Career Information

What are the
Career Opportunities?

People trained in the fields of Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, and Ocean Engineering are always in demand. In today’s world of increasing international trade, amid growing awareness of our environment, and concern about maritime security and national defense, naval architects, marine engineers and ocean engineers are essential. They design, build and operate vessels to transport and protect people and goods; they design all types of ocean structures. Maritime trade, national defense, environmental protection and security are not temporary concerns, but permanent responsibilities. The demand for maritime professionals will continue to increase.

Did you know that over 95% of the world’s goods arrive at their destination by ship? That ferries are more efficient than any other form of public transportation? That a principal mission of the Navy is the protection of sea lanes and merchant ships? That the merchant marine is considered the fourth arm of our national defense?

As today’s society becomes ever more a global marketplace, the need for better, safer, more efficient, environmentally friendly technology will continue to increase, and a career in the maritime industry will be challenging and keep you at the forefront of technology.

Whether your interest lies in commercial shipping, high-speed passenger transportation, naval ships, submersibles, pleasure yachts, sailboats, cruise ships, aircraft carriers, fishing vessels, oil rigs, or the development of undersea resources, you can have the opportunity for a career in a dynamic, technologically challenging work environment with the possibility of travel, and with a bright future. You might work in a shipyard, aboard ship, on an oilrig, in a traditional office, or a combination of several or all of these activities. It’s all up to you.

Recent statistics indicate that today’s professionals will change careers at least three times during their working lives. A career in the maritime industry offers such diversity that you can change careers many times and stay in the same industry! Young professionals beginning their careers as naval architects, marine engineers or ocean engineers can attain top management and leadership positions within the marine industry…and they get to play with lots of “cool toys.”

What do they do?

Naval architects, marine engineers, and ocean engineers design, build, operate and maintain ships and other waterborne vehicles and ocean structures as diverse as aircraft carriers, submarines, sailboats, tankers, tugboats, yachts, underwater robots, and oil rigs. These professions are interrelated, and all address our use of the seas, coastal waterways, lakes and rivers. They involve a variety of engineering and physical science skills, including hydrodynamics, material science, and mechanical, civil, electrical, chemical and ocean engineering.

Naval Architect - Naval Architects are involved with basic ship design, hull forms and arrangements, power requirements, structure, and stability. Some naval architects work in design offices, others in shipyards supervising ship construction, conversion and maintenance, Others design and build yachts or pleasure craft, and some work in the offices of ship owners, regulatory agencies and government departments.

Marine Engineer - Marine engineers are responsible for all of the systems aboard a ship or ocean structure. They design and/or select ships’ machinery, which may include diesel engines, steam turbines, gas turbines, or nuclear reactors. They are also responsible for the design of mechanical, electrical, fluid, and control systems. Some marine engineers serve aboard ships to operate and maintain these systems.

Ocean Engineer - Ocean engineers study the ocean environment on the surface and beneath the ocean to determine its effects on ships and other marine vehicles and structures. Ocean engineers may design and operate stationary ocean platforms, or manned or remote-operated sub-surface vehicles used for deep-sea exploration and resource recovery. An ocean engineer, Dr. Robert Ballard, located the wreckage of the Titanic!

What kind of education is needed?

If you’re in high school and are considering this field, you must have a solid background in math, science and communications. You should take courses that include trigonometry, calculus, physics and chemistry. Language skills, especially writing skills, are essential. Computer training, mechanical drawing, and shop courses are helpful too.

Most naval architects, marine engineers and ocean engineers have degrees in naval architecture, marine engineering or ocean engineering. Other engineering degrees may be accepted as well, with further education.