Description
The mechanics involved in boats and ships. Understand the technicalities and participate in discussions over related topics in order to solve problems related to the mechanics.
Alternative labels
boat mechanics
mechanics of a vessel
mechanics of ships
vessels’ mechanics
ship mechanics
mechanics of boats
Skill type
knowledge
Skill reusability level
sector-specific
Relationships with occupations
Essential knowledge
Mechanics of vessels is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:
Marine engineering technician: Marine engineering technicians carry out technical functions to help marine engineers with the design, development, manufacturing and testing processes, installation and maintenance of all types of boats from pleasure crafts to naval vessels, including submarines. They also conduct experiments, collect and analyse data and report their findings.
Marine electronics technician: Marine electronics technicians lay out, install and repair electronic systems and equipment in vessels. They assemble electronic components and wiring according to blueprints and assembly drawings.
Vessel assembly supervisor: Vessel assembly supervisors coordinate the employees involved in boat and ship manufacturing and schedule their activities. They prepare production reports and recommend measures to reduce the cost and improve productivity. Vessel assembly supervisors train employees in company policies, job duties and safety measures. They check compliance with applied working procedures and engineering. Vessel assembly supervisors oversee the supplies and communicate with other departments to avoid unnecessary interruptions of the production process.
Boat rigger: Boat riggers use hand and power tools to install motors, gauges, controls and accessories such as batteries, lights, fuel tanks and ignition switches. They also perform pre-delivery inspections.
Marine engineering drafter: Marine engineering drafters convert the marine engineers’ designs into technical drawings usually using software. Their drawings detail dimensions, fastening and assembling methods and other specifications used in the manufacture of all types of boats from pleasure crafts to naval vessels, including submarines.
Vessel steering instructor: Vessel steering instructors teach people the theory and practice of how to operate a vessel safely and according to regulations. They assist students in developing the skills needed to steer and prepare them for the driving theory and the driving examinations. They may also supervise driving examinations.
Fisheries refrigeration engineer: Fisheries refrigeration engineers perform maintenance and repair machines and equipment in the fish hold and refrigeration system on board of fishing vessels.
Marine surveyor: Marine surveyors inspect vessels intended for operations in maritime or open sea waters. They ensure that vessels and equipment follow the regulations laid down by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). They may also act as third parties for the review of offshore facilities and construction projects.
Naval architect: Naval architects design, build, maintain and repair all types of boats from pleasure crafts to naval vessels, including submarines. They analyse floating structures and take various features into account for their designs such as the form, structure, stability, resistance, access and propulsion of hulls.
Marine mechanic: Marine mechanics are in charge of the engines and mechanical parts of the vessel and replace defective equipment and parts. They communicate with other crew members on the operational level. Marine mechanics maintain and repair the engines and the other machinery of vessels such as boilers, generators and electrical equipment.
Vessel engine assembler: Vessel engine assemblers build and install prefabricated parts to form engines used for all types of vessels such as electric motors, nuclear reactors, gas turbine engines, outboard motors, two-stroke or four-stroke diesel engines and, in some cases, marine steam engines. They review specifications and technical drawings to determine materials and assembly instructions. They inspect and test the engines and reject malfunctioning components.
Shipwright: Shipwrights build and repair small type of water vessels from pleasure craft to naval vessels. They prepare preliminary sketches and create templates. They use hand and power tools to construct smaller boat themselves or supervise a team of shipbuilders. They also construct cradles and slipways for the ship’s construction, transportation, launching and slipping. Depending on the vessels, they might work with different materials such as metal, wood, fibreglass, aluminium etc.
Marine electrician: Marine electricians install, maintain and repair electrical and electronic systems in vessels such as air conditioning systems, lamps, radios, heating systems, batteries, electrical wiring and alternators. They use diagnostic testing equipment to inspect vessels and find faults. To do repair work, they use hand tools and specialised electrical instruments and machines.
Vessel assembly inspector: Vessel assembly inspectors use measuring and testing equipment to inspect and monitor boat and ship assemblies to ensure conformity to engineering specifications and to safety standards and regulations. They examine the assemblies to detect malfunction and damage and check repair work. They also provide detailed inspection documentation and recommend action where problems were discovered.
Marine engineer: Marine engineers design, build, maintain and repair the hull, mechanical, electronic equipment and auxiliary systems such as engines, pumps, heating, ventilation, generator sets. They work on all types of boats from pleasure crafts to naval vessels, including submarines.
