Career Scope for Ocean Engineers and Naval Architects

Ocean Engineers have a wide range of employment opportunities world - wide. Because of the wide variety of work they are involved in and the difficulty to categorise the field comprehensively, the Ocean Engineers are mainly related to engineering field as designers and construction supervisors, they also have scope in areas like Consultancy, Marketing and Sales, Operations, Regulation, Surveying and Overseeing, Research and Development, Education and Training, etc.

Each type of work has its own distinctive character and offers opportunities for initiative and imagination in a wide variety of technical and managerial posts.

The work place may be a large company, a small group, a consultancy or a government department, but their scopes are wide.

As a Coastal Engineer, they are dealing with the dynamic interaction of ocean and its shore by developing shore protection systems like breakwaters, jetties, etc., and designing harbours, ports, etc., and also dealing with civil engineering issues in the coastal environment.

As Offshore Engineers, they design structures like steel jacket structures, concrete gravity platforms, tension - leg platforms, etc., which are capable of withstanding the severe ocean environment.

As an Environmental Engineer, they have to protect the oceans from the harmful effects of mankind's activities. They are involved in harvesting and / or utilizing the oceanic resources such as minerals, wave energy, thermal energy and tidal power.

Depending mainly on the type of Qualifications held and personal inclination, Ocean Engineers may become specialists in one field or develop broad experience in others.

Eventually they may find themselves in senior executive positions using their knowledge and experience of general management as well as their professional skills in engineering and project leadership.

Indeed, aided by the breadth of their education, training and experience, the professional Naval Architects and Ocean Engineers are even successful in top management positions in government, industry and commerce quite outside the offshore field.

Main Areas of Scope :

There are lots of opportunities For Ocean Engineers and Naval Architects in the private, educational, corporate, and governmental sectors.

Some career areas to consider are : Offshore Oil Recovery, Marine metals and corrosion, Environmental Protection, Global Climate Monitoring, Renewable Energy, Underwater Vehicles, Remote Sensing, Marine Transportation, or Naval Architecture and Defence. Therefore, some main areas of scope are as follows :

Design Office :

Ocean Engineers are by necessity innovative and creative personalities. They must have an understanding of the many facets of offshore structure design such as its function, appearance and especially importance at sea safety.

They must be team leaders, able to integrate the inputs of many others to achieve a balanced and coherent whole. As a Naval Architect, apart from the architectural aspects of ship form and layout, they must be able to use complex mathematical and physical models to ensure that the design is satisfactory technically and that it meets the safety rules and standards laid down by Classification Societies and Government Agencies.

Since, the design process demands the extensive employment of computer based information and communication systems. Ocean Engineers should also be well versed in computer software knowledge.

As a design office employee, they are employed by ship and boat builders, offshore constructors, design consultants, and for the ships and submarines of the Navy and the Ministry of Defence.

Major equipment manufacturers also employ teams of engineers, including Naval Architects and Ocean Engineers on the design of such products as propulsion systems, auxiliary systems sub sea production systems and control systems.

Field Engineer :

The task of the ship and boat builders and offshore constructor is to convert drawings and detailed specifications into real structures. A Naval Architect and Ocean Engineers specialising,, in. construction usually holds a management post, taking responsibility for the management of the whole yard / site or for sections of it such as planning, production or the complex operation of fitting out.

There should continuously strive to make construction work efficient through the adoption of new processes and practices and by better training for the work force. The Ocean Engineers must also organise the supply of materials and components, inspection and testing as well as the vital resources of manpower.

Repair work has much in common with construction. Ocean Engineers and Naval Architects in this field can become professional managers in future, who like the builders need to master modern management and associated techniques.

Emergency repair work often offers opportunities for ingenuity and on - the - spot improvisation, and in the offshore engineering world in particular repair frequently involves underwater technology.

Therefore, as a site engineer, they are employed in construction and repair include both large and small shipbuilders and repairers, and those involved in the maintenance and repair of naval ships, submarines, harbours, ports and other offshore structures.

Consultant :

As consultants, Ocean Engineers and Naval Architects provide clients with engineering solutions, technical and commercial guidance and project management for concept design studies, new offshore structure developments, new vessel constructions, refits and conversions.

Therefore, they are employed to give professional advice and technical support to customers of the offshore industry.

Ship Surveyor :

Naval Architects and Ocean Engineers employed by Classification Societies as Ship Surveyors are engaged world - wide in evaluating the safety of ships and marine structures using the Society's Rules and those of intergovernmental organisations such as the International Maritime Organisation.

Plans of ships to be built and eventually classed with the Society are scrutinised, and aspects of design such as strength, stability, and lifesaving approved before construction.

