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Navy NEC · Engineering

U53A Advanced Welder

Current service use not established

This code is listed in the directory. Inclusion alone does not confirm current service use.

A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.

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Overview

An Advanced Welder performs journey level welding using shielded metal arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding processes in accordance with NAVSEA technical requirements. This welder applies knowledge of welding safety, quality assurance, metallurgy, joint design, symbology, workmanship requirements, and various nondestructive testing methods.

Core Skills

  • Journey-level shielded metal arc and TIG welding
  • Weld joint design and symbol interpretation
  • Welding quality assurance and workmanship standards
  • Familiarity with non-destructive testing methods

Civilian Career Paths

Career associations are editorial assessments of the cited evidence, not an official crosswalk unless the evidence explicitly says so. O*NET supplies civilian occupation information, not proof of a military match. Related experience does not confer civilian qualifications. Tasks and tools below describe civilian work, not military training.

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

Journey-level SMAW and GTAW experience, supported by training in joint design and workmanship standards, directly supports civilian welding work.

How to prepare: Arrange a practical welding assessment focused on the processes, materials, and positions used by a target employer.

What the civilian work involves
  • Examine workpieces for defects and measure workpieces with straightedges or templates to ensure conformance with specifications.
  • Weld components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions.
  • Recognize, set up, and operate hand and power tools common to the welding trade, such as shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Training in welding quality assurance, metallurgy, and non-destructive testing familiarization provides a foundation for learning weld inspection methods.

How to prepare: Seek an NDT trainee position offering method-specific training and supervised experience. Where SNT-TC-1A applies, performing Level I, II, or III functions requires employer certification under that employer's written practice.

What the civilian work involves
  • Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures.
  • Identify defects in solid materials, using ultrasonic testing techniques.
  • Prepare reports on non-destructive testing results.

Notes & Sources

Evidence for this guidance (4 documents)
  1. NAVPERS 18068F Vol II (NEOCS, Jul 2026 edition): NEC U53A

    [1] NEC entry "U53A - Advanced Welder"; cached text line 12263; NAVPERS 18068F Vol II, 2026-07 edition

    Supports: Journey-level shielded metal arc and TIG welding, Weld joint design and symbol interpretation, Welding quality assurance and workmanship standards, Familiarity with non-destructive testing methods, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (O*NET 51-4121.00), Non-Destructive Testing Specialists (O*NET 17-3029.01)

  2. O*NET: Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

    [2] O*NET 30.3 occupational data

    Supports: Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (O*NET 51-4121.00)

  3. O*NET: Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

    [3] O*NET 30.3 occupational data

    Supports: Non-Destructive Testing Specialists (O*NET 17-3029.01)

  4. ASNT: Explaining Employer-Based Certification Programs (SNT-TC-1A)

    [4] ASNT Certificate Compared to SNT-TC-1A-Based Certificate and The Written Practice sections; ASNT Pulse article dated 2020-10-29, retrieved 2026-09-23

    Supports: Non-Destructive Testing Specialists (O*NET 17-3029.01)

Defense contractor jobs for U53A

Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.

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