Naval architect : Training

After graduation, you will usually spend around four years in the workplace, gaining experience and further training in design, engineering practice and management, before applying for chartered status to become a fully qualified naval architect. The length of training may vary depending on:

• academic qualifications;
• previous experience;
• the type of professional status sought.

Some companies offer training programmes which have been accredited by The Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA)  and the RINA can also provide support in developing an individual training programme if a company programme is not available. When the company or individual training programme has been agreed, a senior engineer may be appointed to act as a mentor.

Naval architects should be prepared to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances and to take advantage of new career opportunities as they arise. Continuing professional development (CPD) is therefore essential and can be achieved through courses and conferences organised by the RINA and other engineering professional institutions or organisations in areas such as:

• new technologies;
• management systems;
• communication;
• business.

Naval architects also keep up to date by reading technical journals and papers published by professional institutions.