underwater (non-hyperbaric) welding

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My apologies for the amateur post but I need some help.  I am a welder, electrician, and a SCUBA diver and someone requested me for a commercial to do underwater welding.  The commercial pays well and I haven't given them an answer yet, but thought I would ask first.The commercial briefly shows someone welding a ship's hull, so accuracy and quality aren't an issue.  They just basically need to see someone (me, I guess) striking an arc for the commercial.Can someone give me enough quick education to strike an arc, or is it way more involved?  I know very little about it, but if its something I can strike an ugly arc with your help I'll tell them yes. Thank you for your time.
Reply:Howdy! one of my best friends from college works as an deep sea inspection diver for a repair vessel that works on the oils rigs in the gulf.  Our gulf.  I asked him alot about it, and it's interesting to find out that they paint there electrodes, and use standard pipe welding 6010 and 6011 I believe.  It shocked me, they simply throw the ground "bar" over the side of the boat as well!  they have a special stinger, sometimes special sealed gloves for higher ampacities.  besides that, everything else is the same.  (so I am told). I am NOT this diver, so do not take my words as safe advice.  But it is interesting to note none the less!  Realistically, from what I have learned and found out, the diving part is the dangerous part.  i think your plan is perfectly doable   But get an experts opinion too   I have been known to be wrong (more then once)!  Happy welding (Under water!! ) Brian Lee Sparkeee24
Reply:Depends if they want to see you strike an arc or just see something that looks like and arc. If you want something that looks like and arc; get something that looks like cables, something that looks like a stinger and a lit magnesium strip or stick. If they want close ups or to see more detail then I guess you're in deep doodoo!!!
Reply:I have always been curious about underwater welding also.  Seems similar to underwater hair drying.  I am guessing that AC is a no-no and DC is the way to go, right?  'Cause wouldnt AC pretty much kill anything or anybody nearby?  I like sandy's idea.  "I am not an underwater welder, but I play one on TV."Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:In the early 90's I was part of a AWS demonstration and went into a tank with a pro underwater welder. He showed me what to do the let me loose. It welds really close as normal, but gets hard to see, because of the slag and metal particles floating around where your welding. The biggest SAFETY TIP he gave me was NOT TO GET BETWEEN THE STINGER AND THE GROUND WITH ANY PART OF MY BODY. The current will flow between the ground and stinger, from what I was told. Hope this helps.Brett B & B Fabrication and Welding Inc.Spalding, MI.