Naval architects work as part of a team responsible for designing, producing and repairing safe, sea-worthy surface or underwater vessels.
Duties
- assessing project requirements and researching feasibility
- planning and supervising the construction of vessels
- negotiating and agreeing project budgets, timescales and specifications with clients
- producing detailed designs of ships, boats and other maritime vessels using drawings and specialist computer software
- developing and utilizing test procedures including computer modelling and scale models
- interpreting and analyzing data and test results
- sourcing and purchasing components, equipment and materials
- ensuring adherence to appropriate health and safety legislation/standards
- identifying the need for, and supervising, vessel repairs
- writing reports and documentation
- giving presentations
- undertaking relevant research
- supervising junior staff
- providing technical advice
- answering queries from clients.
Qualifications
To become a naval architect working with professional status, you will need a degree in a related subject. The most direct route is to complete a BEng or MEng in naval architecture. However, courses in related fields such as engineering or marine science may also be accepted.
Skills
- the ability to analyze and interpret technical information and drawings
- a creative, enquiring and logical mind
- good spoken and written communication skills for dealing with people both within and outside the engineering profession
- sound judgement
- team working skills
- commercial awareness
- strong IT skills
- leadership qualities.