EN ISO 15614-9:2025

Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials - Welding procedure test - Part 9: Underwater hyperbaric wet welding (ISO 15614-9:2025)

This document specifies how a preliminary welding procedure specification (pWPS) is qualified by welding procedure tests.
This document is applicable to production welding and repair welding.
This document is applicable to fusion welding of steels covered by groups 1, 2, 3 and 8 in accordance with ISO 15608 in a hyperbaric wet environment.
This document is applicable to the following welding processes, in accordance with ISO 4063:2023, applicable in hyperbaric wet environments:
—     111 manual metal arc welding (metal arc welding with covered electrode);
—     114 self-shielded tubular-cored arc welding.
The principles of this document can be applied to other steel groups and fusion welding processes not listed.
This document specifies three weld quality levels, A, B, and Z in order to permit application to a wide range of weldments. Each weld quality level defines a set of criteria for weldment properties that are established during qualification.
This document does not address the selection of the weld quality level to meet the requirements of a particular application.

Anforderung und Qualifizierung von Schweißverfahren für metallische Werkstoffe - Schweißverfahrensprüfung - Teil 9: Nassschweißen unter Überdruck (ISO 15614‑9:2025)

Dieses Dokument legt fest, wie eine vorläufige Schweißanweisung (pWPS, en: preliminary welding procedure specification) durch Schweißverfahrensprüfungen qualifiziert wird.
Dieses Dokument ist anwendbar für das Schweißen in der Fertigung und das Ausbesserungsschweißen.
Dieses Dokument ist anwendbar für das Schmelzschweißen von Stählen der Gruppen 1, 2, 3 und 8 nach ISO/DIS 15608  in einer nassen hyperbarischen Umgebung.
Dieses Dokument ist anwendbar auf die folgenden Schweißverfahren nach ISO 4063:2023, die in nasser hyperbarer Umgebung anwendbar sind:
-   111 Lichtbogenhandschweißen (Lichtbogenweißen mit umhüllter Elektrode);
-   114 Metall-Lichtbogenschweißen mit Fülldrahtelektrode ohne Schutzgas.
Die Grundsätze dieses Dokumentes können bei anderen Stahlgruppen und Schmelzschweißverfahren, die nicht aufgeführt sind, angewendet werden.
Dieses Dokument legt drei Schweißnahtbewertungsgruppen, A, B und Z, fest, um die Anwendung auf ein breites Spektrum von Schweißungen zu ermöglichen. Jede Schweißnahtbewertungsgruppe legt eine Reihe von Kriterien für die Eigenschaften der Schweißungen fest, die während der Qualifizierung bestimmt werden.
Dieses Dokument behandelt nicht die Auswahl der Schweißnahtbewertungsgruppe, um die Anforderungen einer bestimmten Anwendung zu erfüllen.

Descriptif et qualification d'un mode opératoire de soudage pour les matériaux métalliques - Epreuve de qualification d'un mode opératoire de soudage - Partie 9: Soudage hyperbare en pleine eau (ISO 15614-9:2025)

Le présent document spécifie comment un descriptif de mode opératoire de soudage préliminaire (DMOS-P) est qualifié par des épreuves de qualification d’un mode opératoire de soudage.
Le présent document est applicable au soudage de production et au soudage de réparation.
Le présent document est applicable au soudage par fusion des aciers couverts par les groupes 1, 2, 3 et 8 conformément à l’ISO 15608 dans un environnement hyperbare en pleine eau.
Le présent document est applicable aux procédés de soudage suivants, conformément à l’ISO 4063:2023, applicable dans un environnement hyperbare en pleine eau:
—     111 soudage manuel à l'arc avec électrode enrobée;
—     114 soudage à l’arc avec fil fourré autoprotecteur.
Les principes du présent document peuvent s’appliquer à d’autres groupes d’aciers et procédés de soudage par fusion non énumérés.
Le présent document spécifie trois niveaux de qualité de soudure, A, B et Z, dans le but de permettre l’application à une large gamme de constructions soudées. Chaque niveau de qualité de soudure définit un ensemble de critères pour les propriétés de soudage qui est établi au cours de la qualification.
Le présent document n’aborde pas le choix du niveau de qualité de soudure permettant de satisfaire aux exigences d’une application particulière.

