Applied Naval Architecture is intended for undergraduate students of many of the disciplines in maritime affairs, including marine engineering, marine transportation, nautical science, shipbuilding or ship production (shipyard apprentice schools), marine electrical engineering, meteorology, and oceanography. It could be used as an introduction to naval architecture for technical personnel of all types already employed in shipyards, for licensed officers as a general reference, and preparation for license upgrading examinations. It describes in detail what naval architects do, and how they do it, to all students and practitioners involved in the business of merchant ships and shipping, except for professional naval architects themselves. Students preparing for a degree in naval architecture would find the book useful as an introduction to their profession.

Norman L. Skene was one of America's foremost yacht designer. Maynard Bray is a maritime historian.