Also during construction, Ship Surveyors carry out inspections to ensure that the quality of the workmanship and materials used is in accordance with the rules and regulations.

Once the vessel or structure is in service, Ship Surveyors will continue to carry out inspections to ensure that any serious defects arising from operation are made good and that a safe and seaworthy structure is maintained.

Government departments employ Naval architects who deal mainly with the framing of safety regulations and the surveying of ships and equipment from the safety point of view.

Research and Development :

Offshore research, in general, enjoys a high reputation world - wide. The Naval Architects and Ocean Engineers, many with post - graduate qualifications, are engaged in research in universities and industry throughout the world.

Classification Societies also devote resources to research and development employing Naval Architects in this field.

This variety of work provides a rewarding challenge to the Ocean Engineers and Naval Architects, not only as engineers but also as managers, consultants, surveyors, scientists, etc.

Institutes offering the Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering Courses :

The various institutes in India providing Bachelor and Master degree in Ocean Engineering and Naval Architecture are as follows :

S. No.	Institutes	Offered Courses
1	Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai - 600 036.	Ocean Engineering and Naval Architecture
2	Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur - 721 302.	B.Tech - Ocean Engineering and Naval Architecture M.Tech - Ocean Engineering and Naval Architecture
3	National Institute of Technology Surathkal, Mangalore - 575025.	M. Tech in Marine Structures
4	National Institute of Technology Calicut, Calicut - 673 601.	M. Tech in Offshore Structures
5	Cochin University of Science and Technology, Cochin.	M.Tech in Ocean Technology
6	Chennai School of Ship Management, Mambakkam, Chennai - 600 048.	Diploma Program in Marine Engineering
7	College of Engineering (Autonomous), Andhra University, Visakhapatnam - 530 003.	B.E. Naval Architecture, M.E. Hydraulic, Coastal & Harbour Engineering
8	Institute of Shipbuilding Technology, Vasco da Gama, Goa - 403 802.	4 Year diploma Program in Shipbuilding Engineering

It is a new field and is making tremendous advancements. It is our only frontier - we know less about the oceans than we do about the moon - so it is new and extremely rewarding. There is so much we have yet to learn about our oceans. Therefore, it is for sure that the career opportunities in this field will absolutely increase further.

There are not enough ocean scientists or engineers to meet all the demands of the day. Also, tomorrow's greatest discoveries in science, medicine and life knowledge will come from the oceans.

Skills for a Naval Architect

The Job and What's Involved

Naval architects are responsible for the design, construction and repair of ships, boats, other marine vessels and offshore structures, including:

• Merchant ships, e.g. oil/gas tankers, cargo ships and cruise liners.
• Passenger and vehicle ferries.
• Warships, eg frigates, destroyers and aircraft carriers.
• Amphibious ships, e.g. submarines, semi-submersibles and underwater vehicles.
• Offshore drilling platforms.
• High-speed craft, e.g. hovercraft, multi-hull ships and hydrofoil craft.
• Workboats, e.g. fishing vessels, tugs, pilot vessels and rescue craft.
• Yachts, power boats and other recreational craft.

Some of the craft they work on are very large and complex, and all craft have to be safe and seaworthy. Although engineering on this scale involves whole teams of professional engineers in their respective fields, it is the naval architect who is responsible for co-ordinating the whole project.

Actual work activities vary depending on the type of company, project and role of the architect. They might specialise in one area such as:

- Design
- Construction and repair
- Consultancy
- Research and development
- Regulation, surveying and overseeing

Their work may include:

• Preparing design plans of the architecture of the vessel and its layout, using computer software.
• Working with complex computer and 3D models to check specifications.
• Ensuring that the design meets safety standards and is seaworthy.
• Sourcing materials and equipment.
• Co-ordinating the construction or repair work.
• Evaluating the safety of ships and marine structures.

Naval architects tend to work normal office hours, but may need to work additional hours to meet deadlines. They may be required to travel to shipyards or docks and this could involve spending some time away from home, possibly overseas.

Shipyards, docks and marinas can be noisy and dirty, and work onboard a craft may involve time in the engine room or other areas where there can be fumes, heat and noise. It may be necessary to work outside during bad weather and rough seas.

Office-based design work can involve sitting at a computer for long periods, while work onboard a vessel can mean a lot of walking, bending and climbing.

When visiting construction or repair sites, it may be necessary to wear protective clothing.

Naval architects can be self-employed or work on a contract basis - especially in the small or high-speed craft sectors.

Starting salaries range from around £20,000 to £24,000 a year. The pay for self-employed architects varies depending on their experience, the particular projects they are involved in, and the amount of time they work.

