Marine Craftsperson

Marine craftspeople carry out a range of practical tasks essential to the building and repair of ships and boats of all kinds. They work in shipbuilding, ship repair and conversion, boat building and repair. Both involve working from a design (usually created on a computer) to assemble a vessel. Fitting vessels out with engines, electrical and electronic systems, and accommodation is a large part of the work. It involves skilled workers, such as engineering craftspeople, electricians, gas fitters, carpenters, joiners, plumbers, painters and decorators. Shipwrights (carpenters and joiners) and sailmakers are still required in boat building.

Craftspeople can expect a normal working week, Monday to Friday, although overtime is often available. For most tasks, craftspeople work under cover. Maintenance work may be outside and involve cramped, dirty or oily conditions, strenuous lifting and carrying and working at heights.

Salaries range from around £8,000 a year for trainees to £30,000 a year for experienced workers.

A marine craftsperson needs:

• the ability to find practical solutions to problems
• to be computer literate
• the ability to understand plans and drawings
• physical fitness
• good eyesight.

The biggest shipyards in the UK are based in Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, on the Clyde, on Tyneside, at Devonport in Plymouth and at Portsmouth. Boat building and repair companies are largely located in the east of England, the south-west and on the south coast. Employers in boat building are mainly small or medium-sized firms.

Minimum entry requirements are normally GCSEs (A*- G) in English, maths, and an engineering, science or technology subject, or equivalent. The Diploma in engineering would provide the basis for training as a marine craftsperson. Entrants usually join a firm of shipbuilders, ship repairers or boat builders and train on the job, often through Apprenticeships.

Apprentices start with an induction course, including health and safety training. They then learn the basic skills that employers need, such as interpreting drawings, selecting materials and using hand tools, and move on to develop skills in their specialist craft, leading to NVQs at Levels 2 and 3.

It is possible to qualify as a marine engineering technician by gaining further qualifications.

Further details