Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions, Answered—No Degree Required
What We Do
What kind of engineering does DMS actually do?
We specialize in ship design and marine engineering, from hull shapes and systems layouts to high-tech simulations like stability analysis, FEA, and CFD. Basically, we make sure that your vessel performs the way it should day in and day out: safely and efficiently.
Can you help with an existing vessel or just new ones?
Both! Whether you’re designing a brand-new build or upgrading an existing one, we can help. We’ve done everything from retrofitting systems to redesigning hull structures for better performance.
Do you offer just consulting, or do you provide plans too?
We do both. We can walk you through a specific challenge or provide fully developed, construction-ready design packages. It depends on what you need.
What’s “advanced analysis,” and why would I need it?
Advanced analysis uses realistic computer simulations to test how your ship reacts to real-world conditions, considering factors like waves, weather, weight, and more. It helps us catch problems early and find performance boosts you wouldn’t see otherwise.
Do you do stability letters or help with inspections?
Yes, we’ve helped many clients navigate United States Coast Guard (USCG) requirements and other regulatory inspections. We know what they’re looking for and make sure your vessel meets every requirement.
Who We Serve
I run a small business—am I too small for DMS?
Not at all. Honestly, you’re probably in our sweet spot. We work with small business owners, independent operators, and maritime startups all the time.
Do you only work with commercial vessels?
No. While we do a lot of commercial work (passenger ferries, workboats, research vessels), we’ve also worked on shipyards, autonomous drones, yachts, and private yacht owners who need a repair plan or survey to satisfy insurance for a damage claim.
I’m not an engineer. Will I understand what you’re doing?
Absolutely. We keep you in the loop and explain everything in plain language. You’ll never feel out of your depth, even when we’re handling the technical stuff behind the scenes.
I’ve already hired a shipyard. Can you still help?
Yes. We can work alongside your shipyard, help validate their designs, or even troubleshoot specific parts of the project. Think of us as your behind-the-scenes engineering support.
Do you work with government or public contracts?
We sure do. From supporting marine construction crews to vessel retrofits, we’re familiar with safety standards like EM-385-1-1 and can help ensure compliance.
About Us
Who’s behind DMS?
DMS is led by Nicholas Barczak, a naval architect with real-world sailing experience, a master’s degree in ship design, and a passion for pushing the limits of engineering.
How long has DMS been around?
We’ve been officially operating since 2018, but our roots go all the way back to building tall ships on Lake Michigan in the early 2000s.
What makes DMS different from a big engineering firm?
We’re lean, personal, and focused on your business’s goals. Instead of getting passed between departments, you’ll work directly with the expert doing the work.
What kinds of tools or software do you use?
We use professional-grade tools like GHS, MaxSurf, Rhino 3D, and our own design engine, NeoShip, to make smarter, data-driven design decisions.
How do I get started working with you?
Just reach out! We offer a free consultation to talk about your project, your goals, and how we can help.
Bonus: 5 Maritime Fun Facts!
The phrase “loose cannon” comes from ships.
Back in the age of sail, cannons weren’t bolted to the deck. They were secured with heavy ropes and tackle. If one broke loose during a storm or battle, it could roll across the deck, smashing everything in its path, injuring sailors, or even piercing the hull.
The modern meaning—someone unpredictable and dangerous—comes straight from that very real (and terrifying) threat.
“Three sheets to the wind” is a term with nautical origins.
On tall ships, a “sheet” is a rope used to control a sail when sailing with the wind. If that rope isn’t doing its job. If it’s “to the wind”, the sail flaps uncontrollably, and the ship wanders. One loose sheet is a nuisance. Two is a problem. Three? That’s likely sailor-speak for total chaos: an exaggerated way of saying things have really gone sideways.
Leave it to mariners to turn a rigging disaster into a perfect metaphor for being totally sloshed.
Cargo ships can take over a mile to come to a complete stop.
Unlike cars or trucks, ships don’t have brakes. To stop, they have to reverse their propellers at full power. Even then, it can take over a mile for a heavy ship to slow to a halt. That’s why maritime navigation requires so much planning and communication. A single miscalculation can turn into a multi-million-dollar mistake.
Whale tail shapes inspired modern rudder design.
Nature’s been solving fluid dynamics problems for millennia, and naval architects have taken notes. The distinctive fluke shape of a whale’s tail is incredibly efficient at moving large bodies through water. Modern rudders and hydrofoils often mimic these contours to boost performance, reduce drag, and improve maneuverability.
Marine architects consider how fluids move inside a ship, not just around it.
It’s not just the waves outside that matter. Fluids inside the vessel, like fuel, water ballast, or even cargo sloshing in tanks, can shift with the motion of the ship and destabilize it. That’s why marine engineers design baffles and compartments to control how fluids move. A poorly designed tank can throw off the ship’s balance as easily as rough seas.
Let’s Build Your Next Ship
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