Any shipbuilders out there?

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Hey all...  Any shipbuilders out there want to share about their field? I am considering an opportunity i have to get into it, but have some questions... My guess is that each "coast" could have a little different culture, so to be specific, this would be the Great Lakes area.. I am formally trained, all processes-all positions, have about 4 years of practical experience from production to fab to ASME pvessel shops. Strong in hardwire/dual, fair at stick, and not too shabby at tig pipe, that's where im coming from, so...  1. Expect lots of ot? I hope so... 2. Confined spaces and heights..what are we REALLY talking about, as a newbie..?? 3.I've had hardhat jobs, but never had to actually weld with them. Should i expect to?  4. Daily accommidations..decent break areas, cafeteria etc, or are we talkin' porta-johns?? 5. Sure is a lot of pipe in a lot of diff materials on a ship...is there a realistic chance of breaking into it, or is there more to the story? 6. Any interesting observations of how the industry has changed over the years? Any thoughts that reside in the "oh crap, didn't think of that" or the "but this is really cool" file would be greatly appreciated..the good, the bad, or whatever..Thanks guys..
Reply:Slag,pm "galencwi". He's a shipwright here in Portland with lots of experience.I have no exp in the yards, but from what I've heard:1. yep2. REALLY confined.  I know a guy that had to crawl into a 36" pipe and weld simultaneoulsy with the outsider.  He bought a leather welding hood from me as he didn't have one, and was getting showered with sparks.3. FULL PPG4. Most yards are union from what I understand, so you'll be taken care of regarding breaks etc. Porta-johns? yea.5. d.k.6. d.k.Hope this helps.Hey, and welcome to this forum.Last edited by dubl_t; 10-15-2012 at 09:43 PM.Lincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:Yep, try contacting galencwi, by PM here. I haven't seen him in a while but he comes and goes with his work schedule. Also, do a search for his threads, to see some AWESOME pics."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:1. Yes lots of OT2. Yes there are some confined spaces like the double bottoms of ships, small tanks, and other voids.3. Yes you will have to weld with a hardhat.4. We have a roach coach that cooks food on-site, yes Port-a-John5. ?? Tons of Pipe!!6. I like the work and if you're wanting to be a pipe welder be ready to use the mirror 75% of the time :] the other 25% is roll out easy $
Reply:Hey thanks guys...i did check out his posts. It looks to me like his company is really bringing him along, continuing his training and he's learning a lot. That's what i was hoping to see. justinT, would you say the same about your outfit? How long have you been at it? Thanks again!
Reply:Cool pic Justin.