Prologue: Exploring the Potential of the Sea

Abstract

Naval engineering is the branch of engineering that has as main activity the exploration of the potential of the sea. Although specialized, naval engineering is quite eclectic since it addresses the main aspects of other engineering modalities, directly or indirectly. With the development of oil exploration and production in the ocean, the naval engineer’s work extended to ocean engineering. The naval engineer is engaged in all stages of life of vehicles and platforms for maritime transport, the exploitation of marine resources and recreational activities, from the concept and design phase, to the construction phase and its quality control, through inspection, maintenance and repair. Also included are maritime and port operations planning and management tasks. The professional must have the systemic and comprehensive vision necessary for the design of large engineering systems. Appealing to the wide-ranging aspect of naval engineering, the engineer also deals with the design, construction, repair and logistics of inland waterways used for inland transportation.