How to Become a Marine Architect

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Search for a marine career college program that relates to architecture if you are unable to find a suitable marine architecture program.

   Some related programs include:
   Applied Marine Physics.
   
   Applied Ocean Science.
   
   Coastal and Oceanographic Engineering.
   
   Coastal Engineering.
   
   Naval Architecture.
2. 2

   Step 2: Go the marine engineering route if you prefer.

   Marine architecture and engineering overlap in many ways.
   
   Some marine engineering programs are:
   Ocean Engineering or Mechanical and Ocean Engineering.
   
   Marine Engineering.
   
   Naval Engineering.
   
   Ocean and Resources Engineering.
   
   Physical Ocean Science & Engineering.
   
   Water Resources Engineering.
   
   Structural Engineering. , More than 94 percent of marine architects have at least some college and most have a degree.
   
   Include mathematics and statistics in your studies. , Marine architects are particularly needed by:
   United States Coast Guard.
   
   United States Navy.
   
   Naval Sea Systems Command. , Good oral and written communication skills are a must.
   
   Technical writing skills are important and include product performance requirements.
   
   Teamwork is an integral part of a marine architect's job. , Specialized software is used in drafting and drawing prototypes. , These concepts further affect the design of propulsion machinery, piping, heating and ventilation and boiler rooms.
   
   Gather and analyze scientific data on the effect of size, draft and displacement. , Reading blueprints and other technical drawings with accuracy and comprehension is invaluable. , Safety and efficiency are key concepts for those working in marine or naval architecture. , licensure.
   
   The PERC course is offered only once per year, but 98 percent of those who take the course pass the P.E. exam. ,
3. 3

   Step 3: Earn a college degree.

4. 4

   Step 4: Apply for a job with a private company or with the U.S. military.

5. 5

   Step 5: Discuss construction data and needs with other marine engineers and architects.

6. 6

   Step 6: Use computers and other technology in marine design.

7. 7

   Step 7: Understand physics and marine engineering concepts to incorporate buoyancy and stability factors into designs.

8. 8

   Step 8: Test designs and build models according to national and international standards.

9. 9

   Step 9: Supervise construction of the building of marine crafts according to marine architecture specifications.

10. 10

    Step 10: Take the Professional Engineer Review Course (PERC) offered by the Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers (SNAME) if you plan on pursuing Professional Engineer (P.E.)

11. 11

    Step 11: Pursue a graduate degree in a marine engineering or architecture if you are interested in teaching or research and development.

Detailed Guide

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