Shipfitter

Primary responsibilities of a shipfitter include laying out and fabricating metal parts for ships.

Such parts are plates, frames, braces., etc.

They also deal with aligning the parts towards each other.

A shipfitter can work for large and small private companies or shipbuilding facilities.

Skilled shipfitters can handle maintenance or construction of small crafts, e.g., towboats, ice breakers, container ships, etc.

Shipfitters can also work on military vessels such as aircraft carriers, tankers, and others.

Responsibilities of a Shipfitter

• Awareness of the operation of a shipyard and occupational safety.
• Assembling and fitting the naval constructions.
• Cutting, welding the parts.
• Metal processing, drilling, installation of temporary fasteners.
• Positioning parts in a ship hull.
• Repairing, designing, shaping, bending the plates and other materials.
• Working in a shop or the field.
• Occasionally working with heights.

Required Education

Shipfitters are required to have minimum education but more advanced training is encouraged:

• GED or High-school diploma.
• Associate or College degree (metal fabrication, pipe welding, etc.).
• Mentorship program.

Having certificates also adds value:

• Certificates in welding, metal processing, etc.
• Naval work experience is recommended (from 0-2 years).

Required Skills

• High motivation and self-sufficiency.
• Flexibility and ability to work in a team or individually.
• Physical fitness and manual skills.
• Ability to work with heights.
• Blueprint reading, understanding, and interpreting.

Work Opportunities

A shipfitter can work in a shipyard, military naval environment, shipbuilding facilities; the coastline areas offer various opportunities for shipfitters.

This page is also available in Spanish.