How to become a Shipwright
Shipwrights construct, fit out, commission and repair all types of vessels from small pleasure craft through to a range of competitive, commercial and naval vessels. These vessels are built from a range of materials including metal, wood, aluminium, fibreglass, plastic, composites or ferro cement (reinforced cement or concrete).
Personal requirements for a Shipwright
- Enjoy practical and manual activities
- Aptitude for technical activities
- Able to work at heights on scaffolding
- Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
- Good problem-solving skills
- Organised, methodical approach to work
Education & Training for a Shipwright
To become a shipwright you usually have to complete an apprenticeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.
Duties & Tasks of a Shipwright
Shipwrights:
- Prepare preliminary sketches of structural parts and sections of vessels
- Produce templates and patterns from full-size detail drawings
- Fit out internal and external components of vessels
- Position sections accurately prior to permanent fastening
- Prepare slipways and construct cradles used to support ships during construction, transportation, launching and slipping
- Supervise launching and slipping procedures
- Carry out repairs.
Tasks
- Marks reference points and lines on dry docks and slipways.
- Installs masts, frames, decking, fittings, machines, shafts and safety equipment.
- Assembles shells of boats and erecting hull sections of ship.
- Determines repair requirements and procedures.
- Builds and installs structures such as cabins, machine mountings, propeller supports and rudders.
- Checks position and functioning of slipway apparatus.
- Studies plans and specifications, and prepares templates and scale plans for fabrication and cutting of hull sections.
- May make hull moulds and fabricate and repair vessels using materials such as aluminium, wood, glass, reinforced plastics, carbon fibre, kevlar, fibreglass and concrete.
- Erects and prepares launching platforms, conducting pre-launch tests and supervising launching procedures.
Working conditions for a Shipwright
Shipwrights work on the waterfront in shipyards, in the repair sections of ports or in small boat yards and marinas. They may also work for boat manufacturers in workshops away from the waterfront.
Employment Opportunities for a Shipwright
Shipwrights are employed in construction firms, the Australian Defence Force, companies building leisure craft, as surveyors, and in firms engaged in building and operating marinas. Opportunities for self-employment may also exist. Some of these businesses may operate on a mobile basis.
Specializations
Shipwright
Shipwrights construct, fit out, commission and repair all types of vessels from small pleasure craft through to a range of competitive, commercial and naval vessels. These vessels are built from a range of materials including metal, wood, aluminium, fibreglass, plastic, composites or ferro cement (reinforced cement or concrete).
Average age
40
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
2% female
Average full-time
41 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Medium skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
84%
Employment Size
830
Employment by state
ACT: 0.0%
NSW: 40.7%
NT: 0.9%
QLD: 14.0%
SA: 12.4%
TAS: 3.8%
VIC: 8.6%
WA: 19.6%
Age brackets
15-19: 3.6%
20-24: 11%
25-34: 21.6%
35-44: 23.6%
45-54: 22.1%
55-59: 9.1%
60-64: 6.4%
65 and Over: 2.6%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 4.2%
Bachelor degree: 3.6%
Certificate III/IV: 73.8%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 0%
Year 10 and below: 4.2%
Year 11: 3.2%
Year 12: 11%
