the need to consider the weldabilty of the material and
the importance of welding to an approved welding procedure. The UK
committee does not agree with this standard being published before
ISO 15614-9, Specification and qualification of welding procedures for
metallic materials — Welding procedure test — Part 9: Arc underwater
hyperbaric wet welding, has been developed.
The UK committee expects EN ISO 15614-9 to take into account the
weldability of materials when wet welding. When EN ISO 15614-9
is published, it is recommended that all wet hyperbaric welding be
completed to an approved, appropriate and qualified wet welding
procedure, as should all welder divers qualified to EN ISO 15618-1:2016.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee WEE/36, Qualification of welding personnel and welding
procedures.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained
on request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions
of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
© The British Standards Institution 2016.
Published by BSI Standards Limited 2016
ISBN 978 0 580 90383 0
ICS 25.160.10
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.
This British Standard was published under the authority of the Standards
Policy and Strategy Committee on 31 October 2016.
Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication
Date Text affected
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN ISO 15618-1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM September 2016

ICS 25.160.01 Supersedes EN ISO 15618-1:2001

English Version

Qualification testing of welders for underwater welding -

Part 1: Hyperbaric wet welding (ISO 15618-1:2016)
Épreuve de qualification des soudeurs pour le soudage Prüfung von Schweißern für Unterwasserschweißen -
sous l'eau - Partie 1: Soudage hyperbare en pleine eau Teil 1: Nassschweißen unter Überdruck (ISO 15618-
(ISO 15618-1:2016) 1:2016)

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 8 July 2016.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels

© 2016 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 15618-1:2016 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
 BS EN ISO
BS EN
15618-1:2016
ISO 15618-1:2016
EN ISO 15618-1:2016 (E) EN ISO EN
15618-1:2016
ISO 15618-1:2016
(E) (E)

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 BS EN ISO 15618-1:2016
ISO 15618-1:2016(E)

Contents Page

Foreword ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................v
Introduction................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ vi
1 Scope ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
2 Normative references ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
3 Terms and definitions ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
4 Symbols and abbreviations ....................................................................................................................................................................... 2
4.1 General ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
4.2 Test piece ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
4.3 Filler materials and fluxes ............................................................................................................................................................. 3
4.4 Miscellaneous........................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
5 Essential variables for qualification testing ............................................................................................................................ 3
5.1 General ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
5.2 Welding processes................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
5.3 Joint types (butt and fillet welds) ........................................................................................................................................... 4
5.4 Material groups ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
5.5 Filler materials and fluxes ............................................................................................................................................................. 4
5.6 Dimensions................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
5.7 Welding positions ................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
5.8 Hyperbaric environment ................................................................................................................................................................ 5
5.9 Visibility ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
6 Range of qualification ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
6.1 General ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
6.2 Welding process ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
6.3 Joint types.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
6.4 Material groups ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
6.5 Filler materials ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 7
6.6 Dimensions................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
6.7 Welding positions ................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
6.8 Hyperbaric environment ................................................................................................................................................................ 7
7 Examination and testing............................................................................................................................................................................... 9
7.1 General ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
7.2 Witnessing .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
7.3 Shapes and dimensions of test pieces ................................................................................................................................. 9
7.4 Welder-diver qualification test criteria .......................................................................................................................... 11
7.5 Test methods.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
7.6 Test pieces and test specimens .............................................................................................................................................. 12
7.6.1 General................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
7.6.2 Butt welds in plate and pipe ............................................................................................................................... 12
7.6.3 Fillet welds on plate and pipe ............................................................................................................................ 13
7.7 Test report................................................................................................................................................................................................ 15
8 Acceptance requirements for test pieces .................................................................................................................................15
9 Re-tests ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 15
10 Period and confirmation of validity ..............................................................................................................................................15
11 Revalidation of welder-diver qualification ............................................................................................................................16
12 Welder-diver qualification test certificate .............................................................................................................................16
13 Designation .............................................................................................................................................................................................................16
Annex A (informative) Welder-diver qualification test certificate for hyperbaric wet welding..........18
Annex B (informative) Job knowledge .............................................................................................................................................................20

© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved iii

BS EN ISO 15618-1:2016
ISO 15618-1:2016(E)

Bibliography ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 23

iv © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

 BS EN ISO 15618-1:2016
ISO 15618-1:2016(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to conformity assessment,
as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the
Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following URL: www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html
The committee responsible for this document is ISO/TC 44, Welding and allied processes, Subcommittee
SC 11, Qualification requirements for welding and allied processes personnel.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 15618-1:2001), which has been technically
revised.
ISO 15618 consists of the following parts, under the general title Qualification testing of welders for
underwater welding:
— Part 1: Hyperbaric wet welding
— Part 2: Diver-welders and welding operators for hyperbaric dry welding
Requests for official interpretations of any aspect of this International Standard should be directed to
the Secretariat of ISO/TC 44/SC 11 via your national standards body. A complete listing of these bodies
can be found at www.iso.org.

© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved v

BS EN ISO 15618-1:2016
ISO 15618-1:2016(E)

Introduction
This part of ISO 15618 covers the principles to be observed in the qualification testing of welder-diver
performance for the fusion welding of steels in a hyperbaric wet environment.
The ability of the welder-diver to follow verbal or written instructions and testing of his skill are
therefore important factors in ensuring the quality of the welded product.
Testing of skill to this part of ISO 15618 depends on welding methods in which uniform rules and test
conditions are complied with, and standard test pieces are used.
The principle of this part of ISO 15618 is that a qualification test qualifies a welder-diver not only for
the conditions used in the test, but also for all other conditions which are considered easier to weld
in accordance with this part of ISO 15618. It is presumed that the welder-diver has received training
and/or has industrial practice within the range of qualification.
This part of ISO 15618 is intended to provide the basis for the mutual recognition by examining bodies
for qualification relating to the welder-diver’s competence in the various fields of application. Tests are
to be carried out in accordance with this part of ISO 15618 unless additional tests are specified by the
relevant application standard when these should be applied.
The welder-diver’s skill and job knowledge continue to be approved only if the welder-diver is working
with reasonable continuity on welding work within the extent of qualification.

vi © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

 BS EN ISO 15618-1:2016
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 15618-1:2016(E)

Qualification testing of welders for underwater welding —

Part 1:
Hyperbaric wet welding

1 Scope
This part of ISO 15618 specifies essential requirements, ranges of qualification, test conditions,
acceptance requirements and certification for the qualification testing of welder-diver performance.
This part of ISO 15618 is applicable for hyperbaric wet welding on steel.
The recommended format for the certificate of qualification testing is given in Annex A.
During the qualification test, the welder-diver may be required to show adequate job knowledge of the
welding processes, materials and safety requirements for which he is to be qualified. Information on
these aspects is given in Annex B.
The welding processes referred to in this part of ISO 15618 include those fusion welding processes
which are designated as manual or partly mechanised welding. It does not cover fully mechanised and
fully automatic processes (see 5.2).
This part of ISO 15618 applies to all new qualifications from the date of issue.
However, this part of ISO 15618 does not invalidate previous welder-diver qualifications made to former
national standards or specifications, providing the intent of the technical requirements is satisfied
and the previous qualifications are relevant to the application and production work on which they are
employed.
The certificate of qualification testing is issued under the sole responsibility of the examiner or
examining body.

2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 4063, Welding and allied processes — Nomenclature of processes and reference numbers
ISO 5173, Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials — Bend tests
ISO 5817, Welding — Fusion-welded joints in steel, nickel, titanium and their alloys (beam welding
excluded) — Quality levels for imperfections
ISO 6947, Welding and allied processes — Welding positions
ISO 9017, Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials — Fracture test
ISO 15609-1, Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials — Welding
procedure specification — Part 1: Arc welding
ISO 17636 (all parts), Non-destructive testing of welds — Radiographic testing
ISO 17637, Non-destructive testing of welds — Visual testing of fusion-welded joints

© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved 1

BS EN ISO 15618-1:2016
ISO 15618-1:2016(E)

ISO 17639, Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials — Macroscopic and microscopic examination
of welds
ISO 17640, Non-destructive testing of welds — Ultrasonic testing — Techniques, testing levels, and
assessment
ISO/TR 15608, Welding — Guidelines for a metallic materials grouping system

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 15609-1 and the following apply.
3.1
welder-diver
person who performs the welding under hyperbaric conditions
3.2
hyperbaric wet welding
process of welding in a wet environment in excess of surface pressure with no mechanical barrier
between the arc and the water
3.3
examiner
person appointed to verify compliance with the applicable standard
Note 1 to entry: A certified examiner or certified bodies according to national or international
standards/regulations.

Note 2 to entry: In certain cases, an external independent examiner can be required.

[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901:2007, 2.119, modified — Note 1 to entry added.]

