Patented underwater exothermic Sea Dragon cutting rods will burn most materials encountered in underwater cutting jobs. The Sea Dragon Rod can be used like other oxygen-arc cutting electrodes. A DC constant current welding power supply set on straight polarity (electrode negative) supplies current to the electrode. The workpiece is grounded. When the electrode touches the work, an electric arc ignites the electrode. Once ignited, the electrode will burn by the means of an exothermic reaction between the steel components of the electrode and the oxygen flowing through the electrode, thus enabling the cutting to be done with or without electrical power. The Sea Dragon Rod will burn as long as the oxygen is flowing through the rod. For ignition only, when cutting without power, a 12 VDC battery may be used. This presents an added safety margin against the possibility of electrical shock.