This publication is a courtesy quick copy from the
* TB 55-1900-204-24
UNITED STATES ARMY PUBLICATIONS
CENTER, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, to meet your
needs while we are replenishing our regular
stock.
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY TECHNICAL BULLETIN
ARC WELDING
ON
WATER-BORNE
VESSELS
Headquarters. Department of the Army, Washington, D.C.
10 April 1974
Paragraph
Page
Purpose ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Scope ........................................................................................................................................ 2
Recommendation for Maintenance Publications Improvements .................................................. 3
Procedure ................................................................................................................................... 4
1. Purpose. The intent of this bulletin is to provide information and guidance to personnel involved with the use of arc
welding machines when used on watercraft.
2. Scope. This bulletin applies to all active US Army units, installations and activities; reserve units and national guard
units involved in the maintenance and repair of watercraft. This bulletin does not apply to Corps of Engineer Units but
may be used by them for guidance.
3. Recommendation for Maintenance Publications Improvements.
You can help to improve this manual by calling attention to errors and by recommending improvements. Your letter or
DA Form 2028 Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) should be mailed direct to: Commander, US
Army Troop Support Command, ATTN: AMSTS-MPP, 4300 Goodfellow Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63120. A reply will be sent
directly to you.
4. Procedure. a. This bulletin outlines the procedure for properly grounding the welding leads to avoid serious damage,
by electrolysis, to the underwater hull, shafting, propellers and other underwater appurtenances.
b.
Welding motor-generator sets or
rectifiers shall be so
installed that the welding and ground leads from shores to
ship or from repair ship to ship or ships alongside shall be connected only to the vessel on which welding is to be done.
The welding lead as well as the ground lead shall be thoroughly insulated and at no time shall be allowed to become
submerged in the intervening water. Welding shall be done on but one ship from one source of welding current. The
ground lead shall not be electrically connected to any object ashore or to the repair ship or other vessel except the one
on which welding is being done. The ground cables should have an area of at least one
* This bulletin supersedes TB TC 11, 10 March 1953
1