Marine Engineers and Naval Architects

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 3 (10%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 19 (63%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 8 (27%)

• Maintain records of engineering department activities, including expense records and details of equipment maintenance and repairs.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Prepare technical reports for use by engineering, management, or sales personnel.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Confer with research personnel to clarify or resolve problems and to develop or modify designs.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Design complete hull and superstructure according to specifications and test data, in conformity with standards of safety, efficiency, and economy.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Study design proposals and specifications to establish basic characteristics of craft, such as size, weight, speed, propulsion, displacement, and draft.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Perform monitoring activities to ensure that ships comply with international regulations and standards for life-saving equipment and pollution preventatives.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• 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 can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Evaluate performance of craft during dock and sea trials to determine design changes and conformance with national and international standards.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Prepare plans, estimates, design and construction schedules, and contract specifications, including any special provisions.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Design layout of craft interior, including cargo space, passenger compartments, ladder wells, and elevators.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• 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 can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Inspect marine equipment and machinery to draw up work requests and job specifications.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Prepare, or direct the preparation of, product or system layouts and detailed drawings and schematics.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Investigate and observe tests on machinery and equipment for compliance with standards.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Coordinate activities with regulatory bodies to ensure repairs and alterations are at minimum cost and consistent with safety.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Maintain contact with, and formulate reports for, contractors and clients to ensure completion of work at minimum cost.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Conduct analytical, environmental, operational, or performance studies to develop designs for products, such as marine engines, equipment, and structures.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Determine conditions under which tests are to be conducted, as well as sequences and phases of test operations.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Review work requests and compare them with previous work completed on ships to ensure that costs are economically sound.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Analyze data to determine feasibility of product proposals.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Schedule machine overhauls and the servicing of electrical, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, water, and sewage systems.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Conduct analyses of ships, such as stability, structural, weight, and vibration analyses.AI can speed this up with extra software
• Supervise other engineers and crew members and train them for routine and emergency duties.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Check, test, and maintain automatic controls and alarm systems.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Evaluate operation of marine equipment during acceptance testing and shakedown cruises.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Conduct environmental, operational, or performance tests on marine machinery and equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Design and oversee testing, installation, and repair of marine apparatus and equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Procure materials needed to repair marine equipment and machinery.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Maintain and coordinate repair of marine machinery and equipment for installation on vessels.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Establish arrangement of boiler room equipment and propulsion machinery, heating and ventilating systems, refrigeration equipment, piping, and other functional equipment.Little or no AI speed-up