This guide provides information to users in the marine construction industry as to the best practical methods to weld steel hulls for ships, barges, mobile offshore drilling units, and other marine vessels. This guide provides information on steel plates, shapes, castings, and forgings; their selection; and their weldability. It discusses welding processes and proper design for welding. Hull construction is presented in terms of preparation of materials, erection and fitting, and control of distortion. Qualification of procedures and personnel are outlined, and inspection methods are discussed. A common shipyard problem, stray current protection, is discussed as is the health and safety of the work force. Supplementary nonmandatory appendices are provided for informational purposes.