Combination Maritime Welding is a Diploma program offered by Tidewater Tech in Norfolk, VA. The program takes 48 weeks / 12 months to complete, with a total tuition of $29,520.
Program Overview
The Combination Maritime Welding program teaches the fundamentals of welding with a focus on the specialized processes used in the shipbuilding and repair industry — including one-inch-thick carbon steel, GTAW on aluminum common in maritime work, and GTAW on carbon steel pipe. Students build competencies in SMAW, FCAW, and GTAW along with blueprint reading, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting, measurement, cylinder safety, and welding theory such as non-destructive testing and metallurgy.
What sets this Program apart
This program is tuned to Hampton Roads’ shipyards and maritime employers, adding advanced structural, bridge, and pipe welding on top of the core welding processes. Tidewater Tech is an American Welding Society (AWS) Accredited Test Facility, and students can earn certifications on-site under AWS D1.1 (Structural Steel), AWS D1.5 (Bridge), and AWS B2.1 (GTAW 6G pipe).
Admission Requirements and Process
Applicants must submit an Application for Admissions and a $25 application fee in order to be considered for admission; the application fee is waived for veterans with proof of service. The Admissions Department will assist with completing the application process, and all applicants must complete an interview with an Admissions Representative.
General Requirements
- Age or Approved CosignerApplicants must be beyond the age of compulsory high school attendance and have an approved cosigner if under the age of 18.
- High School Diploma or GEDApplicants must provide acceptable proof of graduation from high school, a General Education Diploma, or equivalent. An international/foreign transcript must be translated into…
- Government Photo IDApplicants must submit a government issued photo ID, such as a copy of a state issued driver's license, state issued identification card, or passport.
- Application and FeeApplicants must submit an Application for Admissions and a $25 application fee in order to be considered for admission. The application fee is waived for veterans with proof of…
- Admissions InterviewAll applicants must complete an interview with an Admissions Representative. If the applicant is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian should be present.
Application Process
- 1Schedule a Campus TourThe best way to see if Tidewater Tech is right for you is to see it for yourself. Schedule a campus tour with our Admissions team.
- 2Interview with AdmissionsComplete an interview with an Admissions Representative, who will assist you with the application process. If you are under the age of 18, a parent or guardian should be present.
- 3Submit Your ApplicationContact Admissions to complete an Application for Admission along with the $25 application fee (waived for veterans with proof of service).
- 4Meet Financial Aid and File the FAFSAOnce your application is submitted, you will meet with a Financial Aid Advisor and complete the FAFSA. Bring proof of US Citizenship and your High School Diploma or GED Certificate; if you are filing as a dependent, arrange for your parent or guardian to join you.FAFSA Code for Main Campus: 016418Fill Out the FAFSA
- 5Acceptance and Enrollment AgreementApplicants who have met all admissions criteria will be recommended for acceptance. Your signed Student Enrollment Agreement becomes a contract once approved by the Campus Executive Director or designee, and you will be notified of the admission decision in writing.
- 6Attend Student OrientationStudent Orientation introduces incoming students to key administrative staff and faculty, the school's policies and procedures, and the resources available for your personal, academic, and professional success.
Program Schedule
The Combination Maritime Welding program runs 48 weeks / 12 months and totals 1,080 clock hours / 36 semester credit hours, delivered hands-on at Tidewater Tech’s Main Campus in Norfolk. New cohorts begin roughly once a month.
- December 07th, 2026
- January 19th, 2027
- February 22nd, 2027
- March 29th, 2027
- May 10th, 2027
- June 14th, 2027
Curriculum
The Combination Maritime Welding program consists of 9 courses totaling 1,080 clock hours and 36 semester credit hours:
The required courses below are from Tidewater Tech's published catalog.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WES 1161 | Fundamentals of Modern Welding | 4 |
| WES 1181 | Shielded Metal Arc Welding Flat & Horizontal | 4 |
| WES 1201 | Shielded Metal Arc Welding Vertical | 4 |
| WES 1221 | Shielded Metal Arc Welding Overhead | 4 |
| WES 1241 | Gas Metal Arc Welding and Flux Core Arc Welding Processes | 4 |
| WES 1261 | Special Cutting and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Processes | 4 |
| WES 1281 | Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding | 4 |
| WES 1301 | Advanced Bridge Shielded Metal Arc Welding | 4 |
| WES 1311 | Carbon Steel Pipe Welding using GTAW | 4 |
| Totals | 36 |
Testimonials
Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
Attending an accredited institution means your education has met rigorous, independently reviewed quality standards designed to protect students.
This program: Tidewater Tech is institutionally accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE); welding is taught and tested at an American Welding Society (AWS) Accredited Test Facility, with certifications available under AWS D1.1, AWS D1.5 Bridge, and AWS B2.1 (GTAW 6G pipe).
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
- Recognized by employers nationwide
- Credits earned toward a respected credential
Accreditations
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the Main Campus (IPEDS, 2024).
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Cost of Attendance
Program costs for the Combination Maritime Welding diploma are as follows:
- Tuition: $29,520 ($820 per credit hour × 36 credit hours)
- Application Fee: $25 (one-time; waived for veterans with proof of service)
- Administrative Fee: $125 (one-time)
- Library Fee: $12 (one-time)
- Materials Fee: varies by program (covers consumable training materials and safety equipment)
- Textbooks & tool kits: billed separately; specific costs are listed on the student’s Enrollment Agreement
Tuition is charged on a cost-per-credit basis. For a personalized estimate, use Tidewater Tech’s cost calculator.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Tidewater Tech participates in federal Title IV programs and offers a range of options:
- Federal Pell Grant and FSEOG
- Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, and Parent PLUS Loans
- VA education benefits (GI Bill®) and Military Tuition Assistance
- WIOA funding through Opportunity Inc. / Virginia Career Works Hampton Roads
- Vocational Rehabilitation and state grants/loans
- Scholarships, including the Scholarship Match Program (dollar-for-dollar match up to 10% of tuition, books, and fees) and the AmeriCorps Education Award match
- Institutional payment plans
Program tuition is $29,520 ($820 per credit hour); textbooks, tool kits, and program fees are billed separately.
Career Outcomes
The Combination Maritime Welding diploma prepares graduates for entry-level employment as combination structural and pipe welders in the maritime and shipbuilding industry. Building on the program's coursework, graduates pursue roles such as:
- Maritime / Shipyard Welder
- Pipe Welder
- Combination Welder
- Structural Welder
- Fabricator
- Welding Inspector (with experience)
Students also have the opportunity to earn industry certifications after completing specific courses, including the OSHA 10-Hour Maritime/Shipyard Safety Certification and American Welding Society certifications under AWS D1.1 (Structural Steel), AWS D1.5 (Bridge), and AWS B2.1 (GTAW 6G pipe).
What to expect as a Tidewater Tech student
As a Tidewater Tech student, you will spend most of your time welding in dedicated bays — including advanced structural, bridge, and 6G pipe work — taught by industry-experienced instructors focused on getting you job-ready for the shipyards.
Programs are short and start often: new cohorts begin roughly every month. Tidewater Tech is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE), welcomes veterans and active-duty military (VA benefits and Military Tuition Assistance), and a financial aid team helps you build a plan before you start.