Career Search

Popular Online Degree Programs

EarnMyDegree.com Newsletter

Sign up for our
newsletter!

your email address:

Marine Architects

Career Overview

Career Description: Design and oversee construction and repair of marine craft and floating structures such as ships, barges, tugs, dredges, submarines, torpedoes, floats, and buoys. May confer with marine engineers.

Industry: Architecture and Engineering

Other Job Titles for Marine Architects:

  • Aerospace Engineers
  • Civil Engineers
  • Materials Engineers
  • Mechanical Engineers
  • Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
  • Petroleum Engineers
  • Electrical Drafters
  • Mechanical Drafters
  • Electrical Engineering Technicians
  • Mechanical Engineering Technicians
Get Qualified!
This career may require a Degree in Technology.

Personality Profile

  • Realistic: Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
  • Investigative: Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
  • Artistic: Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
  • Social: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
  • Enterprising: Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
  • Conventional: Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
  • First Interest High-Point: Primary-Rank Descriptiveness
  • Second Interest High-Point: Secondary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness
  • Third Interest High-Point: Tertiary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness

Common Work Tasks

  • Design complete hull and superstructure according to specifications and test data, in conformity with standards of safety, efficiency, and economy.
  • Design layout of craft interior, including cargo space, passenger compartments, ladder wells, and elevators.
  • Study design proposals and specifications to establish basic characteristics of craft, such as size, weight, speed, propulsion, displacement, and draft.
  • Confer with marine engineering personnel to establish arrangement of boiler room equipment and propulsion machinery, heating and ventilating systems, refrigeration equipment, piping, and other functional equipment.
  • Evaluate performance of craft during dock and sea trials to determine design changes and conformance with national and international standards.
  • Oversee construction and testing of prototype in model basin and develop sectional and waterline curves of hull to establish center of gravity, ideal hull form, and buoyancy and stability data.
  • Lay out and match aerial photographs in sequences in which they were taken, and identify any areas missing from photographs.
  • Compare topographical features and contour lines with images from aerial photographs, old maps, and other reference materials to verify the accuracy of their identification.
  • Compute and measure scaled distances between reference points to establish relative positions of adjoining prints and enable the creation of photographic mosaics.
  • Research resources such as survey maps and legal descriptions to verify property lines and to obtain information needed for mapping.
  • Form three-dimensional images of aerial photographs taken from different locations, using mathematical techniques and plotting instruments.
  • Enter Global Positioning System (GPS) data, legal deeds, field notes, and land survey reports into geographic information system (GIS) workstations so that information can be transformed into graphic land descriptions, such as maps and drawings.
  • Analyze aerial photographs to detect and interpret significant military, industrial, resource, or topographical data.
  • Redraw and correct maps, such as revising parcel maps, to reflect tax code area changes, using information from official records and surveys.
  • Train staff members in duties such as tax mapping, the use of computerized mapping equipment, and the interpretation of source documents.
  • Research and combine existing property information to describe property boundaries in relation to adjacent properties, taking into account parcel splits, combinations, and land boundary adjustments.
  • Supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in plotting data, drafting maps, or producing blueprints, photostats, and photographs.
  • Create survey description pages and historical records related to the mapping activities and specifications of section plats.
  • Calculate latitudes, longitudes, angles, areas, and other information for mapmaking, using survey field notes and reference tables.
  • Identify, research, and resolve anomalies in legal land descriptions, referring issues to title and survey experts as appropriate.
  • Complete detailed source and method notes detailing the location of routine and complex land parcels.
  • Answer questions and provide information to the public and to staff members regarding assessment maps, surveys, boundaries, easements, property ownership, roads, zoning, and similar matters.
  • Trim, align, and join prints to form photographic mosaics, maintaining scaled distances between reference points.
  • Produce presentations of surface and mineral ownership layers by interpreting legal survey plans.
  • Design and supervise the development of systems processes or equipment for control, management, or remediation of water, air, or soil quality.

Emerging Tasks

  • Conduct stability analyses of ships.
  • Seek new work opportunities through marketing and writing proposals.
  • Estimate production costs, cost saving methods, and the effects of product design changes on expenditures for management review, action, and control.
  • Keep documentation of service histories on all biomedical equipment.
  • Manage team of engineers by creating schedules, tracking inventory, creating and utilizing budgets, and overseeing contract obligations and deadlines.
  • Write documents describing protocols, policies, standards for use, maintenance, and repair of medical equipment.

Work Activities

  • Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
  • Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
  • Communicating with Persons Outside Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  • Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
  • Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
  • Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Interacting With Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  • Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
  • Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
  • Performing General Physical Activities: Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
  • Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Provide Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment: Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment: Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
  • Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  • Selling or Influencing Others: Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
  • Staffing Organizational Units: Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
  • Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
  • Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Get Qualified!
This career may require a Degree in Technology.