3.4
examining body
organization appointed to verify compliance with the applicable standard
Note 1 to entry: In certain cases, an external independent examining body can be required.

[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901:2007, 2.120]

4 Symbols and abbreviations

4.1 General
Where the full wording is not used, the following symbols and abbreviations shall be used when
completing the test certificate (see Annex A).

4.2 Test piece

a design/throat thickness
BW butt weld
D outside pipe diameter
FW fillet weld
P plate
s penetration depth

2 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

 BS EN ISO 15618-1:2016
ISO 15618-1:2016(E)

t material thickness of test piece (plate or wall thickness)

T pipe
z leg length of fillet weld

4.3 Filler materials and fluxes

A acid covering
B basic covering or electrode core — basic
R rutile covering
RA rutile — acid covering
RB rutile basic covering
RC rutile cellulosic covering
RR rutile thick covering
Z electrode core

Other filler materials and fluxes may be used by agreement.

4.4 Miscellaneous

bs welding from both sides

gg back gouging or back grinding of welds
mb welding with backing material
ml multi-layer
sl single-layer
ss single-side welding
wd water depth
sw salt water
fw fresh water
as aqueous solution

5 Essential variables for qualification testing

5.1 General
The criteria specified in this clause shall be examined in order to identify the ability of the welder-diver
in these areas. Each criterion is considered to be a significant factor in the qualification testing. The
welder-diver qualification test shall be carried out on standard test pieces.
Welder-divers shall be qualified according to a welding procedure specification (see ISO 15609-1).

5.2 Welding processes

Welding processes are defined in ISO/TR 25901-3 and reference numbers of welding processes for
symbolic representation are listed in ISO 4063.
This part of ISO 15618 covers the following welding processes applicable in hyperbaric wet environment:
— 111 manual metal arc welding (metal arc welding with covered electrode);
— 114 self-shielded tubular-cored arc welding.
Other fusion welding processes may be used by agreement.

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BS EN ISO 15618-1:2016
ISO 15618-1:2016(E)

5.3 Joint types (butt and fillet welds)

Test pieces shall be produced for butt weld (BW) and fillet weld (FW) in plates (P) or pipes1) (T) for
qualification tests in accordance with 7.3.

5.4 Material groups

The designation of steel groups of material as defined in ISO/TR 15608 shall apply.
This part of ISO 15618 primarily applies to the following material groups according to ISO/TR 15608:
1 and 8.
Other steel groups may be used by agreement.

5.5 Filler materials and fluxes

In most qualification tests, the filler metal is similar to the parent metal. When a welder-diver test has
been carried out using a filler material/flux combination suitable for a certain material group, this
test will only confer qualification of the welder-diver to use those consumables (filler material/flux
combination) for other materials from the same material group.
Only electrodes designed for hyperbaric wet welding shall be used.
NOTE Certified filler materials for wet welding according to national/international standards may apply.

If there is no national/international standard for wet welding filler material available, the filler material
shall be qualified according to a customer approved WPS for hyperbaric wet welding.

5.6 Dimensions
The welder-diver qualification test shall be based on the thickness of the material (i.e. plate thickness
or wall thickness of pipe) and pipe diameters which the welder-diver will use in production. A range of
qualification is listed for each of the ranges of plate thickness and pipe wall thickness or pipe diameter
as specified in Tables 1 and 2.
The thicknesses and diameters given in Table 1 and 2 are nominal values and not intended to be
measured precisely.

1) The word “pipe”, alone or in combination, is used to mean “pipe”, “tube” or “hollow section”.

4 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

 BS EN ISO 15618-1:2016
ISO 15618-1:2016(E)

Table 1 — Test piece thickness (plate or pipe) and range of qualification

Test piece thickness, t Range of qualification for Range of qualification for
mm butt welds fillet welds
t<6 ≥t (max. 6 mm) ≥t (max. 6 mm)
6 ≤ t < 12 0,8 t to 2 t (min. 6 mm)
≥6 mm
t ≥ 12 0,5 t to 1,5 t

Table 2 — Test piece diameter and range of qualification

Test piece diameter, Da Range of qualification
mm
D ≤ 100 0,7 D to 2 D
100 < D ≤ 300 0,5 D to 2 D (min. 75 mm)
D > 300 >0,5 D
a For structural hollow sections, “D“ is the dimension of the smallest side.

5.7 Welding positions

The welding positions shall be as detailed in ISO 6947.

