Business Details
Naval Engineering & Structural Design Services
R A Schofield Naval Architect is a distinguished naval engineering firm with over four decades of expertise in the design and structural analysis of marine craft, yachts, ships, and composite aircraft. Founded by Rob Schofield, a certified Naval Architect and Marine Engineer, the company has delivered over 250 marine designs ranging from high-speed pleasure craft to 180-foot superyachts and naval vessels. Our team specializes in advanced composite materials, structural engineering, and naval architecture, serving clients including the U.S.Navy, American Bureau of Shipping, and international shipyards. We provide litigation support as marine accident reconstructionists, certified by federal courts, and have contributed to ISO 12215 structural standards for marine craft. With a legacy of innovation, we offer hands-on consulting, computer-aided design systems, and global seminars on composite structures, ensuring precision engineering solutions tailored to client needs.
Services
Naval Architecture
Structural Design
Litigation Support
Composite Engineering
Marine Consulting
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of naval engineering expertise in marine and composite aircraft design.
- Our team includes a certified marine accident reconstructionist with 103 court cases testified.
- We pioneered structural design software used by 47 leading U.S. boat manufacturers.
- Our ISO 12215 standard contributions ensure global compliance in marine craft construction.
- We provide hands-on consulting for complex projects, including U.S. Navy and ABS approvals.
Associations and certifications
- ISO 12215
- American Bureau of Shipping
- Royal Institution of Naval Architects
What people say
Exceptional structural designs
Deep technical knowledge
Reliable expert witness
Innovative composite solutions
Services
Naval Architecture
We provide comprehensive naval architecture services for commercial and military vessels. Our expertise includes hull design, stability analysis, and ABS class approvals for yachts, ships, and high-speed craft. Clients benefit from 40+ years of experience in delivering structurally sound, hydrodynamically efficient designs.
Structural Design
Our structural design services specialize in composite and metallic materials for marine and aerospace applications. We deliver finite element analysis, shock testing, and weight optimization solutions that meet NAVSEA and ISO standards. Clients receive durable, cost-effective structures validated through real-world performance.
Litigation Support
As certified marine accident reconstructionists, we provide litigation support in patent disputes and maritime incidents. Our services include forensic analysis, court testimony, and technical documentation review. With 103 cases testified, we deliver authoritative insights grounded in 40+ years of engineering practice.
Composite Engineering
We specialize in composite material applications for marine and aerospace structures. Services include resin selection, laminate design, and manufacturing process optimization. Clients gain access to proprietary design software and decades of experience in delivering lightweight, durable solutions for challenging environments.
Marine Consulting
Our consulting services cover vessel certification, regulatory compliance, and failure analysis. We assist with ISO standards implementation, ABS approvals, and forensic investigations. Clients receive tailored solutions from a team with extensive military, commercial, and academic industry experience.
People
Rob Schofield
Naval Engineer & Founder
Rob Schofield is a certified Naval Architect with 40+ years of experience in marine and composite engineering. He has designed 250+ vessels, testified in 103 court cases, and contributed to ISO 12215 standards. A member of RINA and SNAME, he teaches composite design seminars globally.
Questions
What marine engineering services do you specialize in?
We specialize in naval architecture, structural design for composite/metallic vessels, litigation support, and ISO standard compliance consulting.
Do you provide expert testimony for maritime cases?
Yes, we offer litigation support as certified marine accident reconstructionists with federal court certification.
Can you design high-speed marine craft?
Yes, we have extensive experience designing 50-65 knot high-speed yachts and commercial vessels.
Do you work with international clients?
Yes, we've completed projects for clients in Italy, Brazil, Spain, and Poland, among others.
What composite material expertise do you offer?
We specialize in fiberglass, carbon fiber, and Kevlar structures with advanced resin systems for marine applications.
Are your designs ABS class approved?
Yes, we provide structural design and analysis services meeting American Bureau of Shipping standards.