Detailed Work Activities

  • advise clients or customers
  • advise clients regarding engineering problems
  • analyze engineering design problems
  • analyze engineering test data
  • analyze project proposal to determine feasibility, cost, or time
  • analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
  • analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
  • analyze test data
  • assign work to staff or employees
  • collect scientific or technical data
  • communicate technical information
  • compile numerical or statistical data
  • conduct performance testing
  • confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
  • convert design specifications to cost estimates
  • coordinate engineering project activities
  • create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
  • delegate authority for engineering activities
  • design construction projects
  • design office layout
  • develop mathematical simulation models
  • develop or maintain databases
  • develop plans for programs or projects
  • develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
  • develop tables depicting data
  • direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
  • direct personnel in support of engineering activities
  • draw prototypes, plans, or maps to scale
  • estimate time needed for project
  • evaluate costs of engineering projects
  • evaluate engineering data
  • evaluate product design
  • explain complex mathematical information
  • inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
  • lead teams in engineering projects
  • obtain information from individuals
  • plan construction of structures or facilities
  • plan testing of engineering methods
  • prepare reports
  • prepare technical reports or related documentation
  • read blueprints
  • read technical drawings
  • recognize construction industry codes or symbols on blueprints
  • resolve engineering or science problems
  • supervise engineering managers or staff
  • test equipment as part of engineering projects or processes
  • understand construction specifications
  • understand engineering data or reports
  • understand government construction contracting regulations
  • use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
  • use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
  • use creativity in designing interior spaces
  • use creativity in graphics
  • use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
  • use field notes in technical drawings
  • use government regulations
  • use graphic arts techniques
  • use knowledge of regulations in surveying or construction activities
  • use library or online Internet research techniques
  • use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
  • use project management techniques
  • use relational database software
  • use spreadsheet software
  • use technical regulations for engineering problems
  • use word processing or desktop publishing software
  • work as a team member
  • write product performance requirements
  • use intuitive judgment for engineering analyses
  • use knowledge of investigation techniques
  • use knowledge of regulations in surveying or construction activities
  • use land surveying techniques
  • use library or online Internet research techniques
  • use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
  • use pollution control techniques
  • use project management techniques
  • use quantitative research methods
  • use relational database software
  • use research methodology procedures within manufacturing or commerce
  • use scientific research methodology
  • use spreadsheet software
  • use technical regulations for engineering problems
  • use word processing or desktop publishing software
  • work as a team member
  • write business project or bid proposals
  • use knowledge of investigation techniques
  • use knowledge of laser technology
  • use library or online Internet research techniques
  • use long or short term production planning techniques
  • use machining operations with semiconductor chip forming technology
  • use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
  • use pollution control techniques
  • use project management techniques
  • use quality assurance techniques
  • use quantitative research methods
  • use relational database software
  • use research methodology procedures within manufacturing or commerce
  • use robotics systems technology
  • use scientific research methodology
  • use spreadsheet software
  • use technical information in manufacturing or industrial activities
  • use technical regulations for engineering problems
  • use total quality management practices
  • use word processing or desktop publishing software
  • work as a team member
  • write business project or bid proposals
  • write product performance requirements

