Day in the Life of Shipyard Welder Steve Amundson

Day in the Life of Shipyard Welder Steve Amundson
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Waiting at the ABS Checkpoint: A Day in the Life of Welder Steve Amundson

The smell of molten metal permeates the air as sparks fly while welder Steve Amundson works on his latest project. Amundson has been working as a welder at the shipyard for over 15 years now, and days like today are standard for him. Currently, he is helping construct a large barge that will be used to transport cargo up and down the coast. It's demanding work, requiring precision and skill with each weld, but Amundson is an experienced, reliable welder who gets the job done.

Prepping for the ABS Inspector

Today, Amundson has been tasked with preparing welds on a section of the barge for an inspection by a representative from ABS (American Bureau of Shipping). ABS sets the standards for marine vessels, and this barge needs certification from them before it can go into service. That means Amundson's welds need to be flawless for the inspection.

Over the last few hours, Amundson has been grinding down his finished welds, cleaning away slag and spurters of metal to reveal the clean seam underneath. He uses hand tools and a large grinding machine to polish and smooth the welds until they have an even finish. As he works, Amundson wears his protective welding gear - a heavy apron and sleeves, thick gloves, and a welding mask - to stay safe from sparks and debris.

Waiting on the Inspector

Now that his welding work is prepared for inspection, Amundson simply has to wait until the ABS representative arrives at the checkpoint to scrutinize his workmanship. Amundson grabs a cup of coffee and chats with some of his fellow welders as they wait around the worksite. Some put a welding rod to metal and practice their technique as they lounge and joke nearby. The mood is light and fun as the workers enjoy this short break in their otherwise backbreaking production schedule.

A half hour later, Amundson gets word that the ABS inspector has arrived. He feels pleased as he looks over the section of gleaming welds knowing his work will pass scrutiny. The inspector examines Amundson's finished welds closely, running his fingers over the seams while comparing measurements. Amundson answers a few technical questions but largely looks on quietly as the inspector works. A short time later, the inspector makes some final notes on his clipboard and gives Amundson an approving nod - the welds have passed!

Back to the Grind

With the ABS inspection behind him, Amundson takes a last swig of coffee and gets back to the enormous task still ahead of him. Though one section of welds is approved, the entire massive barge needs completing. Amundson returns to his work station where his welding gear awaits along with the half-finished pieces of barge. After adorning protective leather sleeves, heavy apron, sturdy gloves and dark mask once more, Amundson lights his torch - it's time to get back to welding!

The sharp hiss of Amundson's welding torch punctuates the din of the busy shipyard again. Showers of orange sparks surround him as the welder's steady hands expertly fuse metal to metal. His completed joints will be sturdy enough to withstand whatever punishing weather and heavy cargo that barge may encounter when finally steaming out to sea thanks to Amundson's skill and dedication.

This single ABS inspection is just one small milestone is the process, though. The barge won't be seaworthy and complete until all its components are fully welded together according to exact specifications. So Amundson keeps his head down and continues working, one strong weld after another. It's demanding, dangerous work, but Amundson is right at home in the heat and sparks - just another day as a shipyard welder plying his trade.

Life as a Blue Collar Welder

For Steve Amundson and other welders like him, both the rewarding and challenging aspects of the job come with the territory. Their skills with a welding torch provide them with a steady career, but also mean tough working conditions.

Why Welders Do What They Do

There are tradeoffs to the career, of course, but many welders feel a sense of pride in what they do. Welding is deeply satisfying work where they can see the tangible results of their labor take shape. Other appealing aspects for Amundson and others include:

  • Earning a good living with your own two hands
  • Opportunities to constantly hone your skills as a craftsperson
  • Knowing your work meets exacting standards and will hold up under strain
  • Camaraderie with fellow tradesmen and women around the shop

The Demanding Reality of Welding

While Amundson enjoys welding work, his days are filled with plenty of challenges including tough working environs. Hazards on the job can include:

  • Extreme heat from torches, hot metal, and heavy protective gear
  • Lung irritation from fumes or use of gases like argon
  • Risk of eye damage from intense ultraviolet light
  • Potential for burns or electric shock
  • Strenuous working positions needed to access joints

Proper precautions make these risks manageable so skilled welders like Amundson can work safely if carefully. But discomfort and exertion come standard with this welding life.

Skills and Training Required

Becoming a welder like Amundson requires the right mix of skills, training, and temperament to succeed, including:

  • Physical strength and stamina
  • Manual dexterity and good hand-eye coordination
  • Math and analytical abilities
  • Mechanical skills and spatial reasoning
  • Ability to read complex drawings and schematics
  • Meticulous attention to detail
  • Training in proper welding technique, materials, tools, safety protocols

Welding involves mastery over extremely high temperatures, complex equipment, and working in highly dangerous environs. Committing to proper training ensures workers stay safe and get the job done right.

Steve Amundson - Embodying the Welder's Life

For those curious about what it's actually like to make a living as a welder, look no further than Steve Amundson's decades within the shipyard. His daily reality consists of the intense challenge and deep reward that comes with welding work. Whether passing an ABS inspection or clocking long hours welding barge sections together, Amundson thoroughly embodies so much about the welder's life.

Of course, Amundson does more than just work. When he hangs up his heavy leather welding gear at day's end, Amundson is just a typical guy living his life. He enjoys kicking back over some barbecue and beers with his buddies, working on custom bikes, hitting the open road on his Harley chopper, and generally relaxing in his South Carolina home. But even while off the clock, evidence of his career remains thanks to Amundson's gnarly farmer's tan, weathered leather skin, and calloused hands - hard-earned badges of honor among welders.

So next time you see footage of workers toiling away at a shipyard, take a closer look at exactly what those welders are putting into each skillful joint. Know that their labor and expertise makes possible the titanic barges and ocean liners that shuttle goods around this country and beyond. Tip your welding helmet to craftspeople like Steve Amundson who showcase both the impressive fruits and wearing toil of welding life each and every workday.

FAQs

What does a shipyard welder like Steve Amundson do on a typical workday?

A standard day for Amundson involves working on welding projects like barges, tanks, or ships. He may prepare finished welds for inspection, weld components together based on specifications, or grind/smooth finished welds. Proper protective gear is worn constantly for safety.

What risks or discomforts come with welding as a career?

Hazards inherent to welding include dealing with extreme heat/flame, lung and eye damage from fumes/UV light, potential electric shocks, strenuous working positions, and heavy protective equipment. Proper training and precautions help mitigate these risks.

What qualifications and skills are required to become a welder?

Key skills needed include physical stamina, manual dexterity, math ability, mechanical skills, spatial reasoning, meticulousness, and mastery of tools and methods. Proper training in materials, equipment, blueprints, safety protocols, and welding technique is also mandatory.

Does Steve Amundson only live and breathe welding?

Outside work, Amundson enjoys typical hobbies and relaxing with friends. But evidence of his career remains thanks visible farmer's tan lines, leathered skin, calloused hands - badges of honor among lifelong welding veterans.

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