What does a naval architect do?

I'm curious about what a naval architect actually does. How involved are they with designing ships or other marine structures? Is it a career worth considering for someone interested in engineering and the ocean?

Naval architecture is indeed an intriguing field, combining elements of engineering principles with marine structures.

As a naval architect, many aspects of designing and production of marine vessels and structures fall under your purview. This can include ships, yachts, oil rigs, submarines, and more! You'd primarily be involved in the design process, which includes crafting the vessel's outer shell (hull) and the internal systems.

Naval architects usually start their work with a detailed understanding of what the vessel's purpose will be. For instance, an oil tanker would require a different design from a luxury yacht. Using this understanding, they then create preliminary designs, often using software to do so.

After the design stage comes the analysis. This involves a deep review of the design concerning feasibility, safety, cost-effectiveness, and how well it meets the purpose it was designed for. Naval architects use mathematical and physics-based calculations, simulations, model testing, and various design principles in this extensive analysis phase.

Once these stages are complete, a naval architect will work with marine engineers and other professionals to see the design transformed into reality. They often oversee the construction process, right from material selection to the actual build, ensuring that everything goes as per the design.

In terms of career prospects, a naval architect plays a pivotal role in the marine industry. The field offers an array of opportunities in various sectors like the navy, merchant navy, leisure marine sector, and offshore oil and gas industries. Given your interest in both engineering and the ocean, this could indeed be a rewarding path for you!

Aside from the potential to work on impactful and large-scale projects, being involved with the maritime industry brings a unique sense of connection to the world's oceans, presenting challenges and triumphs that are quite unlike any other engineering field.

So, overall, if you're looking for an application of your engineering passion that involves design, practical usage, progression, and connection to the marine world, I would say that naval architecture is well worth considering.