JOB REPORT / 17-2121 · 30 TASKS

Marine Engineers and Naval Architects.

Can AI do the work of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects?

Mostly it works alongside you. Here is what shifts, task by task.

YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS

How does this fit your work?

How many tasks do you use AI to assist with at work?

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The mark shows what’s typical for this job.

The parts of your job AI can already do most of:

Analyze data to determine feasibility of product proposals
Conduct analyses of ships
Study design proposals and specifications to establish basic characteristics…

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A guided certificate program in AI-assisted Marine Engineers and Naval Architects work. It covers the 29 AI-affected parts of your job and ends in a capstone a person reviews.

WHAT WE LOOKED AT

Your job, task by task.

29 of 30 tasks reviewed

This job has 30 core tasks. We went through 29 of them, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Marine Engineers and Naval Architects actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.

TASK 01
Analyze data to determine feasibility of product proposals.
AI DOES
Runs data analysis, flags trends, builds comparison reports, and drafts feasibility summaries
YOU DO
Apply hands-on engineering judgment, regulatory knowledge, and real-world build experience to final decisions
TASK 02
Conduct analyses of ships, such as stability, structural, weight, and vibration analyses.
AI DOES
Runs simulations, crunches numbers, and spots patterns in structural or stability data
YOU DO
Apply real-world engineering judgment and take responsibility for safety decisions
TASK 03
Study design proposals and specifications to establish basic characteristics of craft, such as size, weight, speed, propulsion, displacement, and draft.
AI DOES
Scans spec documents, extracts key parameters, and suggests design benchmarks from engineering databases
YOU DO
Apply physical intuition and safety judgment to approve final design characteristics
TASK 04
Maintain records of engineering department activities, including expense records and details of equipment maintenance and repairs.
AI DOES
Drafts maintenance logs, organizes expense data, and flags missing entries
YOU DO
Verify technical accuracy and approve safety-critical repair records
TASK 05
Conduct analytical, environmental, operational, or performance studies to develop designs for products, such as marine engines, equipment, and structures.
AI DOES
Runs performance simulations, searches technical literature, generates design options, and analyzes environmental data
YOU DO
Apply real-world judgment to safety tradeoffs and sign off on final design decisions
TASK 06
Review work requests and compare them with previous work completed on ships to ensure that costs are economically sound.
AI DOES
Pulls historical cost data, flags price differences, and summarizes past work records for quick comparison
YOU DO
Apply hands-on ship knowledge and vendor context to judge whether a cost is truly reasonable
TASK 07
Maintain contact with, and formulate reports for, contractors and clients to ensure completion of work at minimum cost.
AI DOES
Drafts status reports, formats cost summaries, and pulls together project data into clear documents
YOU DO
Own the client relationship and make final calls on cost trade-offs and technical commitments
TASK 08
Design complete hull and superstructure according to specifications and test data, in conformity with standards of safety, efficiency, and economy.
AI DOES
Generates initial design options, runs stability and stress simulations, checks rule compliance, and organizes test data
YOU DO
Make final safety calls, balance competing trade-offs, and own accountability for the design
TASK 09
Design layout of craft interior, including cargo space, passenger compartments, ladder wells, and elevators.
AI DOES
Generates draft layout options, checks spatial conflicts, and suggests code-compliant arrangements
YOU DO
Apply hands-on vessel knowledge, safety regulations, and real-world construction limits to finalize designs
TASK 10
Determine conditions under which tests are to be conducted, as well as sequences and phases of test operations.
AI DOES
Drafts test condition checklists, suggests sequences based on standards, and flags gaps in test plans
YOU DO
Own the safety decisions and adapt plans to the actual vessel, environment, and risk
TASK 11
Establish arrangement of boiler room equipment and propulsion machinery, heating and ventilating systems, refrigeration equipment, piping, and other functional equipment.
AI DOES
Generates draft layout options, flags spacing conflicts, and surfaces relevant maritime regulations
YOU DO
Verify that real-world safety, access, and system interaction requirements are truly met
TASK 12
Schedule machine overhauls and the servicing of electrical, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, water, and sewage systems.
AI DOES
Drafts maintenance schedules, flags overdue service items, and cross-checks manufacturer intervals
YOU DO
Verify actual equipment condition and apply safety judgment before approving any schedule
TASK 13
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.
AI DOES
Runs hydrostatic calculations, generates stability curves, and flags design tradeoffs from hull geometry data
YOU DO
Watch the model move in real water and decide what the numbers actually mean for the final design
TASK 14
Procure materials needed to repair marine equipment and machinery.
AI DOES
Searches supplier databases, drafts purchase orders, and compares part specs and prices
YOU DO
Verify part compatibility, safety certification, and negotiate with trusted marine vendors
TASK 15
Conduct environmental, operational, or performance tests on marine machinery and equipment.
AI DOES
Analyzes test data in real time, spots patterns, and generates performance reports
YOU DO
Set up physical tests, operate equipment safely, and judge results in context
TASK 16
Coordinate activities with regulatory bodies to ensure repairs and alterations are at minimum cost and consistent with safety.
AI DOES
Drafts correspondence, summarizes regulatory codes, and flags compliance gaps
YOU DO
Build relationships with inspectors and make judgment calls on safety trade-offs
TASK 17
Design and oversee testing, installation, and repair of marine apparatus and equipment.
AI DOES
Runs simulations, checks design calculations, and drafts technical specs
YOU DO
Show up on deck, inspect real equipment, and make safety calls in the field
TASK 18
Investigate and observe tests on machinery and equipment for compliance with standards.
AI DOES
Flags compliance gaps in test logs and cross-references results against regulatory standards
YOU DO
Be physically present to observe tests, catch real-world anomalies, and make safety calls
TASK 19
Perform monitoring activities to ensure that ships comply with international regulations and standards for life-saving equipment and pollution preventatives.
AI DOES
Pulls up relevant international regulations, generates inspection checklists, and helps review compliance records and reports
YOU DO
Physically board the ship, inspect life-saving gear firsthand, and make safety judgment calls on the spot
TASK 20
Evaluate performance of craft during dock and sea trials to determine design changes and conformance with national and international standards.
AI DOES
Analyzes trial data, compares readings to standards, and flags performance gaps
YOU DO
Be present on the vessel to observe, judge, and make real-time calls
TASK 21
Maintain and coordinate repair of marine machinery and equipment for installation on vessels.
AI DOES
Suggests maintenance schedules, looks up repair manuals, flags diagnostic codes, and tracks parts inventory
YOU DO
Show up on the vessel, assess real conditions, make safety calls, and turn the wrenches
TASK 22SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Prepare plans, estimates, design and construction schedules, and contract specifications, including any special provisions.
AI DOES
Generates draft plans, schedules, and standard specifications
YOU DO
Verify feasibility and tailor to site conditions
About this analysis
46% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 23
Act as liaisons between ships' captains and shore personnel to ensure that schedules and budgets are maintained, and that ships are operated safely and efficiently.
AI DOES
Drafts schedules, flags budget overruns, and summarizes communication logs
YOU DO
Build trust with captains, read the room, and make fast calls when safety is on the line
TASK 24
Evaluate operation of marine equipment during acceptance testing and shakedown cruises.
AI DOES
Analyzes sensor data logs, flags anomalies in performance readings, and compares results to design specs
YOU DO
Stay on the vessel to witness, judge, and respond to live conditions firsthand
TASK 25
Supervise other engineers and crew members and train them for routine and emergency duties.
AI DOES
Drafts training schedules, generates drill checklists, and summarizes safety procedures
YOU DO
Show up in person, read the crew, and make safety calls in the moment
TASK 26
Check, test, and maintain automatic controls and alarm systems.
AI DOES
Helps review maintenance logs, flag patterns in sensor data, and suggest diagnostic steps
YOU DO
Physically inspect, test, and repair the actual hardware on board
TASK 27SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Confer with research personnel to clarify or resolve problems and to develop or modify designs.
AI DOES
Drafts meeting agendas and suggests solutions
YOU DO
Navigate disagreements and build consensus
About this analysis
26% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 28SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Prepare technical reports for use by engineering, management, or sales personnel.
AI DOES
Generates draft sections and formats data
YOU DO
Choose what matters for your audience
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 29SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Prepare, or direct the preparation of, product or system layouts and detailed drawings and schematics.
AI DOES
Generates initial layouts and converts sketches to CAD
YOU DO
Direct the design and ensure it works
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

