In this paper, the optimizing investigation of characteristics of underwater welding by a gravity type arc welding process is experimentally carried out by using the .phi. 4mm ilmenite type of domestic coated welding electrodes for welding the domestic marine structural steel plates of 8mm thickness in order to develop the underwater welding techniques in practical use, resulting in the quantitative analysis possibility for the relationship between the mechanical propernical properties of underwater welded joint HAZ and the welding heat input.