Architect vs. Designer

[Chris Rogers]

What is the difference between a Naval Architect and a designer?

Who can use the term NA legally?

[pjwalsh]

I think for the most part Naval Architect is the domain of those with degrees in naval architecture and marine engineering. Designers usually have gotten their training outside of an engineering school. The legal definition is unclear to me.

Paradoxically this is the opposite of the case in your feild of land based architecture.

[ 06-06-2003, 09:16 PM: Message edited by: pjwalsh ]

[Tar Devil]

The biggest difference is, one will save you if your home built boat starts sinking (designer), the other will not (NA, PE).

Later,

Phil

[Buzz73]

In the US, whether one is a Naval Architect or a Yacht Designer is for the most part just an issue of semantics. Some states require state certification in Naval Architecture for one to bear the title of N.A. Anyone who can pass the state exam can legally bear the title, regardless of whether they have a degree from a University or a diploma from a school of design. Other states don't require such certification so the choice of title is up to the individual. The MacNaughton Yacht Design Group website has some excellent information on this. These folks are very helpful and would be forthcoming in answering any questions you might have about this topic.

[Tomcat]

And for a truly entertaining ear-bending, look up Bolger's coments on the subject.