How to Become a Naval Architect?
Naval architecture is considered a promising career option, but whenever one thinks about entering this field, a few questions prop up – the most important of it is ‘how to become a naval architect?
Though the number of academic institutions that cater to this industry is limited, the unprecedented growth that the industry has witnessed over the past years has led to a major change in this scenario.
One other reason is that naval architecture can be safely categorized as a vastly job oriented professional field of study. To be a successful naval architect, an individual needs to have sound knowledge of engineering as well as a good knowledge of various other fields that are indispensable for this profession.
The study of this domain include both arts and science especially mathematics, physics and English. Being an engineering based field, a person needs to have deep knowledge of the profession, which includes both mechanical and electrical engineering skills, with mechanical required more. Moreover, to understand what a naval architects do knowledge of computers and software is mandatory.
The profession of naval architecture depends heavily on computer aided designs (CAD). Most universities across the world offer degrees courses in marine or naval engineering or architecture. Some of them also provide students with post graduated courses on the very same subjects with further studies leading to specializations in any segment.
In some countries, these degrees are enough to land a job in this industry whereas in other countries there is a different selection or hiring program in place that involves a test to qualify as a certified professional. There are also several types of certifications available to get one of the  many types of jobs in the field of naval architecture.
In many parts of the world, not having a degree in engineering is not an obstacle, as the governing marine authority of these countries has an engineering examination in place along with a course of study from an open university. By qualifying this examination, a person is entitled to pursue a career in this field. This was basically created to cater to the people who have the intelligence, interest and zeal but are not able to attend a degree course.
However majorly a degree in engineering from an accredited institution and a sound knowledge of computers along with an aptitude of creativity, design skills, knowledge of physics and efficiency in people management, are more than enough for anyone to enter and chalk out a career in naval architecture.
Many companies in the the naval architecture industry also have training programs on the floor that help create naval professionals and architects who work for them at their production centers. The law of many nations however, enforces these companies to get their training programs accredited by the marine authorities before launching it. Once agreed upon, the companies appoint senior engineers as mentors who train the students on a structured and integrated program that encompasses all the practices that are applicable to the marine industry.
The areas of design, engineering practices and management are the three major segments that constitute a training program. They cover up the entire process of pre-production, production and smooth functioning of the operations at any given unit.
For the enthusiasts there are many ways to reach the ultimate goal. One just needs to analyze which suits best in the given scenario.
Related Reading
Difference between naval architecture and ocean engineering
10 Important Books on Naval Architecture
References: anast-eu.ulg.ac.be, www.ariesmar.com
Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction
Latest Marine career Articles You Would Like:
Latest Naval Arch Articles You Would Like:
Subscribe To Our Newsletters
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.
i am an working E.T.O.I want to know that having a background of electrical engineering how to become a naval architect?if any other higher studies pathway exists in marine field then let know.my emaid id:sudipta.pharikal@gmail.com.i am interested in higher studies.
I am a plus two finished student, i am interested in naval architecture .If straight coming to this good? or what all studies i need to take for a good carrier . please let me know about this and when its exams are taking place. I am so much interested in this carrier .
I am a plus two finished student, i am interested in naval architecture .If straight coming to this is good? or what all studies i need to take for a good carrier . please let me know about this and when its exams are taking place. I am so much interested in this carrier .
I have completed my civil engineering. I am interested in naval architecture field. But how am I supposed to get clicked in this field? I am much interested into this. Kindly let me know how to get into it and what all the examinations are to be appeared
I have completed my civil engineering. I am interested in naval architecture field. But how am I supposed to get clicked in this field? I am much interested into this. Kindly let me know how to get into it and what all the examinations are to be appeared
@Zinger: You need to apply for an NA course in an approved college.