Getting Started with this Career Choice

With the decline in shipbuilding in the UK over the past 20 years, there are fewer shipyards (only four large commercial shipyards are currently in operation), and so fewer openings for naval architects working specifically on new vessels. However, the remaining shipyards are now busy building specialist vessels, particularly for the offshore industry and the Royal Navy.

There are also many opportunities in the design and construction of small craft and yachts. This is an expanding area as a result of the long UK coastline, navigable rivers and canals. Most jobs are based in coastal cities or towns.

Some naval architects work as ship surveyors for the classification societies or the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), assessing the safety of marine structures and ships. There are now almost 50 classification societies around the world. The main companies have offices in the UK and overseas, so there are opportunities to work in a variety of locations. Many naval architects work abroad, often on large-scale projects outside of Europe.

In all areas, competition for jobs is fierce.

Posts may be advertised in journals such as The Naval Architect and Offshore Marine Technology. There are also recruitment and skills-matching agencies that specialise in marine and engineering posts.

Education and Training

A degree in an engineering subject is usually essential. Relevant degree courses include naval architecture, marine technology or other disciplines of engineering closely related to naval architecture.

Entry to degree courses is with at least five GCSE's/S grades (A-C/1-3) and two A levels/three H grades, including maths and physics, or equivalent qualifications.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) operates the Defence Engineering & Science Group (DESG) graduate scheme. The scheme gives science and engineering graduates training and work placements within a range of MOD departments.

School leavers may be able to train in marine engineering with the Royal Navy or Merchant Navy. Some organisations, including The Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA), offer scholarships to provide financial help during periods of study.

A Few More Exams You Might Need

A diploma or degree in naval architecture or a related subject is normally followed by four years training in design, engineering practice and management, before naval architects can become professionally qualified.

A Diploma will help you make a more informed choice about the type of learning that best suits you and about what kind of work or further study you may want to do afterwards.

Training is normally on the job. New recruits are usually given an individual training programme to meet their particular needs, and a senior engineer is often appointed to act as their mentor. Some companies run RINA and The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) accredited training programmes. A full list is available on the RINA and IMarEST websites.

With a sufficient period of training and enough experience, a naval architect can become a member of RINA and register with the Engineering Council UK (ECUK) as a chartered or incorporated engineer.

Autobiography of an Indian Naval Architect

Autobiography of an Indian Naval Architect

By Capt Mohan Ram (Indian Navy)

I came across this book, which was mailed to me by one of the readers of this blog site and I am not sure that the author has published it or not.

The book is an interesting read, though it doesn’t cover much that is relevant to the naval architecture field. The author Mohan Ram was an ex-captain in the Indian Navy and was one of the earliest officers to join the Corp of Naval Constructors of Indian Navy, which is an offshoot of Royal Corp of Naval Constructors (UK), after India got its independence. An alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, the author served the Indian Navy for a span of twenty five years. During this brief span the author had the distinction of serving in various capacities in the Dockyards and the Naval Design organizations. Though the author claims, he is one of the foremost naval architects of India, I am pretty sure that not many in the Naval Architectural world would have heard of him. He has not published any papers or made any theoretical contribution in the field of Naval Architecture. But considering the primitive state of naval architecture in India during those days, it is possibly true that the author could have been India’s foremost Naval Architect.

Notwithstanding the above, the book is an interesting read, especially from the point of historical development of India’s indigenous capabilities in the designing of ships.

The primitive state of Indian Navy’s Naval Architectural capabilities is brought out in one of the eureka moments which the author had……….

“ On a wet Saturday afternoon I was doodling on a piece of paper at home and idly wondered “what would happen, if I powered the new ship with the same power plant- two turbines of fifteen thousand horsepower each, without any change. How much would the speed drop? Was there any chance of convincing the naval staff that a small sacrifice in top speed would make the ship more economical and easier to construct?” I did a quick back-of-the envelope calculation to estimate the speed loss. To my utter surprise, the answer came out that the ship did not lose speed at all. On the contrary it would go a full knot faster, at 29 knots which the naval staff wanted! I checked the numbers again and again and could not find any mistakes in the calculation. I tried other methods for estimating the power required and found that the answer came out the same. I was elated. Perhaps this was a brilliant solution for meeting the navy’s requirement without any additional investment, using equipment being manufactured in India. I was so excited about my discovery that I could hardly sleep the whole weekend.”

“I rushed to the office on Monday and announced my discovery. No one believed me at first. I was greeted with a stony silence and most of my colleagues, thought that I had gone out of my head. I could not blame them, as my findings were totally counter-intuitive.”

