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Naval architect

Naval architects design, construct, refit and repair marine vessels and offshore structures.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£65,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends occasionally

How to become a naval architect

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course

University

Most naval architects have a degree or postgraduate qualification that is recognised by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects. This would usually be an engineering subject like:

  • naval architecture
  • ocean, offshore or marine engineering
  • ship science

You may be able to get onto a degree course if you've got qualifications from working as an engineering technician.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 3 A levels, including maths and physics

More information

More information

Registration

  • a fully qualified naval architect is a member of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, who is registered with the UK Engineering Council as a Chartered Engineer, Incorporated Engineer or Engineering Technician.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Royal Institution of Naval Architects for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a naval architect from:

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • design skills and knowledge
  • knowledge of physics
  • analytical thinking skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to read English
  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties could include:

  • coordinating the work of engineering design teams
  • making sure that designs are safe, seaworthy and cost-effective
  • preparing design plans using computer software
  • checking and testing specifications using computer simulations and 3D models
  • making sure that designs meet operational requirements
  • coordinating manufacturing or repair work

Working environment

You could work in an office, at a shipyard, on a rig, on a ship or in a laboratory.

Your working environment may be at height and outdoors some of the time.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to senior positions. You could become a consultant, providing technical and commercial guidance, support and project management for research, design, construction, refits or conversions. 

You could also move into other areas like procurement, sales and marketing

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a naval architect right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

SQA HNC Marine Engineering Jan 19

  • Provider: Tyne Coast College T/A South Tyneside College and Tyne Metropolitan College
  • Start date: 06 January 2020
  • Location: South Shields

Marine Engineering - Foundation Degree

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 16 February 2021
  • Location: Fleetwood
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