Trying to find out about welding in a shipyard.

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I just finished a welding program and am saving up to move back home to the Puget Sound. I'm having a difficult time figuring out what I want to do. I'd like to work on or near the water (preferably salty ) and I'd like a bit of variation in what I'm doing from week to week. I also would like to make what I guess would be called critical welds. I just left a job welding ductwork and I'd like to be involved in something a little bigger than making sure the air conditioning doesn't whistle. And that isn't to disparage anyone's trade, because I love my AC. Just preference I guess.  In any case I think I may end up heading home in a few months and I noticed South Seattle Community College is offering a shipyard welding program with Vigor Shipyards. It's a short and inexpensive program and it got me thinking I may want to get into that sort of work. So what processes and positions would someone welding in a shipyard want to focus on? What get's used most often at the entry level? I've got some time under the hood with stick (7018 & 6010), dual shield and MIG, and TIG. I'm strongest with MIG and dual shield, with stick right behind. I've been working on the D1.1 structural qualification with the intent of taking that test next week with 7018, unlimited, for my first certification.  What can you tell me? What do you like about shipyard work? What don't you? What should I be comfortable with? Thanks for the help.
Reply:Hopefully galencwi here will chime in. I think he is working for Vigor. If nothing else he can probably clue you in on shipyard work up in the northwest. He's not on all that frequently, so you might try PMing him.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...-Shipyard-Pics.No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Cool, that's a good idea. I found his pictures yesterday. Looks like he's on the Willamette.
Reply:I think his cell number is in his sig line IIRCExpert Garage Hack....https://www.facebook.com/steven.webber.948
Reply:Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton is in a big hiring phase right now. My oldest granddaughter’s boy friend just got hired on as an insulator. Rumor has it, a lot of employees are getting ready to retire, so the Navy wants to hire replacements now, so the old employees can train them to do their jobs.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:NASSCO in San Diego has a big sign advertising they are hiring weldors, (they spell the term welders).  I worked there some 30+ years ago, but have no idea about how things are today.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:Yeah I used to live right up the street from PSNS. Unfortunately I doubt I'll ever be able to do any government work as I've got a couple felonies on my record. Nothing violent or creepy, a possession and a DUI. Thanks for the tip, though. That sort of an environment would be great, having some old-timers around to show me whats up.That could be an idea, to check out San Diego. I'm only eight hours or so away and have some friends there. Could be worth a trip to  hang out at the beach and job search for a week, hehe. Send a couple resumes out and then follow up.Last edited by TurnEmAndBurzum; 04-25-2015 at 09:58 AM.
Reply:I dunno. According to some who have commented here who have convictions and have done time, they were still able to get a TWIC card and do GVT stuff.Being honest with whoever you're talking to about it and divulging only what details are necessary would be a good first step. I would definitely investigate it. Never know what can happenExpert Garage Hack....https://www.facebook.com/steven.webber.948
Reply:In the early 1980s we were building a cofferdam inside PSNS. To store the nuclear contaminated cooling water that comes out of the ships. Our crane operator said on his security pass application that he was born in the USA, in less than 2-weeks the guards came and got him out of the crane and escorted him to the gate. Come to find out he was born in Germany. Never lie to them!Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Oh I just remembered, my father-n-law worked in PSNS for 10-years as a pipe fitter. He told me one time there was a guy in his crew who was convicted of sabotage! Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:I think some of these places are pretty willing to give somebody with a past record a shot, providing they're honest about it and are qualified to do the work.Yeah, NEVER lie to any agency authorizing you for security clearance. They have ways of finding things out and generally do. It may not catch up to you for some time, then after needing a higher level of clearance or whatever, they'll find the discrepancy at that point in time. Sure, they're guys out there who have secrets that haven't come to light, but the way my luck works, I wouldn't be lying to them about anything. Expert Garage Hack....https://www.facebook.com/steven.webber.948
Reply:This may not be of any help, but I was a shipfitter, and it seemed that the toughest thing our welders had to do was a pipe weld a few inches from the top and back bulkhead. They had to use a mirror to see up behind. I heard the test was pretty tough. The only other thing I can tell you is you may be stuck in a tight space with other welders and fitters, and it can get pretty flashy and smokey. I worked in smaller shipyards, so I assume the safety stuff was kind of lax. They couldn't get away with that in a Navy shipyard... Oh, and I think all welds on Navy craft have to be x-rayed, so skill level is critical. But it's good work building and repairing boats, very satisfying.
Reply:Yeah it can't hurt to try. The worst I can hear is "no", and I do qualify for a TWIC card. I agree entirely on the point of honesty. It's only a matter of time until you get found out. I'd rather risk not getting a job initially than losing a job because I lied. I'll have to look into what shipyards administer in terms of a test. And I bet it is satisfying to see a ship you worked on head out, especially if it floats hehe.
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749I think some of these places are pretty willing to give somebody with a past record a shot, providing they're honest about it and are qualified to do the work.Yeah, NEVER lie to any agency authorizing you for security clearance. They have ways of finding things out and generally do. It may not catch up to you for some time, then after needing a higher level of clearance or whatever, they'll find the discrepancy at that point in time. Sure, they're guys out there who have secrets that haven't come to light, but the way my luck works, I wouldn't be lying to them about anything.
Reply:Right, LOL, the floating thing is kind of key...
Reply:Originally Posted by TurnEmAndBurzumYeah I used to live right up the street from PSNS. Unfortunately I doubt I'll ever be able to do any government work as I've got a couple felonies on my record. Nothing violent or creepy, a possession and a DUI. Thanks for the tip, though. That sort of an environment would be great, having some old-timers around to show me whats up.Th