Popis in kvalifikacija varilnih postopkov za kovinske materiale - Preskus varilnega postopka - 9. del: Podvodno nadtlačno mokro varjenje (ISO/FDIS 15614-9:2025)

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 11-Nov-2025
• ICS: 25.160.10 - Welding processes
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 121 - Welding
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 121/SC 4 - Quality management in the field of welding
• Current Stage: 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
• Start Date: 12-Nov-2025
• Due Date: 16-Nov-2024
• Completion Date: 12-Nov-2025
• Directive: 2014/29/EU - Directive 2014/29/EU of The European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2016 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of simple pressure vessels
• Directive: 2014/68/EU - Directive 2014/68/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of pressure equipment
• Mandate: M/071 - Mandate to CEN for standardization in the field of Pressure equipment
• Ref Project: kSIST FprEN ISO 15614-9:2025 - Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials - Welding procedure test - Part 9: Underwater hyperbaric wet welding (ISO/FDIS 15614-9:2025)

Overview

EN ISO 15614-9:2025 - "Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials - Welding procedure test - Part 9: Underwater hyperbaric wet welding" (ISO 15614-9:2025) defines how a preliminary welding procedure specification (pWPS) is qualified by welding procedure tests for hyperbaric wet environments. Published under CEN/ISO, it applies to production and repair fusion welding of steels (groups 1, 2, 3 and 8 per ISO 15608) using manual metal arc (111) and self‑shielded tubular‑cored arc (114) processes (ISO 4063:2023). The standard establishes methodical qualification, test piece requirements, and acceptance criteria to demonstrate that a welding procedure produces the required mechanical and non‑destructive test (NDT) performance.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope of qualification: Qualification of a pWPS by welding procedure tests for hyperbaric wet welding (production and repair).
• Applicable materials and processes: Fusion welding of specified steel groups and the two underwater processes (manual metal arc and self‑shielded tubular‑cored arc). Principles may be extended to other groups/processes.
• Welding procedure documentation: Requirements for the Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) and Welding Procedure Qualification Record (WPQR).
• Weld quality levels: Three defined levels - A, B, and Z - each with specific criteria for weldment properties to suit different applications (selection of level is outside the standard).
• Testing and examination: Detailed provisions for test pieces, destructive tests (tensile, bend, all‑weld‑metal, fillet shear, impact, hardness, macroscopic examination), and non‑destructive testing (NDT) to demonstrate acceptance.
• Qualification range and variables: Definition of welding variables, range of qualification (including welding positions and depth limitations), and re‑testing rules.
• Project‑specific provisions: Type and extent of testing for project‑specific test pieces and acceptance requirements.

Practical applications

EN ISO 15614-9:2025 is used by professionals who must ensure safe, reliable underwater welding operations and documented procedure qualification:

• Welding engineers and procedure authors preparing WPS/WPQR for hyperbaric wet welding
• Offshore and subsea contractors performing production or repair welding on platforms, pipelines, and subsea structures
• Shipyards and marine repair teams conducting underwater hull repairs
• Asset integrity, inspection and QA/QC personnel responsible for qualification records and NDT acceptance
• Certification bodies and regulatory authorities assessing compliance with welding procedure qualifications

Related standards

• ISO 15614 series (welding procedure qualification)
• ISO 15608 (grouping of metallic materials)
• ISO 4063 (welding process identification)
• National and industry codes for offshore and subsea welding

EN ISO 15614-9:2025 provides a structured, auditable framework for qualifying underwater hyperbaric wet welding procedures - essential for quality assurance and safety in subsea welding operations.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN ISO 15614-9:2024
01-september-2024
Popis in kvalifikacija varilnih postopkov za kovinske materiale - Preskus varilnega
postopka - 9. del: Podvodo mokro varjenje pri povečanem tlaku (hiperbarično)
(ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024)
Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials - Welding
procedure test - Part 9: Underwater hyperbaric wet welding (ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024)
Anforderung und Qualifizierung von Schweißverfahren für metallische Werkstoffe -
Schweißverfahrensprüfung - Teil 9: Nasses hyperbares Unterwasserschweißen
(ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024)
Descriptif et qualification d'un mode opératoire de soudage pour les matériaux
métalliques - Epreuve de qualification d'un mode opératoire de soudage - Partie 9 :
Soudage hyperbare en pleine eau (ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN ISO 15614-9
ICS:
25.160.10 Varilni postopki in varjenje Welding processes
oSIST prEN ISO 15614-9:2024 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