“Without sounding too technical, let me simply explain how this came about. Further analysis revealed that at lower speeds the resistance to ships’ motion was primarily due to friction, in which the larger ship with about 20% greater wetted surface area (area exposed to the water) was at a disadvantage. Above 22 knots, the resistance to motion from wave making due to the ship cleaving through the sea became much more prominent than friction. If the interference between the waves created by the bow (front) of the ship and the stern (rear) of the ship were positive, resulting in a crest at the rear end, resistance due to wave making would be lower. If the interference between the bow and stern wave systems resulted in a trough at the stern, the resistance due to wave making would be higher. The interference is a function of a factor called Froude number, which relates the square of the speed of the ship to the length of the ship. In the case of the Leander at 28 knots, the interference caused a trough at the stern increasing the wave making resistance. But in the new longer ship, the interference resulted in a crest. This resulted in a lower wave resistance in the bigger ship, which more than compensated the increased drag due to greater area. Overall this led to the bigger ship going faster. Once we had done this detailed analysis the picture became a lot clearer. We also found that the same principle was being adopted in ‘jumboizing’ super tankers to by adding a new mid section, making the ships longer to carry more crude without losing speed.”

The very fact, that the obvious result that larger ships (of similar Geometric proportions) could have lesser resistance compared to ships of smaller length, because of the cancellation of the wave fields (a fact taught in the basic courses of Resistance of Ships), was such a shocking eye-opener to the Stalwarts of Indian Naval Architecture Community speaks volumes of their technical ignorance of Basic Naval Architecture and goes on to show that Mohan Ram, when he claims himself to be one of the foremost Naval architects of India, could indeed be speaking the truth.

The second half of the book deals with the author’s life as a non-practicing naval architect in the Indian Industry. Interesting, but not relevant to Naval Architects. The author claims that he was responsible for the turnaround of some loss making companies and offers some management platitudes.

“I expect this story to be of interest to senior managers of organizations facing severe competition and loss of market share and running into decline and sickness. It should provide useful insights, as it spans my experience of working in all three sectors, government, PSUs and the private sector. It should also be useful to academic institutions and students of management, as the book brings live Indian cases to light. Management consultants might find some of the events and solutions relevant and interesting. Multinational corporations and foreign institutional investors may find the narrative useful in getting a clearer understanding of the Indian psyche and corporate scene, some of its unique problems and possible approaches to their solutions.”

Overall a good book, especially for those in India in the Naval Architectural profession.

The book is not openly available in the internet as of date. I had read it, courtesy, one of my blog readers who had emailed it to me. He is one the members of a yahoo group called “Constructor County” which is a group which caters to the Naval Architecture Fraternity of India (only??? I am not sure).

However surprisingly while browsing the net, I found it here.

The author would have possibly uploaded it.

Other Options for a Naval Architect

Not interested in design??? But still interested in the field of Naval Architecture!!!!!

No Problems!!!!!

Here are the other options

Construction and Repair

The task of the ship and boat builder and offshore constructor is to convert drawings and detailed specifications into real structures. A Naval Architect specialising in construction usually holds a management post, taking responsibility for the management of the whole yard or for sections of it such as planning, production or the complex operation of fitting out. There is a continuous striving to make savings with existing techniques and equipment through the adoption of new processes and practices and by better training for the work force. The Naval Architect must also organise the supply of materials and components, inspection and testing as well as the vital resources of manpower.

Repair work has much in common with construction. Naval Architects in this field become professional managers who, like the builders, need to master modern management and associated techniques. Emergency repair work often offers opportunities for ingenuity and on-the-spot improvisation, and in the offshore engineering world in particular repair frequently involves underwater technology.

Employers of Naval Architects in construction and repair include both large and small shipbuilders and repairers, and those involved in the maintenance and repair of naval ships and submarines. A large proportion of senior technical managers and executives in the UK maritime industry are those who have been educated and trained as Naval Architects.

Consultancy

As consultants, Naval Architects provide clients with engineering solutions, technical and commercial guidance, support and project management for concept design studies, new vessel constructions, refits and conversions. The variety of work provides a rewarding challenge to the Naval Architect.

Marketing and Sales

Naval Architects are employed to give professional advice and technical support to customers of the maritime industry.

Operations

Many shipping companies have technical departments in which Naval Architects are responsible for the many phases of ship and equipment procurement and for solving problems affecting the economics of maritime operations.

Regulation, Surveying and Overseeing

Naval Architects employed by Classification Societies as Ship Surveyors are engaged world-wide in evaluating the safety of ships and marine structures using the Society's Rules and those of intergovernmental organisations such as the International Maritime Organisation. Plans of ships to be built and eventually classed with the Society are scrutinised, and aspects of design such as strength, stability, and lifesaving approved before construction.

