Underwater shielded metal-arc cutting is a simple process. It employs a stick-type electrode but can be accomplished with almost any waterproofed, mild steel electrode. Shielded metal arc has the following advantages over oxygen-arc cutting processes:

Shielded metal-arc cutting is a process in which the metal is cut by the intense heat of the arc. The heat melts a localized area of metal, forming a small molten pool. The pool will not flow enough to produce a good cut due to the rapid cooling from the quenching effect of the surrounding water. Therefore, the tip of the electrode must be manipulated to push the molten metal out of the kerf.