Naval architect
Design, build and repair vessels such as ships and boats, and offshore structures such as drilling platforms.
About the job
What it's like
As a naval architect, you'll design, build and maintain vessels ranging from small boats to large ships and offshore structures. This rewarding role combines engineering principles with creative problem-solving to make sure watercraft are safe, efficient and fit for purpose.
You might find yourself developing plans for a new cruise liner, improving the fuel efficiency of cargo ships or making sure offshore drilling platforms can withstand extreme weather conditions. Your expertise helps create vessels that transport people and goods across the world's waterways.
Naval architects work in shipyards, design consultancies, classification societies and government agencies. You could specialise in areas like structural design, hydrodynamics (how liquids move), marine systems or offshore engineering.
Your tasks might include:
designing vessel structures and systems using specialised computer software
calculating stability, strength and performance characteristics of marine craft
managing engineering teams and coordinating with other marine professionals
testing designs through computer simulations and physical model experiments
overseeing construction and repair processes at shipyards
inspecting vessels to ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Engineering and manufacturing
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- delegating
- coaching
- managing resources
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- problem solving
- working with technology
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
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Design and Manufacture
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Engineering Science
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Physics
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Practical Craft Skills
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Skills for Work: Maritime Skills
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Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
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Applications of Mathematics
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Any courses you study must be recognised by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA).
University
You’ll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject, such as:
Naval Architecture
Marine Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Ship Science
Ocean Engineering
Civil Engineering
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Naval Architecture
Marine Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering Systems
Electrical Engineering
Fabrication and Welding Engineering
Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Discover MAs on Apprenticeships.scot.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
Discover GAs on Apprenticeships.scot.
After completing your initial training you would follow a RINA-accredited scheme of work-based professional development. You would then complete a minimum of two years work experience before applying to the Engineering Council for incorporated or chartered engineer status and full membership of RINA.
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