5.8 Hyperbaric environment

The welder-diver qualification test shall be carried out under actual or simulated hyperbaric conditions
in fresh water (fw) or salt water (sw). The type of water (fw or sw) is a non-essential variable.
For other aqueous solutions, the welder-diver shall be qualified based on a welding procedure
specification (see ISO 15609-1).

5.9 Visibility
The visibility during the qualification test shall be equal to or greater than 300 mm.
If the visibility under water during production is less than 300 mm, an additional onsite confirmation
test weld shall be performed. The confirmation test weld (fillet weld or butt weld) shall be agreed
between the contracting parties and shall meet the visual inspection criteria of this part of ISO 15618.
If the qualification test is performed with a visibility less than 300 mm, the welder-diver is qualified for
the actual visibility and greater.

6 Range of qualification

6.1 General
The range of qualification for each type of test is given in the relevant subclauses and tables. In these
tables, the range of qualification is indicated in the same horizontal line.

6.2 Welding process

Each test approves one welding process. A change of welding process requires a new qualification test.

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BS EN ISO 15618-1:2016
ISO 15618-1:2016(E)

6.3 Joint types

Depending on the test piece, the range of welds for which the welder-diver is approved is shown in
Table 3. The following additional criteria are applicable:
a) butt welds qualify fillet welds but not vice versa;
b) welds on pipes qualify welds on plates;
c) qualification for welds in plates cover welds on pipes having an outside diameter ≥600 mm in the
qualified welding position and joint type;
d) butt welds made from one side with backing qualify welds from both sides with back gouging and
vice versa;
e) fillet welds made from one side qualify fillet welds from both sides;
f) butt welds in pipes qualify branch joints with an angle ≥60°. The range of qualification is based on
the outside diameter of the branch.
For applications where the type of weld cannot be qualified by means of either a butt or fillet, or for
branch connections of less than 60°, a specific test piece should be used to qualify the welder-diver,
when specified (e.g. by the product standard).

Table 3 — Range of qualification for tests (details of weld type)

Range of qualification
Butt welds Fillet welds
Details of weld type welded from both
welded from one
sides (bs)
side (ss) plate pipe
with back gouging
with backing (mb)
(gg)
welded from one side (ss)
x x x xa
with backing (mb)
Butt welds
welded from both sides (bs)
x x x x
with back gouging (gg)
plate — — x xa
Fillet welds
pipe — — x x
a See 6.3 c).
x Indicates those welds for which the welder-diver is approved.
— Indicates that for what the welder-diver is not approved.

6.4 Material groups

According to the material group of the test piece specified in 5.4, the welder-diver is only approved for
this material group.
For any other steel group, the welder-diver shall be qualified based on a welding procedure specification
(see ISO 15609-1).

6 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

 BS EN ISO 15618-1:2016
ISO 15618-1:2016(E)

6.5 Filler materials

The manufacturer’s guidelines should be followed.
Any change in the following essential variables shall require a requalification:
a) manufacturer;
b) manufacturer’s trade name;
c) diameter;
d) methods of underwater transport, storage or exposure time;
e) addition, deletion or change of any supplementary coatings or waterproofing.

6.6 Dimensions
The range of qualification according to plate thickness or wall thickness of pipe and/or pipe diameter is
shown in Tables 1 and 2.

6.7 Welding positions

The range of qualification for each welding position is given in Table 4. The welding positions refer to
ISO 6947.
Other test positions may be used by agreement.

6.8 Hyperbaric environment

The welder-diver qualification test shall be carried out under actual or simulated hyperbaric conditions
at the appropriate water depth.
The range of qualification of water depth is defined in accordance with the welding procedure
specification (WPS).

© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved 7

 8
Table 4 — Range of qualification for production according to welding position
Range of qualification for production
Plate Pipe
Welding position of Butt welds Fillet welds Butt welds Fillet welds
test piece
PA PC PG PE PF PA PB PG PC PD PE PF PA PC PJ PE PH PA PB PD PJ PH
(1G) (2G) (3G (4G) (3G (1F) (2F) (3F (-) (4F) (-) (3F (1G) (2G) (5G (4G) (5G (1F) (2F) (4F) (5F) (5F
Down) Up) Down) Up) Down) Up) Up)
ISO 15618-1:2016(E)
BS EN ISO 15618-1:2016

PA (1G) x x x xa xa xa

Butt
PC (2G) x x x x xa xa xa xa

welds
PG (3G Down) x x x x x xa xa xa xa
PE (4G) x x x x x xa xa xa xa xa

Plate
PF (3G Up) x x xa xa
PA (1F) x xa
PB (2F) x x xa xa

Fillet
PC (-) x x x

welds
PG (3F Down) x x xa xa
PD (4F) x x x xa xa xa
PE (-) x x x x
PF (3F Up) x xa
PA (1G) x x x x x x

Butt
PC (2G) x x x x x x x x

welds
PJ (5G Down) x x x x x x x x x x x x x
PH (5G Up) x x x x

Pipe
J-L045 (6G) x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
PB (2F) x x x x

Fillet PD (4F) x x x x x x
welds PJ (5F) x x x x x x x
PH (5F Up) x x
a See 6.3 c).

© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

 BS EN ISO 15618-1:2016
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7 Examination and testing

7.1 General
Only qualified commercial divers or equivalent according to national or international
standards/regulations can be qualified according to this part of ISO 15618.

7.2 Witnessing
The welding of test pieces shall be witnessed by the examiner or examining body. The testing shall be
verified by the examiner or examining body.
The examiner shall confirm that the essential variables are in compliance with this part of ISO 15618
and a welding procedure specification (WPS).
The test pieces shall be marked with the identification of the examiner and the welder-diver prior to
welding. Additionally, welding positions for all test pieces shall be marked on the test piece and, for
fixed pipe welds, the 12 o’clock welding position shall also be marked.
The examiner or examining body may stop the test if the welding conditions are non-conforming or if
it appears that the welder-diver does not have the skill to fulfil the requirements, e.g. where there are
excessive and/or systematic repairs.

7.3 Shapes and dimensions of test pieces

The shape and dimensions of test pieces required (see 5.6) are shown in Figures 1 to 4. For single-side
butt-welds, backing is normally required.
Dimensions in millimetres

≥125

≥125
l
t

Key
l length [see Figure 5 a) and b)] t material thickness of test piece

Figure 1 — Dimensions of test piece for a butt weld in plate

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BS EN ISO 15618-1:2016
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Dimensions in millimetres

t
≥125

0
≥30
≥12
5

Key
1 stop and restart area
t material thickness of test piece

NOTE For t ≥ 6 mm, a ≤ 0,7 t; for t < 6 mm, 0,5 t ≤ a ≤ t.

Figure 2 — Dimensions of test piece for fillet weld(s) on plate (T joint)

Dimensions in millimetres
25
≥1
25
≥1

t
D
Key
D outside pipe diameter
t material thickness of test piece (wall thickness)

Figure 3 — Dimensions of test piece for a butt weld in pipe

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 BS EN ISO 15618-1:2016
ISO 15618-1:2016(E)

Dimensions in millimetres
D
t

≥125
≥50

0
≥5

Key
D outside pipe diameter
l1 length of plate
t material thickness of test piece (plate or wall thickness)

NOTE 1 The parent material can be of dissimilar thickness for the pipe and plate.

NOTE 2 For t ≥ 6 mm, a ≤ 0,7 t; for t < 6 mm, 0,5 t ≤ a ≤ t.

Figure 4 — Dimensions of test piece for fillet weld in pipe

7.4 Welder-diver qualification test criteria

The qualification test of welder-divers shall follow a welding procedure specification (WPS) prepared
in accordance with ISO 15609-1. The required throat thickness of the fillet weld test piece shall be
defined in the welding procedure specification (WPS) used for the test.
The following conditions shall apply:
a) each test piece shall be clearly identified and traceable to the welder-diver (according to 7.2);
b) the test piece shall have at least one stop and one restart in the root run and in the top capping run
and be identified in the inspection length to be examined;
c) the welder-diver shall be allowed to remove imperfections, while the test piece is in situ. Generally,
the capping runs shall not be ground with the exception of the removal of single isolated
imperfections;
d) the test shall be carried out under actual or simulated hyperbaric conditions.

7.5 Test methods

After welding, the test piece shall be tested in accordance with Table 5.
If the weld fails to meet the acceptance criteria of one test method, no further testing in accordance
with Table 5 needs to be carried out.
When material backing is used in the qualification test, it shall be removed prior to destructive testing
(except for macroscopic examination) and need not be removed before non-destructive testing (NDT).
The test specimen for macroscopic examination shall be prepared and etched on one side to clearly
reveal the cross section of the weld.