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AT A GLANCE

Occupation: Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
SOC code: 17-2121
Tasks reviewed: 29 of 30

How we assess

PAY & OUTLOOK

Compare pay by state

Median pay (national): $112,230 · BLS OEWS 2025
Median pay (Colorado): Not reported for Colorado
Employed (national): 8,250
Employed in Colorado: Not reported for Colorado
Job outlook: +5.8% by 2034 · ~600 openings/yr

Wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. National figures cover the United States. Job outlook is national.

How does this fit your work?

Earn a certificate in your job

Your job, task by task.

Analyze data to determine feasibility of product proposals.

Conduct analyses of ships, such as stability, structural, weight, and vibration analyses.

Study design proposals and specifications to establish basic characteristics of craft, such as size, weight, speed, propulsion, displacement, and draft.

Maintain records of engineering department activities, including expense records and details of equipment maintenance and repairs.

Conduct analytical, environmental, operational, or performance studies to develop designs for products, such as marine engines, equipment, and structures.

Review work requests and compare them with previous work completed on ships to ensure that costs are economically sound.

Maintain contact with, and formulate reports for, contractors and clients to ensure completion of work at minimum cost.

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.

Determine conditions under which tests are to be conducted, as well as sequences and phases of test operations.

Establish arrangement of boiler room equipment and propulsion machinery, heating and ventilating systems, refrigeration equipment, piping, and other functional equipment.

Schedule machine overhauls and the servicing of electrical, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, water, and sewage systems.

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.

Procure materials needed to repair marine equipment and machinery.

Conduct environmental, operational, or performance tests on marine machinery and equipment.

Coordinate activities with regulatory bodies to ensure repairs and alterations are at minimum cost and consistent with safety.

Design and oversee testing, installation, and repair of marine apparatus and equipment.

Investigate and observe tests on machinery and equipment for compliance with standards.

Perform monitoring activities to ensure that ships comply with international regulations and standards for life-saving equipment and pollution preventatives.

Evaluate performance of craft during dock and sea trials to determine design changes and conformance with national and international standards.

Maintain and coordinate repair of marine machinery and equipment for installation on vessels.

Prepare plans, estimates, design and construction schedules, and contract specifications, including any special provisions.

Act as liaisons between ships' captains and shore personnel to ensure that schedules and budgets are maintained, and that ships are operated safely and efficiently.

Evaluate operation of marine equipment during acceptance testing and shakedown cruises.

Supervise other engineers and crew members and train them for routine and emergency duties.

Check, test, and maintain automatic controls and alarm systems.

Confer with research personnel to clarify or resolve problems and to develop or modify designs.

Prepare technical reports for use by engineering, management, or sales personnel.

Prepare, or direct the preparation of, product or system layouts and detailed drawings and schematics.

Practice AI.Use your judgment.

Practice AI.
Use your judgment.