oSIST prEN ISO 15614-9:2024
oSIST prEN ISO 15614-9:2024
DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 15614-9
ISO/TC 44/SC 15
Specification and qualification of
Secretariat: ANSI
welding procedures for metallic
Voting begins on:
materials — Welding procedure
2024-06-20
test —
Voting terminates on:
2024-09-12
Part 9:
Underwater hyperbaric wet welding
Descriptif et qualification d'un mode opératoire de soudage pour
les matériaux métalliques — Epreuve de qualification d'un mode
opératoire de soudage —
Partie 9: Soudage hyperbare en pleine eau
ICS: 25.160.10
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Reference number
ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024(en)
oSIST prEN ISO 15614-9:2024
DRAFT
ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024(en)
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 15614-9
ISO/TC 44/SC 15
Specification and qualification
Secretariat: ANSI
of welding procedures for
Voting begins on:
metallic materials — Welding
procedure test —
Voting terminates on:
Part 9:
Underwater hyperbaric wet welding
Descriptif et qualification d'un mode opératoire de soudage pour
les matériaux métalliques — Epreuve de qualification d'un mode
opératoire de soudage —
Partie 9: Soudage hyperbare en pleine eau
ICS: 25.160.10
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
© ISO 2024
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO copyright office
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
Phone: [phone]
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024(en)
ii
oSIST prEN ISO 15614-9:2024
ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Qualification of welding procedure specifications . 3
4.1 General .3
4.2 Related to the parent material .4
4.2.1 Parent material grouping .4
4.3 Welding procedure qualification record (WPQR) .5
4.4 Welding procedure specification (WPS) .5
5 Classification of Welds . 5
5.1 Definitions of weld quality levels .5
5.2 Selection of the weld quality level .6
6 Welding variables and range of qualification . 6
7 Depth limitations . 7
8 Welding procedure test . 8
9 Test piece . 8
9.1 General .8
9.2 Shape and dimensions of test pieces .8
9.3 Welding of test pieces . 12
10 Testing and examination.12
10.1 General . 12
10.2 Tensile shear tests for fillet welds . 12
10.3 Type and extent of testing . 13
10.4 Weld quality Levels A, B and Z . . 13
10.5 Location of test specimens .17
10.6 Non-destructive testing .27
10.7 Destructive testing . 28
10.7.1 Transverse tensile test . 28
10.7.2 Fillet weld shear-strength test . . 28
10.7.3 All-weld metal tensile test . 28
10.7.4 Bend test . 28
10.7.5 Macroscopic examination . . 29
10.7.6 Hardness testing. 29
10.7.7 Impact testing . 30
10.7.8 Fillet weld fracture test . 30
10.8 Type and extent of testing for project specific test pieces .31
11 Acceptance requirements for test pieces .31
12 Re-testing .37
12.1 General .37
12.2 Hardness testing .37
12.3 Impact testing .37
13 Range of qualification .37
13.1 General .37
13.2 Range of qualification for welding positions .37
Annex A (normative) Different phases in welding procedure qualification .39
Annex B (normative) Branch connections .40

iii
oSIST prEN ISO 15614-9:2024
ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024(en)
Annex C (informative) Example Welding Procedure Qualification Record (WPQR) . 41
Bibliography .44

iv
oSIST prEN ISO 15614-9:2024
ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of any patent
rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or on the ISO list of
patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 44, Welding and allied processes, Subcommittee
SC 15, Underwater welding.
A list of all parts in the ISO 15614 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
Official interpretations of ISO/TC 44 documents, where they exist, are available from this page:
https://committee.iso.org/sites/tc44/home/interpretation.html.

v
oSIST prEN ISO 15614-9:2024
ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024(en)
Introduction
The primary purpose of welding procedure qualification is to demonstrate that the joining process proposed
for construction, including preliminary and subsequent treatment, is capable of producing joints having
the required mechanical properties and conforming to the required NDT requirements for the intended
application.
Before a particular welding procedure is used in production, the manufacturer should determine and
document the suitability of the welding procedure specification (WPS) to produce a weld of the required
quality.
In this document, the term "welding procedure specification" comprises all the activities which influence
the welding result, such as preparation, welding parameters, and post treatment.