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ISO 15618-1:2016(E)

Table 5 — Test methods

Butt weld
Test method Fillet welds
(in plate or pipe)
Visual testing according to ISO 17637 Mandatory Mandatory
Radiographic testing according to ISO 17636 Mandatorya Not mandatory
Bend test according to ISO 5173 Mandatory Not applicable
Fracture test according to ISO 9017 Not applicable Mandatoryb
Macroscopic examination according to ISO 17639 Not mandatory Mandatoryc d
a The radiographic testing may be replaced by ultrasonic testing according to ISO 17640 for thicknesses ≥8 mm on
material group 1.
b The fracture tests on pipes may be replaced by radiographic testing.
c For fillet welds on plate, two sections are examined.
d For fillet welds on pipe, four sections are examined.

7.6 Test pieces and test specimens

7.6.1 General

In 7.6.2 and 7.6.3 details of the type, dimensions and preparation of test pieces and test specimens are
given. In addition, the requirements for mechanical tests are indicated.
The plate shall be welded for the entire length, but for examination purposes, the last 25 mm at each
end shall be discarded.

7.6.2 Butt welds in plate and pipe

7.6.2.1 General

When radiographic examination is used, the whole inspection length of the weld in the test piece shall
be radiographed in the as-welded condition in accordance with ISO 17636.

7.6.2.2 Bend tests

Bend tests shall be performed in accordance with ISO 5173 and the following conditions shall apply.
For thicknesses t < 12 mm, two root and two face bend test specimens shall be taken from the test piece
in accordance with Figure 5.
For thicknesses t ≥ 12 mm, four side-bend test specimens shall be taken from the test piece in accordance
with Figure 5.

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ISO 15618-1:2016(E)

Dimensions in millimetres

1 1
2 4
3 4

≥250

≥200
a) Layout for root and face bends b) Layout for side bends
Key
1 discard (25 mm)
2 root bend
3 face bend
4 side bend

Figure 5 — Type and location of bend test specimens for plate

For pipe butt welds, the four specimens shall be equally spaced in accordance with Figure 6.
1

2 2

Key
1 top of pipe for positions PJ (5G Down), PH (5G Up) and J-L045 (6G)
2 bend test specimen

Figure 6 — Type and location of bend test specimens for pipe

7.6.3 Fillet welds on plate and pipe

7.6.3.1 General

The test piece prepared for the fracture test and the macroscopic examination shall be cut in accordance
with Figure 7 for plate and Figure 8 for pipe.
The test specimens shall be cut mechanically (cold cut, e.g. sawing, milling, cooled abrasive).

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ISO 15618-1:2016(E)

Dimensions in millimetres

75

150 1
2 3
75 4

Key
1 cutline
2 fillet weld break specimen
3 fillet weld
4 macroetch specimen (etch interior face)
5 stop and restart welding near centre

Figure 7 — Type and location of fracture test specimens for plate

Key
1 four test specimens cut from test weld at 90°

Figure 8 — Type and location of fracture test specimens for pipe

7.6.3.2 Fracture test

The fracture specimens shall be loaded in such a way that the root of the weld is in tension until the
specimen fractures.
For fillet welds on plate, the fracture test piece should be fractured as one specimen, but if necessary,
the test piece can be cut into several test specimens of equal width and fractured.
In fracture testing, the test specimens may be longitudinally notched in the centre of the weld in order
to achieve a fracture in the weld. All notch preparations shall be in accordance with ISO 9017.

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ISO 15618-1:2016(E)

For fillet welds on pipe, four specimens with a width of 35 mm each shall be fractured from the test
piece. The test specimen shall be taken from the 12 o’clock position, 3 o’clock position, 6 o’clock position
and 9 o’clock position.

7.6.3.3 Macroscopic examination

The macroscopic examination shall be performed in accordance with ISO 17639.

For fillet welds on plate, the macroscopic examination shall be carried out on the inner faces of the two
cut off specimen.
For fillet welds on pipe, the macro etch can be taken from the fracture specimen prior to fracture or
from a specimen from one of the adjacent sides after the fracture specimen had been removed. Four
sections shall be examined.

7.7 Test report

The results of all testing shall be documented in accordance with the relevant test standard.

8 Acceptance requirements for test pieces

Test pieces shall be assessed according to the acceptance requirements specified for relevant types of
imperfections.
The acceptance requirements for imperfections found by test methods performed according to this
part of ISO 15618 shall, unless otherwise specified, be assessed in accordance with ISO 5817. A welder-
diver is qualified if the imperfections are within ISO 5817, quality level B, except for the following
imperfection types for which level C shall apply: excess weld metal (502), excessive convexity (503),
excessive throat thickness (5214), excessive penetration (504) and undercut (501).
NOTE In agreement between the contracting parties, an alternative level in accordance with ISO 5817 or
other standards may apply.