Tools & Technology Used on the Job

  • 3D Nature LLC Visual Nature Studio
  • 3D Nature LLC World Construction Set
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Writer
  • Autodesk 3d Studio Viz
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Blue Sky
  • Autodesk AutoCAD MAP3D
  • Autodesk Land Desktop
  • Bentley InRoads
  • Bentley MicroStation
  • CARIS software
  • Carlson SurvCADD
  • Computer aided design CAD software
  • Database software
  • Desktop computers
  • Digital cameras
  • Digital elevation model DEM software
  • Digitizers
  • Drafting compasses
  • Drafting kits
  • Drafting templates
  • Engineering scales
  • ESRI ArcCatalog
  • ESRI ArcEditor
  • ESRI ArcGIS (analytical or scientific feature)
  • ESRI ArcGIS (map creation feature)
  • ESRI ArcGIS Spatial Analyst
  • ESRI ArcIMS
  • ESRI ArcInfo
  • ESRI ArcSDE
  • ESRI ArcToolbox
  • ESRI ArcView
  • ESRI ArcView 3D Analyst
  • ESRI Maplex
  • ESRI MapObjects
  • ESRI Personal Geodatabase
  • Global positioning system GPS devices
  • Graphic software
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • IMAGINE OrthoBASE
  • Intergraph software
  • JavaScript
  • Laser printers
  • Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE
  • Leica photogrammetry suite LPS software
  • Macromedia Freehand
  • MapInfo software
  • Mapping software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft Office Visio
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript
  • MicroSurvey software
  • Notebook computers
  • Oracle software
  • PCI Geomatics eCognition
  • PCI Geomatics software
  • Personal computers
  • Plotters
  • Pocket personal computers PC
  • Protractors
  • QuarkXpress Passport
  • RockWare ArcMap
  • Scanners
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Tablet computers
  • Triangles for drafting
  • Trimble GPS Pathfinder
  • Trimble GPS software
  • Trimble TerraSync
  • Tripod Data Systems COGO
  • T-squares
  • Web browser software
  • Respiratory flow rate meters
  • Roof support design software
  • Root cause analysis software
  • Safety integrity level SIL software
  • Safety, health, and environmental management software
  • Sampling probes
  • Sampling pumps
  • Sorbent dosimeters
  • Sorbent tubes
  • Sound level meters
  • Static strength prediction software
  • Strain gauges
  • Strength evaluation systems
  • Survey software
  • Temperature probes
  • Three-dimensional laser scanners
  • Torque gauges
  • Torsionmeters
  • Velometers
  • Vibration analysis devices
  • Vibration analysis software
  • Virtual interaction simulator software
  • Volatile organic compound VOC measurement devices
  • SAS software
  • Signal generators
  • SolidWorks CAD
  • Sound level calibrators
  • Sound level meters
  • StatGraphics software
  • Statistical analysis software
  • Stratasys FDM MedModeler
  • Sun Microsystems Java
  • Task analysis software
  • Tensile testing machines
  • The Mathworks MATLAB
  • Thermocouples
  • Three-dimensional simulation translation software
  • Time and motion analysis software
  • Time delay relay panel boxes
  • Torsionmeters
  • UGS Jack
  • UGS Solid Edge
  • User interface design software
  • Variable frequency drives VFD
  • Vibration tables
  • Warehouse management software
  • Windward Technologies GRG2
  • Wolfram Research Mathematica
  • Workcell simulation software
  • Yield management systems
  • Stormwater samplers
  • Supercritical fluid extractors
  • Surface area analyzers
  • The Mathworks MATLAB
  • Thermal conductivity detectors
  • Thermal/catalytic oxidizers TCO
  • Thermocouples
  • Total organic carbon TOC analyzers
  • Trace metal analyzers
  • Ultraviolet UV light detectors
  • Universal fractionators
  • WAM software
  • Waste management software
  • Water flow modeling software
  • Water level gauges
  • Water purification systems
  • Wave gauges
  • Whole air canisters
  • Wind flow modeling software
  • XP Software XPSWMM
  • Peristaltic pumps
  • PerkinElmer Turbochrom
  • Personal computers
  • pH meters
  • Phase contrast microscopes
  • Photogrammetric software
  • Photometers
  • Plasma spectrometers
  • Polymerase chain reaction PCR equipment
  • Potentiostats
  • Presentation software
  • Protective clothing
  • Proton nuclear magnetic resonance NMR spectrometers
  • Python
  • Reciprocating pumps
  • Refrigerated centrifuges
  • Regulatory compliance management software
  • Respirators
  • Respirometers
  • RockWare MODFLOW
  • Rockwell Automation Arena
  • Rotavapors
  • SAS software
  • Scanning microscopes
  • Scanning probe microscopes
  • Scientific Software Group MIGRATE
  • Scintillation counters
  • Simulation software
  • Simultaneous static and dynamic light scattering systems
  • Single particle spectroscopes
  • Site remediation management software
  • Slam software
  • SofTech CADRA
  • Soil carbon-nitrogen CN analyzers
  • Soil expansion testers
  • Soil mapping software
  • Soil particle size testers
  • Soil permeability testers
  • Soil samplers
  • Soil vapor sampling equipment
  • Specific ion probes
  • Spectrofluorimeters
  • Spectrophotometers
  • Spreadsheet software
  • Statistical analysis software
  • Sterilizer chambers
  • Stirrers
  • Stochastic modeling software
  • Stormwater runoff modeling software
  • Streaming current detectors
  • Supercritical fluid extractors
  • Surface area analyzers
  • Test tubes
  • The Mathworks MATLAB
  • Thermal conductivity detectors
  • Thermal indoor climate simulation software
  • Thermocouples
  • Titration equipment
  • Titrimeters
  • Total internal reflection microscopes
  • Total organic carbon TOC analyzers
  • Total organic halide analyzers
  • Toxicity analyzers
  • Tracer gas detectors
  • Tractor mounted drill rigs
  • Transmission electron microscopes
  • Turbidity meters
  • Two-vortex mixers
  • Ultrafiltration cells
  • Ultrasonic cleaners
  • Ultraviolet UV spectrometers
  • Universal fractionators
  • Vacuum pumps
  • Video microscopes
  • Visible spectrometers
  • Visual MODFLOW Pro
  • WAM software
  • Waste management software
  • Water baths
  • Water distillation units
  • Water flow modeling software
  • Water level meters
  • Water quality monitors for fieldwork
  • Water sampling equipment
  • Water sampling pumps
  • Water treatment systems for producing ultrapure water
  • Wind flow modeling software
  • Wolfram Research Mathematica
  • Word processing software
  • XP Software XPSWMM
  • Zeta meters

Education, Training & Experience

Overall Experience
A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Education
Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Examples
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include accountants, human resource managers, computer programmers, teachers, chemists, and police detectives.

Salary & Wages

  • n/a

Projected Employment Growth

  • Projected growth (2006-2016): 10.91%
  • Projected need (2006-2016): 1,003
  • Employment (2006): 9,196
Get Qualified!
This career may require a Degree in Technology.

Related Occupations