vi
oSIST prEN ISO 15614-9:2024
DRAFT International Standard ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024(en)
Specification and qualification of welding procedures for
metallic materials — Welding procedure test —
Part 9:
Underwater hyperbaric wet welding
1 Scope
This document specifies how a preliminary welding procedure specification (pWPS) is qualified by welding
procedure tests.
This document applies to production welding and repair welding.
This document is applicable to fusion welding of steels covered by groups 1, 2, 3 and 8 in accordance with
ISO/TR 15608 in a hyperbaric wet environment.
This document covers the following welding processes, in accordance with ISO 4063, applicable in hyperbaric
wet environment:
— 111 manual metal arc welding (metal arc welding with covered electrode);
— 114 self-shielded tubular-cored arc welding.
The principles of this document may be applied to other steel groups and fusion welding processes not listed.
Three weld quality levels, A, B, and Z, are given in order to permit application to a wide range of weldments.
Each weld quality level defines a set of criteria for weldment properties that shall be established during
qualification.
This document does not address the selection of the weld quality level to meet the requirements of a
particular application.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 148-1, Metallic materials — Charpy pendulum impact test — Part 1: Test method
ISO 4136, Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials — Transverse tensile test
ISO 5173, Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials — Bend tests
ISO 5178, Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials — Longitudinal tensile test on weld metal in fusion
welded joints
ISO 6892-1, Metallic materials — Tensile testing — Part 1: Method of test at room temperature
ISO 6947, Welding and allied processes — Welding positions
ISO 9015-1:2001, Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials — Hardness testing — Part 1: Hardness test
on arc welded joints
oSIST prEN ISO 15614-9:2024
ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024(en)
ISO 9016, Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials — Impact tests — Test specimen location, notch
orientation and examination
ISO 9017, Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials — Fracture test
ISO 9018, Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials — Tensile test on cruciform and lapped joints
ISO 15609-1, Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials — Welding procedure
specification — Part 1: Arc welding
ISO 15618-1, Qualification testing of welders for underwater welding — Part 1: Hyperbaric wet welding
ISO 17636 (all parts), Non-destructive testing of welds — Radiographic testing
ISO 17637, Non-destructive testing of welds — Visual testing of fusion-welded joints
ISO 17639, Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials — Macroscopic and microscopic examination of welds
ISO 17640, Non-destructive testing of welds — Ultrasonic testing — Techniques, testing levels, and assessment
ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, Welding and allied processes — Vocabulary — Part 1: General terms
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/TR 25901-1 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
hyperbaric wet welding
process of welding in a wet environment in excess of surface pressure with no mechanical barrier between
the arc and the water
[SOURCE: ISO 15618-1:2016, 3.2]
3.2
essential variable
welding parameter that requires qualification
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.4.4]
3.3
non-essential variable
welding parameter addressed in the welding procedure specification (3.8) but not requiring qualification
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.4.5]
3.4
examiner
person who has been appointed to verify conformity to the applicable standard
Note 1 to entry: In certain cases, an external independent examiner can be required.
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.5.29, modified — Definition revised.]

oSIST prEN ISO 15614-9:2024
ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024(en)
3.5
examining body
organization that has been appointed to verify conformity to the applicable standard
Note 1 to entry: In certain cases, an external independent examining body can be required.
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.5.30, modified — Definition revised.]
3.6
preliminary welding procedure specification
pWPS
document containing the required variables of the welding procedure specification (3.8) which has to be
qualified
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.5.6]
3.7
welding procedure qualification record
WPQR
record comprising all necessary data needed for qualification of a preliminary welding procedure
specification (3.8)
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.5.12]
3.8
welding procedure specification
WPS
document that has been qualified and provides the required variables of the welding procedure to ensure
repeatability during production welding
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.5.4]
3.9
primary welding position
most demanding welding position as it relates to the lowest expected mechanical test results. This can be
chosen based on, but is not limited to, the following general criteria:
— PE can be more demanding than PC;
— PC can be more demanding than PG;
— PG can be more demanding than PA;
but generally, not in reverse.
Note 1 to entry: the primary welding position is to be specified prior to testing .
3.10
verification
confirmation, through the provision of objective evidence, that specified requirements have been fulfilled
[SOURCE: ISO 9000:2015, 3.8.12]
4 Qualification of welding procedure specifications
4.1 General
Annex A gives information on the different phases and parties involved in welding procedure qualification.
A preliminary welding procedure specification (pWPS) shall be prepared in accordance with ISO 15609-1.
The pWPS shall specify the relevant variables given in Table 2.

