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Ship Classification Society Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RINA

Minimum 8 years of experience in hull structure design, shipbuilding, or classification society plan approval. * In-depth knowledge of IMO conventions, SOLAS, MARPOL, and IACS regulations related to ...

RINA

Principal Hull Plan Approval Engineer

Sunrise, FL · On-site

Minimum 8 years of experience in hull structure design, shipbuilding, or classification society plan approval. * In-depth knowledge of IMO conventions, SOLAS, MARPOL, and IACS regulations related to ...

Patriot Maritime

Technical Superintendent

Houston, TX · On-site

Monitors Flag State and Classification Society survey schedules for all vessels and confirms survey ... The Ship Superintendent is obligated to review these manuals become familiar with their contents ...

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Ship Classification Society information

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$12

$17

$22

How much do ship classification society jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship classification society in the United States is $17.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of professionals working at a Ship Classification Society, and how do they collaborate with ship owners and maritime stakeholders?

Professionals at a Ship Classification Society are primarily responsible for inspecting ships, reviewing designs, and ensuring compliance with international safety and environmental standards. Their daily work often involves conducting surveys, audits, and technical assessments both on-site and remotely. Collaboration is key, as they regularly interact with ship owners, builders, engineers, and regulatory authorities to provide guidance and resolve compliance issues. This collaborative, consultative environment offers opportunities to develop specialized expertise in maritime regulations and can lead to advancement into senior surveyor, management, or technical advisory roles.

What is the difference between Ship Classification Society vs Marine Surveyor?

AspectShip Classification SocietyMarine Surveyor
CredentialsCertifications in maritime standards, engineering, or naval architectureCertifications in surveying, marine engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentRegulatory bodies, shipyards, ports, officesShip inspections, surveys at ports, ships, or offshore sites
Employer & Industry UsageClass societies set standards for ship safety and certificationPerform inspections and surveys to ensure compliance with standards

Ship Classification Societies develop and maintain standards for ship safety and certification, while Marine Surveyors conduct inspections and surveys to verify compliance with these standards. Both roles require maritime certifications and often work together, but the classification society sets the rules, and the surveyor enforces them through inspections.

What are Ship Classification Societies?

Ship Classification Societies are organizations that establish and maintain technical standards for the construction and operation of ships and offshore structures. They conduct surveys and inspections to ensure that vessels comply with these standards, thereby certifying the ship's structural integrity and safety. These societies play a key role in maritime safety by issuing certificates that are often required by flag states, insurers, and port authorities. Some well-known examples include Lloyd’s Register, ABS (American Bureau of Shipping), and DNV. Their work helps prevent accidents and ensures that ships are seaworthy throughout their operational life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Ship Classification Society role, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Ship Classification Society role, you need a background in marine engineering, naval architecture, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree and industry certifications. Familiarity with inspection tools, regulatory frameworks (like IMO and IACS standards), and technical software such as CAD or ship design programs is typically required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help professionals assess vessel compliance and collaborate with shipowners or regulatory bodies. These competencies ensure vessels meet safety and environmental standards, maintaining maritime safety and regulatory compliance.
Infographic showing various Ship Classification Society job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,970 per year, or $17.8 per hour.
Hull (Structural) Designer

Hull (Structural) Designer

Philly Shipyard Inc

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
  • Ensure that all Hanwha Philly Shipyard safety procedures, rules and regulations are followed and met
  • Review structural arrangements using the Classification Society rules while considering shipyards construction restraints
  • Review and check basic design drawings and calculations to support ship classification and detail design activities
  • Develop production design work package documentation using Aveva Marine software, such as 3D model, workshop drawing, assembly drawings, panel line milling and cutting information for release to production
  • Interface with the Building Method planner, Transportation planner, and other design department engineers to ensure the Hull Design information includes information such the proper part destination, lifting back-up structure, and penetrations
  • Provide field engineering support as required to support production activities, blue mark inspections or responding to production questions developed throughout construction of the ship
  • Perform other related duties as required and assigned

COMPETENCIES
  • Able to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization, both verbal and written
  • Detail oriented
  • Problem Solving
  • Adaptability and Organizational skills and understanding
  • Integrity
  • Willingness and ability to work as a team member

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILTY
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
EDUCATION AND EXPEREIENCE
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or an Associate's Degree in Technology, Drafting or equivalent
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in shipbuilding or steel construction
  • Experience in ship structural design or equivalent structural experience
  • Experience with 3D modeling software such as Tribon or Aveva Marine
  • Proficiency with MS Office and 2D CAD systems such as AutoCAD
  • Proficiency with metric system preferred
  • Experience with American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Steel Vessel Rules and Welding standards
  • Knowledge/experience concerning modern shipbuilding practices
  • International experience or familiarity with European and/or Asian Shipbuilding Standards


WORK ENVIRONMENT
Environmental exposures are similar to those found in most heavy industrial settings and may include noise, heat, cold, vibration, dust, fumes and smoke. Work may be carried on indoors or outdoors, and may involve exposure to inclement weather conditions.
*Hanwha Philly Shipyard is a TOBACCO FREE facility.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. A range of motion sufficient to perform general lifting, carrying, bending, stooping, climbing, working at heights, extended walking or standing, etc. is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
This is an on-site, full-time, safety-sensitive position. Standard days and hours of work vary by department, days and hours determined by department schedules.
OTHER DUTIES
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time or without notice.
Hanwha Philly Shipyard is committed to equal opportunity for all applicants. The recruitment, selection, employment and training of employees during employment, shall be without discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, gender or age-except that the applicant must meet the minimum age requirement. Hanwha Philly Shipyard does not, and will not, discriminate because of the disability of such individual.

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