Dr Peter Szelagowski, a German engineering consultant for underwater technology, explained the state of the art technology in comparison to international developments. During his presentation he pointed out that well-structured training of the welders is of great importance, saying 'Welding under water can be compared to driving, you need a lot of practice.'

Daniel Engel, head of competence centre materials and products at Germanischer Lloyd, informed delegates of classification requirements for underwater welding in shipping. 'The requirements include experience in underwater welding plus references, corresponding technical equipment as well as an audit carried out by a GL surveyor under operating conditions', he said. By showing typical case studies he also demonstrated how repair procedures are executed.

Claus Mayer of Nordseetaucher GmbH, and Peter Rischmüller of IMPaC Engineering GmbH gave a joint presentation on repairing underwater pipelines. In 2005, they successfully applied underwater welding technology to pipelines in Mossel Bay, South Africa. Due to an anchor manoeuvre, three pipelines of the world's largest gas liquefaction installation had been damaged. Prior to the works commencing, tests including underwater trial welding had been carried out, they explained.

The first Underwater Technology Convention 'Joining and Cutting' was organised by Germanischer Lloyd, the German Association for Welding and Associated Procedures (DVS) and the Welding Institute of Research and Training in Hanover.