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).
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.
Registration or licensing isrequired in Australia.
Job Duties:
In Australia, the job duties of Lift Mechanics include:
Prepare preliminary sketches of structural parts and sections of vessels
Produce templates and patterns from full-size detail drawings
Studies plans and specifications, and prepares templates and scale plans for fabrication and cutting of hull sections.
Marks reference points and lines on dry docks and slipways.
Position sections accurately prior to permanent fastening
Checks position and functioning of slipway apparatus.
Assembles shells of boats and erecting hull sections of ship.
Erects and prepares launching platforms, conducting pre-launch tests and supervising launching procedures.
Installs masts, frames, decking, fittings, machines, shafts and safety equipment.
Builds and installs structures such as cabins, machine mountings, propeller supports and rudders.
Determines repair requirements and procedures.
May make hull moulds and fabricate and repair vessels using materials such as aluminium, wood, glass, reinforced plastics, carbon fibre, kevlar, fibreglass and concrete.
Employment Prospects
Shipwrights are employed in construction firms, the Australian Defence Force, companies building leisure craft, 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.
The Employment Facts of Shipwrights in Australia:
FutureGrowth: Stable
Full Time Share:88%
Average Full-Time: 44hours
Weekly Pay: AUD $1,602
Employment By State:
ACT: 0.0%
NSW: 40.7%
NT: 0.9%
QLD: 14%
SA: 12.4%
TAS: 3.8%
VIC: 8.6%
WA: 19.6%
EducationRequirement
You usually need a certificate III in marine craft construction to work as a Shipwright. These courses are often completed as part of an apprenticeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.
Education Level
Postgraduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate:0.0%
Bachelor:3.6%
Advanced Diploma/Diploma:4.2%
Certificate III/IV: 73.8%
Year 12 and below:18.4%
Related Courses: CertificateIIIin marine craft construction
https://joboutlook.gov.au/occupations/boat-builders-and-shipwrights?occupationCode=3991
