Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Naval Architect- from: Youtube Search
- Naval Architect- from: icould [UK] Video
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Working Life
Naval architects design ships and similar marine vessels, and oversee their construction and maintenance. Many naval structures, such as cruise liners, warships and oil tankers, are very large and complex. Modern engineering on this scale is therefore very much a team activity, involving professional engineers from different fields and disciplines. However, naval architects have overall responsibility for the project.
They also have a special role in making sure that the team produces a safe, economic and seaworthy design for a new naval structure. Naval architects need an understanding of many branches of engineering, as well as being experts in all aspects of ship design, including function, appearance and safety. They must also keep up-to-date with advances in high technology areas.
They are in charge of the smooth and efficient operation of all the ships systems. They use very important skills to design a safe and seaworthy vessel. In construction and repair, naval architects take responsibility for sections of the shipyard. They organise the supply, inspection and testing of materials and parts. They are also responsible for deciding how many employees a project will need.
In technical departments, architects deal with costs and supply matters. They look into ways to obtain the components and equipment they need for the project, and manage the budget. Some naval architects work as ship surveyors. They work world-wide to make sure ships are safe. They examine plans of ships in their design stage, looking at their strength, stability and life-saving features.
During construction, ship surveyors carry out inspections to make sure the quality of the work and materials meets rules and regulations. Once a ship is in operation, surveyors continue to do routine inspections, making sure the ship's owners have repaired any defects and are maintaining safety standards. Naval architects may also work as consultants, providing clients with engineering solutions, technical and commercial guidance, support and project management.
There are research and development opportunities for naval architects. There are also opportunities for naval architects with above average qualifications to work in colleges and universities as professors.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Design complete hull and superstructure according to specifications and test data, in conformity with standards of safety, efficiency, and economy.
- Supervise other engineers and crew members and train them for routine and emergency duties.
- Study design proposals and specifications to establish basic characteristics of craft, such as sise, weight, speed, propulsion, displacement, and draft.
- Perform monitoring activities to ensure that ships comply with international regulations and standards for life-saving equipment and pollution preventatives.
- Oversee construction and testing of prototype in model basin and develop sectional and waterline curves of hull to establish center of gravity, ideal hull form, and buoyancy and stability data.
- Evaluate performance of craft during dock and sea trials to determine design changes and conformance with national and international standards.
- Prepare plans, estimates, design and construction schedules, and contract specifications, including any special provisions.
- Check, test, and maintain automatic controls and alarm systems.
- Design layout of craft interior, including cargo space, passenger compartments, ladder wells, and elevators.
- Evaluate operation of marine equipment during acceptance testing and shakedown cruises.
Further Information
- Naval Architect- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Naval Architect
To be a naval architect, you must be creative, with strong engineering design skills. You also need a logical approach to solving problems.
You must have good team work skills; you will need to communicate well with other engineering professionals. You also need good communication skills to give clear professional advice and technical support to customers of the maritime industry.
As project leaders, naval architects must have strong leadership and managerial skills. Project work demands good organisation skills. You must be able to co-ordinate resources, and work within a budget and agreed time scale.
You must be able to supervise employees; you need the ability to encourage and motivate others. Naval architects may manage repair teams that deal with emergency repairs as well as routine checks, so architects need to be resourceful, able to improvise and make decisions.
You will need to develop knowledge of legal rules and regulations, especially those concerning safety. Naval architects who work as ship surveyors need a great deal of patience and high levels of concentration to check ship plans for strength, stability and life-saving features.
Interests - Naval Architect
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Naval Architect
A degree or higher national diploma in an engineering discipline is required. In particular, the following subjects may improve your chances, NFQ levels 6-8.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: CNC, computer numeric control operator, engineering technology and operations, engineering OEM, computer-aided design, architectural technology, computer-aided design.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: prelim engineering, pre university engineering, civil, mechanical, electronics engineering, CAD, computer aided draughting and design.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Surveying, Engineering.
Search for Apprenticeships
Some choose to apply for careers in the Naval Service whilst serving their apprenticeship Search naval careers
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: marine engineering, aeronautical engineering, civil, structural engineering, computer-aided engineering, mechanical engineering.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include:
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
- Ireland National Marine College
- Dept of Transport Seafarers Career maps
- IMDO Irish Marine Development Office: Maritime Careers
- Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) There are no specific naval architecture courses available in Ireland. Interested candidates would usually apply to a U.K university. Applicants should ensure that their chosen course is accredited by the For more information on a career in Naval Architecture.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Naval Architect
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €54k - €97k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Salaryexpert/ Erieri/Prospects.ac.uk/Morgan McKinley/WEI
Last Updated: February, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Naval Architect
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Laboratory technicians; Electrical and electronic technicians; Engineering technicians Quality assurance; technicians Planning, process and production; technicians Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment levels fell between 2021 and 2022, by approximately 3,000 persons, but remained above 2017 levels, resulting in a positive, but below average, annual average growth rate for the five-year period. Employment for this occupation was primarily in industry (accounting for a 60% share of employment). Employment permits issued were across a variety of technician roles (e.g. process, manufacturing, laboratory). The Recruitment Agency Survey identified vacancies for maintenance technicians in manufacturing with electrical/mechanical skills as difficult-to-fill.
Employers (Skills for Growth) experienced difficulties in filling a range of engineering technician roles, including aircraft technicians and manufacturing technicians, particularly for those with digital skills and knowledge of procedures/processes. There was a 3% increase in the number of online job adverts in 2022, driven by increases in electrical/electronic technicians and, to a lesser extent, laboratory technicians.
New apprenticeship registrations for a number of industry related technicians (including lab analysts) have risen strongly since the first of these programmes were introduced in 2017; by 2022 there were 314 new registrations across a range of apprenticeships (lab analyst, manufacturing technology, OEM engineer etc.) up from approximately 100 in 2017. Although demand seems to be lessening for these roles, issues with attracting suitable candidates remain for maintenance and laboratory technicians in particular, at least in the short-term.
Useful Contacts - Naval Architect
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Royal Institution of Naval Architects
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IMDO – Irish Maritime Development Office
- Wilton Park House, Wilton Place D02 NT99, Dublin 2, Ireland
- (01) 7753900
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Engineers Ireland
- 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
- (01) 665 1300
- Click Here
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Defence Forces, Recruitment & Competitions Section
- Department of Defence,Station Road, Newbridge, Co. Kildare
- 1890 42 65 55
- [email protected]
- Click Here