oSIST prEN ISO 15614-9:2024
ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024(en)
4.2 Related to the parent material
4.2.1 Parent material grouping
In order to minimize the number of welding procedure tests, steels are grouped in accordance with
ISO/TR 15608. Where materials are assigned to groups in accordance with ISO/TR 20172, ISO/TR 20173 or
ISO/TR 20174, those assignments shall be used.
Separate welding procedure qualifications are required for each parent material or parent material
combinations not covered by the grouping system according to ISO/TR 20172, ISO/TR 20173, ISO/TR 20174
or ISO/TR 15608.
Permanent backing material shall be considered as parent material within the approval (sub-)group.
Additional requirements and/or limitations can be applied by regulations, application standards or contract
documents.
In accordance with ISO/TR 15608:2017:
— Group 1 covers Steels with a specified minimum yield strength, R ≤ 460 N/mm ;
eH
— Group 2 covers Thermomechanically treated fine-grain steels and cast steels with a specified minimum
yield strength, R > 360 N/mm ;
eH
— Group 3 covers Quenched and tempered and precipitation hardened fine-grain steels except stainless
steels with a specified minimum yield strength, R > 360 N/mm ;
eH
— Group 8 covers Austenitic stainless steels, Ni ≤ 35 %.
The range of qualification shall be in accordance with Table 1, except when there is:
— an increase in the carbon equivalent (CE) and/or carbon percent of the steel above that qualified (not
applicable to austenitic stainless steel);
— an increase in the specified minimum yield strength beyond that qualified.
Carbon equivalent shall be calculated in accordance with formula 1:
Mn Cr++Mo VNiC+ u
CE=+C + + (1)
65 15
When only carbon and manganese are known, the following alternative formula 2 can be used:
Mn
CE=+C +00, 5 (2)
oSIST prEN ISO 15614-9:2024
ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024(en)
Table 1 — Range of qualification for steel groups and sub-groups
Test piece ma- Test piece material
terial B
A
1 2 3 8
1 1-1 — — —
1-1
1-1
2 2-1 — —
2-1
2-2
1-1
1-1
2-1
1-1 2-1
2-2
3 2-1 2-2 —
3-1
3-1 3-1
3-2
3-2
3-3
8-1
8-1
8 8-1 8-2 8-8
8-2
8-3
4.3 Welding procedure qualification record (WPQR)
The WPQR is a statement of the results of assessing each test piece, including re-tests. The relevant items
listed for the WPS shall be included. If no rejectable features or unacceptable test results are found, a WPQR
detailing the welding procedure test piece results is qualified and shall be signed and dated by the examiner
and/or the examining body.
An example of a WPQR is shown in Annex C.
4.4 Welding procedure specification (WPS)
A WPS shall be prepared in accordance with ISO 15609-1. It shall include the relevant welding variables
detailed in the WPQR.
A change in any essential variable outside the range permitted requires requalification of the WPS (see
Table 2).
5 Classification of Welds
5.1 Definitions of weld quality levels
Welds produced to a specified weld quality level shall meet all the criteria specified for that weld quality level.
Level A: Level A underwater welds are intended to be suitable for applications and design stresses com-
parable to their equivalent surface welding counterparts.
Level B: Level B underwater welds are intended to be suitable for applications and design stresses where
reduced weld joint properties can be tolerated.
Level Z: Level Z underwater welds are intended to meet the requirements of another code, standard or
specification agreed upon by the contracting parties and the requirements of this document which
are specific to the underwater welding environment.

oSIST prEN ISO 15614-9:2024
ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024(en)
5.2 Selection of the weld quality level
The selection of the weld quality level is determined by:
a) the application standard;
b) the customer/designer;
c) third parties such as classification societies and regulatory bodies.
The weld quality level can be influenced by the weldability and environmental conditions.
6 Welding variables and range of qualification
The welding variables and range of qualification are given in Table 2.
Table 2 — Welding variables
1. Joints
a) Fillet weld to butt weld Essential
b) Butt weld to fillet weld Non-essential
c) Multiple pass fillet weld to single pass fillet weld Essential
d) Single pass fillet weld to multiple pass fillet weld Essential
e) Omission of backing Essential
f) Butt joint geometry: Essential
— a decrease in included angle > 10°;
— a decrease in root opening beyond the range qualified;
— an increase of the root face > 2 mm.
NOTE Joint assembly dimensions and tolerances are to be specified on the pWPS.
g) Fillet weld size: Essential
— For single pass fillet welding procedure qualification, the maximum weld size
qualified shall be 1,2z and the minimum weld size qualified shall be 0,8z;
— For multiple pass fillet welding procedure qualification, the maximum weld
size qualified shall be z + (0,2z + 1 mm), and the minimum qualified weld size
shall be 0,7z.
Where z is the leg length of the qualification weld.
2. Parent metal
a) Thickness: Essential
For butt welding procedure qualification tests, test plate or pipe wall thickness, t
— Where t ≥ 6 mm, the range of production plate or pipe wall thickness shall be
0,5 t ≤ t ≤ 1,5t and a minimum of t = 6 mm;
— Where t < 6 mm, the range of production plate or pipe wall thickness shall be t
≤ 1,5t.
b) An increase in carbon equivalent and/or carbon percent of the steel above that Essential
qualified (not applicable to austenitic stainless steel).
c) An increase in the specified minimum yield strength beyond that qualified Essential
a)
3. Filler Material
a) Manufacturer Essential
b) Manufacturer’s trade name Essential
c) Diameter Essential
a)
The recommendations of the filler material manufacturer shall be followed.