Vessel engine inspector: Vessel engine inspectors inspect ship and boat engines such as electric motors, nuclear reactors, gas turbine engines, outboard motors, two-stroke or four-stroke diesel engines, LNG, fuel dual engines and, in some cases, marine steam engines in assembly facilities to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations. They conduct routine, post-overhaul, pre-availability and post-casualty inspections. They provide documentation for repair activities and technical support to maintenance and repair centres. They review administrative records, analyse the operating performance of engines and report their findings.
Vessel engine tester: Vessel engine testers test the performance of vessel engines such as electric motors, nuclear reactors, gas turbine engines, outboard motors, two-stroke or four-stroke diesel engines, LNG, dual fuel engines and, in some cases, marine steam engines in specialised facilities such as laboratories. They position or give directions to workers positioning engines on the test stand. They use hand tools and machinery to position and connect the engine to the test stand. They use computerised equipment to enter, read and record test data such as temperature, speed, fuel consumption, oil and exhaust pressure.
Optional knowledge
Mechanics of vessels is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.
Diesel engine mechanic: Diesel engine mechanics repair and maintain all types of diesel engines. They use hand tools, precision measuring instruments, and machine tools to diagnose trouble, disassemble engines, and to examine and exchange parts of defect and excessive wear.
Marine upholsterer: Marine upholsterers manufacture, assemble and repair interior components for all types of boats. They use power tools, hand tools and shop equipment to prepare and fasten materials and apply finishes. They also inspect incoming materials and prepare the boat interior for new components.
Mechanical engineer: Mechanical engineers research, plan and design mechanical products and systems and supervise the fabrication, operation, application, installation and repair of systems and products. They research and analyse data.
Product assembly inspector: Product assembly inspectors evaluate products for compliance with specifications and defects in-line with clients’ requirements and organisational policies. They use measuring and testing equipment to ensure conformity to engineering and manufacturing specifications, quality, and safety standards and regulations. They also provide detailed inspection documentation and recommend action where problems are discovered.
Welder:
Welders operate welding equipment in order to join metal workpieces together. They can use fusion welding processes based on different techniques and materials. They also perform simple visual inspection of welds.
Firefighter: Firefighters are responsible for emergency response in case of a fire outbreak or other hazardous situations. They oversee the evacuation of the endangered premises and ensure victims are rescued and taken care of by the appropriate professionals. Once the premises are clear of victims, they ensure the fire is extinguished, compliant with health and safety regulations. They also regulate the clean-up of the scene and assess the damage.
Transport technology vocational teacher: Transport technology vocational teachers instruct students in their specialised field of study, transport technology, which is predominantly practical in nature. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master for a transport technology-related profession, such as automotive brake technician. Transport technology vocational teachers monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the subject of transport technology through assignments, tests and examinations.
Marine firefighter: Marine firefighters are responsible for emergency response in case of a fire outbreak or other hazardous situations in marine environments. They actively respond to contain fires and the outbreak of other hazardous on vessels, docks and other marine facilities. They ensure the marine installation complies with health and safety regulations. They also regulate the clean-up of the scene and assess the damage.
Aerodynamics engineer: Aerodynamics engineers perform aerodynamics analysis to make sure the designs of transport equipment meet aerodynamics and performance requirements. They contribute to designing engine and engine components, and issue technical reports for the engineering staff and customers. They coordinate with other engineering departments to check that designs perform as specified. Aerodynamics engineers conduct research to assess adaptability of equipment and materials. They also analyse proposals to evaluate production time and feasibility.
Drafter: Drafters prepare and create technical drawings using a special software or manual techniques, to show how something is built or works.
Material stress analyst: Material stress analysts plan and use software to perform structural analyses including static, stability and fatigue analyses on a variety of machines. They develop analysis of primary and secondary structures. They prepare technical reports to document their analysis results, participate in design reviews and recommend process improvements. They also assist in the development of structural test plans.
Driving instructor: Driving instructors teach people the theory and practice on how to operate a vehicle safely and according to regulations. They assist students in developing the skills needed to drive and prepare them for the driving theory and the driving examination. They may also supervise driving examinations.
Marine chief engineer: Marine chief engineers are responsible for the entire technical operations of the vessel including engineering, electrical, and mechanical divisions. They are the head of the entire engine department aboard the ship. They have overall responsibility for all technical operations and equipment on-board the ship. Marine chief engineers collaborate on security, survival and health care on board, observe the national and international standards of application.
References
- Mechanics of vessels – ESCO