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CAREERS & TRAINING

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VESSEL DESIGN, BUILD & SURVEYING


This is where it all begins for the thousands of commercial vessels that do vital work in transporting people and goods, and undertaking specialist roles such as fishing, pipe laying and offshore wind farm support. 


Every vessel starts off with a design. The more complex vessels require a naval architect to complete a design and costing for the vessel, just like building a house or commercial building.


Once the design is agreed the boatbuilders get underway. Today boatbuilding uses the latest computer technology but it's based on hundreds of years of expertise in how to craft the best vessels for going to sea to work.


Once the vessel is built the owner has to make sure the vessel stays fit to go to sea. Marine surveyors do the job of inspecting vessels to check they are good to put to sea again.


Here you will find information on becoming a Naval Architect, follow the links for information on becoming a Boatbuilder or Marine Surveyor.

Roles

A Naval Architect is a professional engineer who is responsible for the design, construction and repair of ships, boats, other marine vessels and offshore structures, both civil and military, including:

  • Merchant ships - Oil/Gas Tankers, Cargo Ships, Cruise Liners, etc
  • Passenger/Vehicle Ferries
  • Warships - Frigates, Destroyers, Aircraft Carriers, Amphibious Ships, etc
  • Submarines and underwater vehicles
  • Offshore Drilling Platforms, Semi Submersibles, FPSOs
  • High Speed Craft - Hovercraft, Multi-Hull Ships, Hydrofoil Craft, etc
  • Workboats - Crew Transfer Vessel, Fishing Vessels, Tugs, Pilot Vessels, Rescue Craft etc
  • Yachts, Power Boats and other recreational craft  

Qualifications and Training

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

University

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


Degree courses that offer practical work experience through a year in industry, summer placements or internships may give you an advantage. 


Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics


Salary Brackets

Starting salary around £25,000 - £65,000 with experience


Colleges/Universities

University of Southampton

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/maritime-engineering-science-naval-architecture-masters-msc


University College London

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught-degrees/naval-architecture-msc


Strathclyde University

https://www.strath.ac.uk/courses/postgraduatetaught/advancednavalarchitecture/


Newcastle University

https://www.ncl.ac.uk/study/

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 GOOD TO KNOW

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.

Intermediate apprenticeships
Intermediate apprenticeships are the entry-level apprenticeship for those looking to make a start in the world of work. Available to anyone from the age of 16, with no maximum age limit, they’re also a great option for anyone looking to make a career change. You’ll need five GCSEs grade A*-E/ 3-9 including Maths and English, as well as a Science subject to apply for an engineering or technical role, or two National 4s including Maths and English (or equivalent).
Advanced apprenticeships
You can apply for an advanced apprenticeship if you have five GCSEs or National 4 (or equivalent), including Maths and English, as well as a Science subject to apply for an engineering or technical role, or you’ve completed an intermediate apprenticeship or similar Level 2 qualification. They’re full-time roles, with a competitive salary and they’re a great way to develop specialist skills.
Higher apprenticeships
Higher apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 18 who is looking for an alternative to attending university. You’ll need at least five GCSEs or National 5 + Highers (or equivalent) including Maths and English, as well as a Science subject to apply for an engineering or technical role. Additionally, you’ll require a minimum of two A levels or a level 3 equivalent qualification.
Degree apprenticeships
Degree apprenticeships are great for 18–19-year-old school leavers looking to gain a degree while also starting their career journey. It’s the perfect option for those who can’t decide between an apprenticeship and university. They’re also a great option for anyone looking to make a career change.

SEAWORK 2026 DATES & TIMES
09:30 - 17:30 Tuesday 9 June 2026
09:30 - 17:30 Wednesday 10 June 2026
09:30 - 16:00 Thursday 11 June 2026

SEAWORK 2027 DATES
Tuesday 15 June 2027
Wednesday 16 June 2027
Thursday 17 June 2027