If the imperfections in the welder-diver’s test piece exceed the permitted maximum specified, then the
welder-diver shall not be qualified.
Reference should also be made to the corresponding acceptance level for non-destructive examination.
Specified procedures shall be used for all destructive and non-destructive testing.

9 Re-tests
If any test fails to comply with the requirements of this part of ISO 15618, the welder-diver may be
given the opportunity to repeat the qualification test once without further training.
If it is established that failure cannot be directly attributed to the welder-diver’s lack of skill, a re-test
shall be allowed and this test piece shall be ignored.

10 Period and confirmation of validity

The validity of the welder-diver qualification begins from the date when all the required tests are
satisfactorily completed.
A welder-diver qualification shall remain valid for a period of two years subject to the following:
a) confirmation every six months by the welder-diver’s employer, welding supervisor or welding
coordinator that the welder-diver has welded within the qualification range within the previous
six months. Confirmation shall be recorded on the test certificate and prolongs validity of the
qualification for a further six months up to a maximum of two years;

© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved 15

BS EN ISO 15618-1:2016
ISO 15618-1:2016(E)

b) where a qualified welder-diver has not welded within the qualification range at any time during
the previous six months or more (within the two-year validity period), a confirmation weld shall
be completed in accordance with the initial qualification. The weld shall, as a minimum, meet the
visual acceptance criteria of this part of ISO 15618 (in accordance with ISO 17637, see also Table 5)
and shall be recorded on the certificate.

11 Revalidation of welder-diver qualification

The welder-diver shall be re-tested every two years.

12 Welder-diver qualification test certificate

It shall be verified that the welder-diver has successfully passed the qualification test. All essential
variables shall be recorded on the certificate. If the test piece(s) fail(s) any of the required tests, no
certificate shall be issued.
The certificate shall be issued under the sole responsibility of the examiner or examining body. A
recommended format is detailed in Annex A. If any other form of welder-diver qualification test
certificate is used, it shall contain the information required in Annex A. The examiner or examining
body is responsible for verifying that all essential variables are addressed in this certificate.
For each test piece, a separate welder-diver qualification test certificate shall be issued.
The practical test and the examination of job knowledge (see Annex B) shall be designated by “Accepted”
or “Not tested”.
Each change of the essential variables for the qualification testing beyond the permitted ranges requires
a new test and a new qualification certificate.

13 Designation
The designation of a welder-diver qualification shall comprise the following items in the order given:
a) reference to this part of ISO 15618 (i.e. ISO 15618-1)
b) the essential variables;
1) welding processes, refer to 5.2 and ISO 4063;
2) semi-finished product: plate (P), pipe (T), refer to 5.3;
3) joint type: butt weld (BW), fillet weld (FW), refer to 5.3;
4) material group: refer to 5.4;
5) consumables: refer to 5.5;
6) dimension of test piece: thickness (t) and pipe diameter (D), refer to 5.6;
7) welding positions: refer to 5.7 and ISO 6947;
8) details of the weld type: refer to 6.3 and Table 3, for abbreviations to 4.4;
9) water depth and type of water: refer to 5.8, for abbreviation to 4.4.
DESIGNATION EXAMPLE:
Welder-diver qualification ISO 15618-1 111 P BW 1 RR t09 PG ss mb wd6 sw

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 BS EN ISO 15618-1:2016
ISO 15618-1:2016(E)

Explanation:

Welding process: metal arc welding with covered electrode 111

Plate P
Butt weld BW
Material group: low carbon non alloyed steel 1
Filler metal: rutile thick covering RR
Dimension of test piece: thickness 9 mm t09
Welding position: butt weld on plate, vertical downwards PG

Details of the weld type:

— single side ss
— with backing mb
Water depth: 6 m wd6
Type of water: salt water sw

NOTE For explanation of abbreviations used in the designation examples, see Clause 4.

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BS EN ISO 15618-1:2016
ISO 15618-1:2016(E)

Annex A
(informative)

Welder-diver qualification test certificate for hyperbaric wet

welding

Designation:………………………………………………………………………………….. Examiner/examining body:

Manufacturer’s welding procedure specification reference no.
(if applicable):.………………………………………………………………………………. Reference no. .......
Welder-diver’s name:.…………………………………………………………………….
Identification number:.…………………………………………………………………...
Method of identification:.………………………………………………………………..
[Photograph]
Date and place of birth:…………………………………………………………………...
Employer:….…..……………………………………………………………………………….
Code/Testing standard:…………………………………………………………………..

