Naval Architect Duties
Naval architects perform a wide range of duties, depending on where they are employed. Naval architects mainly design and oversee the construction, survey and repair of marine vehicles, including naval craft, passenger and cargo ships, submarines, high-speed ferries and boats, yachts and oil rigs. Naval architects need to be ready and willing to divide their time between their offices and work sites. Most naval architects work 40 hours per week, however depending on project size and time constraints, many architects find themselves working long hours to meet deadlines.
Depending where they work, naval architects may or may not perform the following duties:
- Prepare preliminary designs
- Consult with clients such as ship owners, ship builders, maritime research institutions, etc.
- Estimate the initial costs and lifetime running costs of a vessel
- Design a suitable vessel that meets performance and cost requirements
- Determine the proportions and shape of the hull of the vessel
- Design accommodation and cargo space
- Make calculations related to the structural and mechanical aspects of design, construction and repair
- Make calculations of the stability of the vessel
- Prepare the stability book to go on-board for the use of the master and officers
- Supervise other people who prepare detailed designs, specifications and building contracts
- Coordinate all work of other engineers
- Supervise construction work
- Obtain plan approval
- Survey vessels
- Organize repairs and modifications to the vessel
- Research efficient ways for vessels to move through the water
- Provide risk assessments and claims management for insurance
Naval Architect Specializations
There are numerous different specialized fields of interest a naval architect can focus on throughout their career. As naval architects wok in a variety of places such as drawing offices and shipyards, naval architects can specialize in:
- Structure and Design
- Management
- Cost Calculations
- Manufacturing Processes
- Research
- Mechanical Practices
- Hydrodynamics and Hydrostatics
- Stability
- Propulsion
- Systems Engineering
Naval Architect Personal Requirements
There are many different aspects to an individual naval architects personality, work ethic and personal skills that will enable him or her to excel in their career as a naval architect. The personal traits that are required for this career include:
- Enjoys technical and engineering activities
- Ability to work solo or as part of a team
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Practical and creative abilities
- Interested in marine environments
- Good at computing and technical design
- Eager to accept responsibility
- Good at mathematics and physics
