Plan Approval Expert - Naval Architect

As a Plan Approval Expert - Naval Architect at BSM, you will be responsible for preparing, reviewing and submitting structural, stability and intact/damage stability plans and related technical documentation for statutory and class approval. You will act as the technical interface with flag state authorities, classification societies, shipyards and internal stakeholders to ensure timely plan approval, regulatory compliance and effective risk management throughout design, conversion and repair projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, review and sign off naval architecture drawings, calculations and technical reports for plan approval, including structural drawings, scantling calculations, stability booklets, loading instruments and damage stability analyses.
• Coordinate submission packages to flag state authorities and classification societies, ensuring completeness and adherence to applicable rules, regulations and statutory guidance.
• Lead technical discussions with class and flag surveyors, promptly addressing comments and implementing agreed actions to achieve approval milestones.
• Review and assess shipyard and designer deliverables, raise technical queries, and ensure that documented changes are captured in approval documentation.
• Undertake stability and hydrostatic assessments for intact and damaged conditions, including probabilistic and deterministic damage cases where required.
• Maintain accurate records of plan submissions, correspondence and approvals via company document control systems and ensure traceability of revisions.
• Provide technical support to project teams during conversions, repairs, dry-docking and newbuilding phases, including review of calculations for structural modifications and weight/centre of gravity changes.
• Ensure conformity with international conventions (e.g. SOLAS, MARPOL), classification society rules and flag state requirements, and keep up to date with changes in statutory and class regulations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by developing standard templates, checklists and guidance materials to streamline plan approval processes and reduce rework.
• Support internal audits and competency development by mentoring junior naval architects and sharing best practice across technical teams.
  
  

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience in plan approval, classification or shipyard technical roles, with demonstrable experience in stability and structural assessments.
• Proven track record of successful plan submissions and interactions with classification societies and flag administrations.
• Familiarity with statutory requirements (SOLAS, Load Line, MARPOL) and class rules pertinent to the fleet type.
  
  

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent technical knowledge of stability, hydrostatics and ship structure, with strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Proficiency with naval architecture software (e.g. NAPA, GHS, AutoDraft, Rhino, FEM tools) and numerical tools such as Excel and MATLAB or similar.
• High attention to detail, strong document drafting and revision control skills.
• Ability to manage multiple plan approvals concurrently and to meet tight regulatory deadlines.
• Effective communicator, able to present complex technical matters clearly to class, flag and non-technical stakeholders.
• Team player with a proactive, solution-focused approach and commitment to safety and compliance.
• Fluent in English; additional language skills are an advantage.
  
  

Why You Should Join Us!

We offer a supportive environment, competitive compensation, and meaningful opportunities. By joining us, you will enjoy:

• Career development and training opportunities
• Exposure to a diverse fleet and complex technical challenges
• Collaborative culture that values expertise and innovation
• Comprehensive benefits and a competitive remuneration package
• Flexible working arrangements where applicable
  
  

BSM is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified people regardless of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or age.

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