The United States has had a rich and productive shipbuilding tradition that predates its nationhood and has enjoyed many notable successes. Very shortly after its independence, the U.S. ranked as a world leader in shipbuilding. Later, American steamships would capture world attention and, along with British developments, would sound the death knell of wind-powered sailing ships. On the inland waterways, paddle wheel steamboats reflected the charm and tradition of nineteenth-century rural America. Likewise, Canada has a strong shipbuilding tradition; the Versatile Pacific Shipyards in North Vancouver are but one example.
The development of the submarine represents a genuine American success story. Pioneered during the American Revolution, bolstered by Confederate technology during the Civil War, and presently exemplified by nuclear-powered denizens of the deep, the submarine reflects true American ingenuity.
Shipyards were again put to the test during World War II, when more than five thousand vessels were produced for the war effort. More recently, American shipyards have suffered from neglect. Many now emphasize repair as opposed to construction. Typical is Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock Corporation (NORSHIPCO), one of North America's leading ship repair complexes located at the port of Hampton Roads in Virginia.
- Preliminary design phase. Today's crafts workers rely heavily on computer-aided design throughout the construction process.
- Contract award. This marks the initiation of the shipbuilding process; it means that a particular shipbuilding company has been designated by the purchaser to build the ship.
- Ship start. Approximately seven months from the awarding of the contract, metal is cut. Prior to this, however, months have been spent in ship design by naval architects, marine engineers, drafters, and others. Additionally, plans have been made for expansion of the labor force, purchase of equipment, and sequence of construction.
- Slab start. The first metal cutting is fitted together into modules. Simultaneously, piping, ducts, and wiring are started.
- Keel laying. The keel formally serves as the backbone of the ship, and a ceremony accompanies its laying. This usually takes place seven months from slab start. Following this, the hull construction continues as each section is added to the vessel.
- The launch. The first test of a ship comes at launching, when it is about 80 percent completed. With great ceremony, a bottle of champagne is broken on the ship's prow and the ship slides into the water or is floated in dry dock.
- Dry-docking. Following the launch, the ship moves to its outfitting dock for installation of its remaining systems and equipment. While in dry dock, the hull is inspected for seepage or leaks. Dry-docking consists of placing the vessel in a floating structure that permits access to the underwater portion for inspection, cleaning, and repairs.
- Light off. This step occurs when the boiler, engines, and generators are ready to be run and tested.
- Builder's trials. After the launching and outfitting, the ship undergoes a series of tests at sea. A crew-along with personnel from the shipbuilder's office-conducts this shake-down cruise.
- Acceptance trials. Experts representing the supplier and the purchaser inspect, examine, and test the ship and its systems. The inspectors put together a list of the ship's deficiencies. During the following weeks corrections are made.
- Delivery. Once the purchasing company is satisfied, delivery is made. The purchaser may make certain enhancements.
The total amount of time involved in the shipbuilding process may be less than a year for a small vessel. For the largest super-tanker, construction may take two and a half years, or more.
The relationship between the builder and the purchaser continues until the expiration of all items under warranty. Deficiencies related to faulty yard work will be corrected.
The modern American shipbuilding industry constructs ships with a very high level of sophistication. The majority of the industry's employees fall into the category of professional or highly skilled men and women. The following are examples of some of these maritime professionals.
NAVAL ARCHITECTS
Naval architects prepare designs, specifications, and working plans for commercial merchant vessels, naval ships, docks, oil-drilling rigs, and marine facilities often in cooperation with civil engineers. They make cost estimates and supervise the construction of the ship. They advise on problems occurring during building or repair. Naval architects should emphasize the sciences, mathematics, computer programming, and mechanical drawing. Good communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills are essential to this work because of the diversity of planning and teamwork required. Emphasis of college courses should be in marine engineering or naval architecture, possibly with graduate work in similar areas or in business. Consult your school counselor and college guides for a list of colleges that offer course work in this area.
One of the world's most unique colleges, Webb Institute, located in Glen Cove, Long Island, New York, offers a Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture. All undergraduate students attend the college on scholarship and placement following graduation is 100 percent! It also offers a degree in marine engineering.
Typical of the specialized and sophisticated courses taken by students of Webb Institute's naval architecture programs are the following:
Naval Architecture HI-Ship Resistance and Propulsion
Wake fraction, thrust deduction, and propulsive coefficient are presented, and the screw propeller is considered as a propulsion device.
Naval Architecture Vll-Ship Design I
The design of a ship to meet a specific set of owner's requirements is undertaken. Principal dimensions, form characteristics, powering, stability, freeboard, and capacity are all considered.
Working conditions, salary, and fringe benefits are attractive. Those interested should be able to meet deadlines, concentrate for long periods of time, lead others, make decisions, and exercise patience.
The employment outlook is generally good; new developments in ship construction and maintenance contribute to opening new doors. Private shipbuilders, the federal government (Navy), and naval architecture and marine engineering consulting firms are the main employers.
Architectural programs do exist for boats. The yacht and small craft curriculum at Chapman School of Seamanship (Stuart, Florida) has courses such as "Hull Design and Construction," "Propulsion and Auxiliary Systems," "Support Systems," and others.
See the following articles for more information:
- Find Your Calling: A Checklist
- 5 Ways To Build Your Career Outside of the Office
- How To Impress Your Interviewer When Making a Career Change
- 5 Tips For Successful Networking
