The mechanism of hydrogen uptake by steel in various environments is reviewed, in order to understand
their propensity to cause hydrogen damage, as indicated by hydrogen entry activities at the steel subsurface.
We then consider whether hydrogen damage is likely to be induced in cathodically protected
steel, supported by new and previously published data. It is concluded that cathodic protection of steel in
environments not containing hydrogen promoters such as sour gas probably generates hydrogen
activities not exceeding ambient pressure. The hydrogen activity in the deep sea, at 400 bar, is
considered low in comparison with activities commonly associated with sour environments, but it might
induce cracking in an already highly hydrogen susceptible weldment, say. A mild charging solution is
suggested to simulate the hydrogen charging activity induced by cathodic protection sub-sea.