Become a Marine Architect

Marine architects (also called naval architects) use their design knowledge to specialize in building structures for the oceans. Jobs in this field range from designing hulls for small fishing boats to overseeing construction of massive offshore drilling platforms. If you love problem-solving, coming up with creative designs, and spending time on the water, becoming a marine architect could be the career of your dreams!

Steps

Building Your Interest

  1. Focus on math and science in high school. Math and science are the basis of the study of engineering, which you'll need to become a marine architect. Find out which of these classes you like the most and use them to help you shape the path your education will take.[1]
    • You can also sign up for extracurricular activities like the math club or robotics team if your school offers them!
  2. Pass your college entrance exams. Depending on where you want to go to school, you will need to get a good score on the SAT or the ACT. These tests cover subjects you study in school, like math, language, and science. Enroll in study groups and take practice tests to help you be ready when test day comes.[2]
  3. Take the ASVAB if you plan on joining the military right after high school. The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB, is a test to help the military determine which jobs you'll likely be best at. The ASVAB is similar to college entrance tests, but in addition to testing reading and math skills, it also tests your mechanical and electronics comprehension.[3]

Getting a Relevant Bachelor’s Degree

  1. Apply to college. A bachelor’s degree is required to become a marine architect, so you’ll need to go to college. Apply to schools which offer a combination of naval architecture and marine engineering. Marine engineers generally design the systems of a craft, such as the propulsion, steering, and electrical systems, while naval engineers design the ship, including the hull and the structure.[4]
    • If you can not find a specific bachelor’s degree program for marine engineering and naval architecture, choose a related degree such as mechanical or electrical engineering, applied marine physics, or coastal engineering.[5]
  2. Enlist in a military academy if you want to go into the armed forces. Going into the military is a great way to get an education, particularly if you aspire to build ships for the Navy or Coast Guard. By enlisting in a military academy, such as the U.S. Naval Academy in Maryland, you will get an education specifically designed to help you have a successful career in the armed forces. You will also be qualified to join your selected branch of the military as an officer upon graduation.[6]
  3. Choose a bachelor’s program that is approved by ABET. This organization, formerly known as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, is an accrediting board that formally recognizes training programs which meet its standards.[7]
    • Ask your admissions counselor if your program is accredited, or visit ABET’s website to see their list of accredited programs.
    • Only students who have completed an accredited program such as those recognized by ABET will be eligible to take exams with the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).
  4. Choose electives that will build your engineering knowledge. Courses like physics, calculus, computer-aided design (CAD), fluid dynamics, and material science will give you the knowledge you need to be a marine architect. Although these classes will probably be included in the required curriculum, take them as electives if they are not. These courses will give you essential skills that will help you throughout your career.[8]
    • Study your lecture notes and textbooks for these classes in your free time so you can be sure you are getting a full comprehension of the material. Ask your instructor if anything seems unclear.
  5. Take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. The FE exam is administered by NCEES and is a prerequisite for becoming a licensed engineer. This open-book, multiple-choic exam is about 8 hours long and is usually taken near the end of a student’s bachelor studies.[9]
    • The best way to study for the FE exam is to take a review course and to take sample tests. Since the exam is open book, make sure you get a copy of the NCEES handbook and become familiar with its contents so you’ll easily be able to find the information that you need while taking the test.[10]

Becoming a Licensed Engineer

  1. Get hands-on experience while you’re still in school. Most marine architecture programs include some time at sea, so students can get experience being on a vessel. An internship or a summer job on a boat can also help you get valuable hands-on training.[11]
  2. Apply for entry-level positions. In order to become licensed as a professional engineer (PE), you’ll have to have at least 4 years of relevant work experience working under a licensed marine architect. Once you’ve finished your degree or your internship, apply for jobs which will give you hands-on experience in the field, such as federal jobs at naval shipyards, or private contractors hiring recent grads.[12]
  3. Join a professional organization. Becoming a member of an industry-specific organization can help boost your career by giving you access to industry tools and resources. It can also help you network with other marine architects, allowing you to ask questions and learn from more experienced professionals while potentially giving you more job opportunities.[13]
  4. Take the Professional Engineer Review Course (PERC). If you plan on pursuing Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure, take this course offered by the Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers (SNAME). The course is offered only once per year, but 98 percent of those who take the course pass the Principals and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.[14]
  5. Take the PE exam. This is usually taken after you’ve obtained some work experience. This is the last step towards becoming licensed, after an ABET-accredited engineering program, passing score on the FE exam, and 4 years work experience.[15]
    • Licensing requirements vary depending on your location, so be sure to check whether there are additional requirements where you live.[16]
  6. Pursue a graduate degree in marine architecture to advance your career. A higher degree isn’t necessary to become a marine architect, but it will help you continue to advance your career. A graduate degree is especially useful if you are interested in teaching or research and development, or if you hope to one day own your own company.

References

  1. ↑ https://www.degreequery.com/what-degree-do-i-need-to-become-a-naval-architect/
  2. ↑ https://www.princetonreview.com/college/sat-act
  3. ↑ https://todaysmilitary.com/joining/asvab-test-sample-questions
  4. ↑ https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/marine-engineers-and-naval-architects.htm
  5. ↑ https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/marine-engineers-and-naval-architects.htm#tab-4
  6. ↑ http://www.sciencemag.org/careers/2011/12/science-military
  7. ↑ http://study.com/articles/How_to_Become_a_Naval_Architect_Education_and_Career_Roadmap.html
  8. ↑ https://www.degreequery.com/what-degree-do-i-need-to-become-a-naval-architect/
  9. ↑ http://study.com/articles/How_to_Become_a_Naval_Architect_Education_and_Career_Roadmap.html
  10. ↑ https://ncees.org/engineering/fe/
  11. ↑ https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/marine-engineers-and-naval-architects.htm#tab-4
  12. ↑ http://study.com/articles/How_to_Become_a_Naval_Architect_Education_and_Career_Roadmap.html
  13. ↑ http://study.com/articles/How_to_Become_a_Naval_Architect_Education_and_Career_Roadmap.html
  14. ↑ http://www.sname.org/membershipinfo/studentmembership/studentprogramsresources
  15. ↑ https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/marine-engineers-and-naval-architects.htm#tab-4>
  16. ↑ http://study.com/articles/How_to_Become_a_Naval_Architect_Education_and_Career_Roadmap.html
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