oSIST prEN ISO 15614-9:2024
ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024(en)
TTabablele 2 2 ((ccoonnttiinnueuedd))
d) Methods (wet/dry) of underwater transport or storage Essential
e) Addition, deletion, or change of supplementary coatings or waterproofing Essential
4. Welding position
a) Any change beyond that qualified - see Table 14 Essential
5. Heat treatment
a) Addition or deletion or change in temperature or time or method Essential
6. Electrical Characteristics
a) Welding current type - direct current electrode positive (DCEN+), direct current Essential
electrode negative (DCEN-), pulsed current and others)
b) Type of power source (constant current, constant voltage or waveform control) Essential
c) Welding current exceeding +10 % of the maximum, or –10 % of the minimum of Essential
that qualified
d) Arc voltage exceeding +10 % of the maximum, or –10 % of the minimum of that Essential
qualified
7. Technique
a) Stringer bead to weaving Essential
b) Weaving to stringer bead Essential
c) Progression from upwards to downwards Essential
d) Progression from downwards to upwards Essential
e) Deletion or addition of temper bead Essential
f) Change in weld bead sequence Essential
g) Travel speed beyond the range qualified on the WPQR Essential
h) Joint cleaning method Non-essential
i) Addition, deletion, or change in any type of barrier to restrict water access during Essential
welding or cooling
8. Environment
a) Change in depth beyond that allowed in Table 3 Essential
b) Back side dry to wet for all material thicknesses Non-essential
c) Back side wet to dry for material thickness less than 6 mm Essential
d) Back side wet to dry for material thickness 6 mm and greater Non-essential
e) Water current Non-essential
f) Salinity (salt water to fresh water and vice versa) Non-essential
g) Visibility (Min. 300 mm. If the welding procedure qualification is performed with Essential
a visibility less than 300 mm, the welding procedure is qualified for the actual
visibility and greater)
a)
The recommendations of the filler material manufacturer shall be followed.
7 Depth limitations
The depth limitations are given in Table 3.

oSIST prEN ISO 15614-9:2024
ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024(en)
Table 3 — Depth limitations
a
Type of welding Qualification test Max. depth qualified Min. depth qualified
a
depth X
m m m
Wet welding with carbon or ≤ 3 X + 10 X
low-alloy steel filler metal
> 3 X + 10 X - 10 or 0,2X (min. 3) whichever
is greater
Wet welding with austenitic all X + 3 X – 10 or 0,2X whichever is
stainless filler metal greater
Wet welding with other all X X – 10 or 0,2X whichever is
filler metals greater
a
X is the qualification test depth.
NOTE 1 For the maximum nominal depth approved, depth shall be measured from the lower extremity of the test weldment
with a tolerance of plus or minus 250 mm.
NOTE 2 For the minimum nominal depth approved, depth shall be measured from the upper extremity of test weldment with a
tolerance of plus or minus 250 mm.
8 Welding procedure test
Welding and testing of test pieces shall be in accordance with Clause 9.
All test pieces shall be welded in accordance with the essential variables given in the pWPS.
When a single welder-diver performs a welding procedure qualification test, where the minimum
qualification requirements of the welder qualification test in accordance with ISO 15618-1 are met, the
welder-diver shall be deemed as qualified.
9 Test piece
9.1 General
The welded joint to which the welding procedure will relate in production can be represented by producing
standard test pieces. For applications where a standard test piece is not applicable a project specific test
piece shall be used. The project specific test piece shall be agreed between the contracting parties.
The standard test pieces shall be prepared in accordance with Figures 1 to 5.
The length or number of test pieces shall be sufficient to allow all required tests to be carried out.
Additional test pieces, or longer test pieces than the minimum size, may be prepared in order to allow for
extra testing and/or for re-testing specimens (see Clause 12).
9.2 Shape and dimensions of test pieces
The shape and dimensions of standard test pieces are given in Figures 1 to 5. Joint assembly dimensions,
tolerances and essential variables are to be specified on the pWPS (see Table 2)