Job knowledge:  Acceptable  Not tested

Weld test details Range of qualification

Welding process
Joint type
Material group(s)
Electrode manufacturer/trade
name
Electrode diameter
Test piece thickness (mm)
Pipe outside diameter (mm)
Welding position
Joint details
Gouging/backing
Water depth
Type of water
Visibility

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 BS EN ISO 15618-1:2016
ISO 15618-1:2016(E)

Additional information is available on attached sheet and/or welding procedure specification no.:

Type of test Acceptable Not required

Visual
Radiography
Magnetic particle
Penetrant
Macro
Fracture
Bend
Ultrasonic
Additional testsa
a Append separate sheet if required.

Name, date and signature: .…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Examiner or examining body: .……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Date of issue: ………………………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Location: ……..………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Validity of qualification until: .………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Confirmation of the validity by employer/welding coordinator for the following six months.

Date Signature Position or title

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BS EN ISO 15618-1:2016
ISO 15618-1:2016(E)

Annex B
(informative)

Job knowledge

B.1 General
The test of job knowledge is recommended, but it is not mandatory.
However, some countries may require that the welder-diver undergoes a test of job knowledge. If the
job knowledge test is carried out, it should be recorded on the welder-diver’s certificate.
This annex outlines the job knowledge that a welder-diver should have to ensure that procedures are
followed and common practices are complied with. The job knowledge indicated in this annex is only
pitched at the most basic level.
Owing to different training programmes in various countries, it is only proposed to standardize
general objectives or categories of job knowledge. The actual questions used should be drawn up by the
individual country, but should include questions on areas covered in B.2, relevant to the welder-diver
qualification test.
The actual tests of a welder-diver’s job knowledge may be given by any of the following method or
combinations of these methods:
a) written objective tests (multiple choice);
b) oral questioning following a set of written questions;
c) computer testing;
d) demonstration/observation testing following a written set of criteria.
The test of job knowledge is limited to the matters related to the welding process used in the test.

B.2 Requirements
B.2.1 Welding equipment for arc welding
a) Identification and assembly of essential components and equipment
b) Type of welding current
c) Connection of the welding return cable

B.2.2 Welding process

B.2.2.1 Metal-arc welding with covered electrode (111)

a) Handling of electrodes
b) Different electrodes

20 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

 BS EN ISO 15618-1:2016
ISO 15618-1:2016(E)

B.2.2.2 Self-shielded tubular cored arc welding (114)

a) Types and size of electrodes

b) Type, size and maintenance of nozzles/contact tip

B.2.3 Parent metals

a) Identification of material

B.2.4 Filler materials/consumables

a) Identification of consumables
b) Storage, handling and conditions of consumables
c) Selection of correct size
d) Cleanliness of electrodes and flux-cored electrodes
e) Control of wire spooling

B.2.5 Safety and accident prevention

B.2.5.1 General

a) Safe assembly, setting up and closing down procedures

b) Personal protection
c) Hazards
d) Welding in confined spaces
e) Awareness of welding environment

B.2.5.2 All arc processes

a) Environment of increase hazard of electric shock

B.2.6 Welding sequences/procedures

a) Appreciation of welding procedure requirements and the influence of welding parameters

B.2.7 Joint preparation and weld representation

a) Conformance of joint preparation to welding procedure specification (WPS)
b) Cleanliness of fusion faces

B.2.8 Weld imperfections

a) Identification of imperfections
b) Causes
c) Effects of arc strike
d) Prevention and remedial action

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BS EN ISO 15618-1:2016
ISO 15618-1:2016(E)

B.2.9 Welder-diver qualification

The welder-diver shall be aware of the range of the qualification.

22 © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

 BS EN ISO 15618-1:2016
ISO 15618-1:2016(E)

Bibliography

[1] ISO 15607, Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials —
General rules
[2] ISO/TR 25901:2007, Welding and related processes — Vocabulary2)
[3] ISO/TR 25901-3:2016, Welding and allied processes — Vocabulary Part 3: Welding processes
[4] ISO 857-1, Welding and allied processes — Vocabulary — Part 1: Metal welding processes3)

2) Withdrawn and replaced by the ISO/TR 25901 series.

3) Withdrawn and replaced by ISO/TR 25901-3.

© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved 23

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