During construction, Ship Surveyors carry out inspections to ensure that the quality of the workmanship and materials used is in accordance with the Rules and Regulations. Once the vessel or structure is in service, Ship Surveyors will continue to carry out inspections to ensure that any serious defects arising from operation are made good and that a safe and seaworthy structure is maintained. Government Departments employ Naval Architects who deal mainly with the framing of safety regulations and the surveying of ships and equipment from the safety point of view.

Ship operators and the Ministry of Defence employ Naval Architects to oversee the construction and repair of their vessels.

Research and Development

Maritime research in the UK enjoys a high reputation world-wide and Naval Architects, many with post-graduate qualifications, are engaged in research in universities and industry throughout the country. Classification Societies also devote resources to Research and Development employing Naval Architects in this field.

Education and Training

Careers in engineering demand a sound education. Consequently, there is a need to attract Naval Architects with above average qualifications into Universities and Colleges as professors and lecturers.

Creativity in Naval Architecture: Ship Design

Are You creative?????
Naval Architects are by necessity creative people. They must have an understanding of the many facets of ship design - function, appearance and especially important at sea, safety. They must be team leaders, able to integrate the inputs of many others to achieve a balanced and coherent whole. Apart from the architectural aspects of ship form and layout, they must be able to use complex mathematical and physical models to ensure that the design is satisfactory technically and that it meets the safety rules and standards laid down by Classification Societies and Government Agencies.

A ship, boat or offshore structure must be stable, seaworthy and have adequate strength in all weathers as well as the hydrodynamic (and, for sailing craft, aerodynamic) performance to give economic propulsion and safe and comfortable motion in all sea states. The design process demands the extensive employment of computer based information and communication systems.

Employers of Naval Architects involved in design work include ship and boat builders, offshore constructors, design consultants, and for the ships and submarines of the Royal Navy, the Ministry of Defence. Major equipment manufacturers also employ teams of engineers, including Naval Architects, on the design of such products as propulsion systems, auxiliary systems, subsea production systems and control systems.

Career Options for a Naval Architect

Naval Architects have a wide range of employment opportunities, both in the UK and world-wide. They are involved in such a wide variety of work that it is difficult to categorise it comprehensively. However, the main areas are as follows:

• Design
• Construction and Repair
• Consultancy
• Marketing and Sales
• Operations
• Regulation, Surveying and Overseeing
• Research and Development
• Education and Training
  

Each type of work has its own distinctive character and offers opportunities for initiative and imagination in a wide variety of technical and managerial posts as well as opportunities for foreign travel. The work place may be a large company, a small group, a consultancy or a government department.

Depending mainly on the type of qualifications held and personal inclination, Naval Architects may become specialists in one field or develop broad experience in several. Eventually they may find themselves in senior executive positions using their knowledge and experience of general management as well as their professional skills in engineering and project leadership. Indeed, aided by the breadth of their education, training and experience, professional Naval Architects are successful in top management posts in government, industry and commerce quite outside the maritime field.

What's so different about being a naval architect

Why be a Naval Architect?? ?

What's so special in being a naval architect???

Why can't I be a normal software nerd??? and be a millionaire???

Well here are the answers!!!!

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 - Fishing Vessels, Tugs, Pilot Vessels, Rescue Craft etc
• Yachts, Power Boats and other recreational craft
  

Some of these are among the largest and most complex and highly valued moveable structures produced by mankind. Without them to provide for the safe and efficient transport and recovery of the world's raw materials and products, modern society as we know it could not exist.

Modern engineering on this scale is essentially a team activity conducted by professional engineers in their respective fields and disciplines. However, it is the Naval Architect who integrates their activities and takes ultimate responsibility for the overall project. This demanding leadership role requires managerial qualities and ability to bring together the often conflicting demands of the various professional engineering disciplines involved to produce a product which is "fit for the purpose".

In addition to this vital managerial role, the Naval Architect has also a specialist function in ensuring that a safe, economic and seaworthy design is produced.

To undertake all these tasks the Naval Architect must have an understanding of many branches of engineering and must be in the forefront of high technology areas such as computer aided design and calculation. He or she must be able to utilise effectively the services provided by scientists, lawyers, accountants and business people of many kinds.

A Naval Architect requires a creative, enquiring and logical mind; the ability to communicate clearly in speech and writing with others inside and outside the engineering profession; sound judgment and qualities of leadership. The education and training given to the Naval Architect are designed to develop these skills and to lead him or her to recognised qualifications and professional status.