Planning precisely how to keep
an enormous ocean-going vessel
stable and safe in high seas
while carrying giant loads of cargo…
is just one of the many tasks
of marine engineers and naval architects.
They usually specialize in designing
and building a particular type of ship…
from giant aircraft carriers to submarines…
and from 15-foot sailboats to ocean tankers.
Marine engineers are responsible
for the internal systems of a ship,
such as propulsion, electrical,
refrigeration, and steering…
While naval architects design
the ship itself…
including the form, structure,
and stability of hulls.
These architects also lead the teams
that create new ship designs.
Marine engineers and naval architects
typically work in offices where they have
access to computer software and other tools
to analyze projects and design solutions.
Sometimes they go to sea on ships
to test their designs
or to maintain ships they’ve built.
Marine engineers and naval architects
work full time,
though overtime hours are not uncommon,
especially when working at sea.
Those who work on shore
usually have more regular work schedules.
Because naval architects
are primarily designers,
they are much more likely
to work a regular schedule
in an office or at a shipyard.
Marine engineers typically need
a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering,
marine systems engineering,
or marine engineering technology.
Naval architects typically need
a bachelor’s degree in naval architecture,
or a related field
like mechanical or electrical engineering.