oSIST prEN ISO 15614-9:2024
ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024(en)
Key
1 butt weld
a plate width (≥ 150 mm)
t plate thickness
b plate length:
— for t < 10 mm, b ≥ 500 mm
— for 10 mm ≤ t ≤ 20 mm, b shall be chosen based on type of bend tests required (see Table 5 and Table 6)
— for t ≥ 20 mm, b ≥ 400 mm
Figure 1 — Dimensions of test piece for butt joint plate to plate
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
t , t plate thickness (t and t can be the same value)
1 2 1 2
NOTE t t ≥ z + 3 mm, where z = the fillet weld leg length given in the pWPS
1 , 2
Figure 2 — Dimensions of test piece for fillet weld(s) on plate (T joint)

oSIST prEN ISO 15614-9:2024
ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024(en)
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
t plate thickness (≥ 20 mm, to minimize distortion of the test piece)
t pipe wall thickness
D outside pipe diameter
NOTE t t ≥ z + 3 mm, where z = the fillet weld leg length given in the pWPS
1 , 3
Figure 3 — Dimensions of test piece for fillet weld in pipe
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
D outside diameter
t pipe wall thickness
Figure 4 — Dimensions of test piece for butt joint pipe to pipe

oSIST prEN ISO 15614-9:2024
ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024(en)
a) Test position J-L045 – no restriction ring b) Test position J-L045 – with restriction ring
c) Test position H-L045 – no restriction ring d) Test position H-L045 – with restriction ring
e) Sketch to show position of restriction ring and backing ring

oSIST prEN ISO 15614-9:2024
ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024(en)
Key
1 test weld 3 restriction ring
2 welding direction 4 backing
NOTE Pipe inclined and fixed (45° ± 5°) and not rotated during welding.
Figure 5 — Dimensions of test piece for butt joint pipe to pipe – Positions J-L045 and H-L045 with
and without restriction ring (see also Annex B)
9.3 Welding of test pieces
Preparation and welding of test pieces shall be carried out in accordance with the pWPS under actual or
simulated conditions.
Welding positions and limitations for the angle of slope and rotation of the test piece shall not exceed ±5° in
slope and ±10° in rotation from the main welding position in accordance with ISO 6947.
If tack welds are to be fused into the final production joint, they shall be included in the test piece.
Welding of the test pieces shall be witnessed and verified by the examiner or examining body.
10 Testing and examination
10.1 General
Testing and examination of test pieces shall be verified by the examiner or examining body.
The test methods shall be in accordance with the references given in Table 4 or technically equivalent
standards.
Table 4 — Test methods
Test method Preparation Testing
Visual testing, VT – ISO 17637
Radiographic testing, RT – ISO 17636
Ultrasonic testing, UT – ISO 17640
Bend testing – ISO 5173
Fracture testing – ISO 9017
Macroscopic examination – ISO 17639
Transverse tensile testing ISO 4136 ISO 6892-1
All-weld-metal tensile testing – ISO 5178
Charpy Impact testing ISO 9016 ISO 148-1
Shear test (for fillet welds) – ISO 9018
Hardness testing – ISO 9015-1
10.2 Tensile shear tests for fillet welds
Tensile shear tests for fillet welds are performed to obtain information about the weld metal shear strength.
The specimen for the fillet weld shear strength test shall be in accordance with Figure 12 or Figure 13. The
specimen type (transverse or longitudinal) and welding position shall be specified by the customer.
For fillet welds on pipes the tensile shear test shall be completed using a plate test piece in accordance with
Figure 12.
oSIST prEN ISO 15614-9:2024
ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024(en)
10.3 Type and extent of testing
Testing includes both non-destructive testing (NDT) and destructive testing which shall meet the
requirements of the weld quality levels (A, B, and Z).
10.4 Weld quality Levels A, B and Z
The number and type of test specimens for weld quality levels A, B and Z are given in Tables 5 to 7. Additional
test specimens can be specified for example in an application standard or contract documents.

