When it comes to shipbuilding, welding is a vital and fundamental manufacturing process in the construction of ships and metal hull boats. At the American Welding Society (AWS) 6th Annual Charting the Course in Welding: US Shipyards Conference, attendees will learn the progress of new and innovative developments, as well as how their potential value and impact to the industry is essential for those in the shipbuilding community. The 2011 Shipbuilding Conference which takes place May 10-11 in Seattle, Washington, will also address the critical importance of welding in the shipbuilding industry by providing current information on new and emerging technologies being developed for shipbuilding applications.