oSIST prEN ISO 15614-9:2024
ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024(en)
a
Table 5 — Number and type of test specimens for weld quality level A
Fillet All-weld- Fillet
Radiographic/ Vickers
Weld Thickness tested Visual Transverse ten- weld metal Macroscopic Charpy impact weld
d
Specimen Ultrasonic Bend test hardness
e, f
type t test sile test shear tensile examination test fracture
b e
test test
c
test test test
Root and
mm   Side
Face
g
t ≤ 10 Yes Yes 2 0 1 2 each 0 1 1 WM and HAZ 0
Plate Butt 10 < t < 20 Yes Yes 2 0 1 2 each or 4 1 1 WM and HAZ 0
t ≥ 20 Yes Yes 2 0 1 0 4 1 1 WM and HAZ 0
g
t ≤ 10 Yes Yes 2 0 1 2 each 0 1 1 WM and HAZ 0
Pipe Butt 10 < t < 20 Yes Yes 2 0 1 2 each or 4 1 1 WM and HAZ 0
t ≥ 20 Yes Yes 2 0 1 0 4 1 1 WM and HAZ 0
h
Plate Fillet All Yes No 0 1 1 0 0 2 1 WM 1
i h
Pipe Fillet All Yes No 0 1 1 0 0 4 1 WM 4
a
Primary welding position only. Qualification for additional positions will omit butt weld tensile tests, macroscopic examination, hardness, Charpy tests, fillet weld shear strength tests, and all-weld-metal tensile tests.
Whenever qualification is required for vertical-up welding, that position/specimen shall be the one from which impacts are taken.
b
Radiographic testing is applicable to butt welds only. For butt welds thicker than 8 mm ultrasonic testing may be used in lieu of radiographic testing.
c
The all-weld metal test specimen size shall be selected appropriate to the plate thickness tested (see Table 8).
d
For plate or pipe between 10 mm and 20 mm thick, the customer may specify either two root and two face bend tests or four side bend tests.
e
Vickers Hardness and Charpy impact tests not applicable for austenitic stainless steel parent metals.
f
A minimum of 3 specimens shall be taken from each location (see 10.7.7).
g
For t < 5 mm, impact testing is not required.
h
In addition to the fillet weld test piece, a butt weld test piece is required for the Charpy impact testing for the primary production welding position.
i
See 10.2.
oSIST prEN ISO 15614-9:2024
ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024(en)
a
Table 6 — Number and type of test specimens for weld quality level B
Fillet All-weld- Fillet
Radiographic/ Vickers
Weld Thickness tested Visual Transverse ten- weld metal Macroscopic Charpy impact weld
d
Specimen Ultrasonic Bend test hardness
e, f
type t test sile test shear tensile examination test fracture
b e
test test
c
test test test
Root and
mm   Side
Face
g
t ≤ 10 Yes Yes 2 0 0 2 each 0 1 1 WM and HAZ 0
Plate Butt 10 < t < 20 Yes Yes 2 0 0 2 each or 4 1 1 WM and HAZ 0
t ≥ 20 Yes Yes 2 0 0 0 4 1 1 WM and HAZ 0
g
t ≤ 10 Yes Yes 2 0 0 2 each 0 1 1 WM and HAZ 0
Pipe Butt 10 < t < 20 Yes Yes 2 0 0 2 each or 4 1 1 WM and HAZ 0
t ≥ 20 Yes Yes 2 0 0 0 4 1 1 WM and HAZ 0
h
Plate Fillet All Yes No 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 WM 1
i h
Pipe Fillet All Yes No 0 1 0 0 0 4 1 WM 4
a
Primary welding position only. Qualification for additional positions will omit butt weld tensile tests, macroscopic examination, hardness, Charpy tests, fillet weld shear strength tests, and all-weld-metal tensile tests.
Whenever qualification is required for vertical-up welding, that position/specimen shall be the one from which impacts are taken.
b
Radiographic testing is applicable to butt welds only. For butt welds thicker than 8 mm ultrasonic testing may be used in lieu of radiographic testing.
c
The all-weld metal test specimen size shall be selected appropriate to the plate thickness tested (see Table 8).
d
For plate or pipe between 10 mm and 20 mm thick, the customer may specify either two root and two face bend tests or four side bend tests.
e
Vickers Hardness and Charpy impact tests not applicable for austenitic stainless steel parent metals.
f
A minimum of 3 specimens shall be taken from each location (see 10.7.7).
g
For t < 5 mm, impact testing is not required.
h
In addition to the fillet weld test piece, a butt weld test piece is required for the Charpy impact testing for the primary production welding position.
i
See 10.2.
oSIST prEN ISO 15614-9:2024
ISO/DIS 15614-9:2024(en)
a
Table 7 — Number and type of test specimens for weld quality level Z
Fillet
Thickness Radiograph- Vickers
Weld Visual Transverse Fillet weld All-weld-metal Macroscopic exami- Charpy impact weld
b
Specimen tested ic/Ultrasonic Bend test hardness
c
type test tensile test shear test tensile test nation test fracture
c
t
...