Andrew E. Madden Esq.

Attormey at Law
Marine Surveyor
Maritime Consultant

Captain O. Franklin Morton

Maritime Operations Expert
Navigation, Fleeting, & Safety
30+ Years Experience

Keyword(s)

General Specialty

State

Maritime Expert Witnesses

The SEAK Expert Witness Directory contains a comprehensive list of maritime expert witnesses who testify, consult and provide litigation support on maritime and related issues. Maritime expert witnesses and consultants on this page may form expert opinions, draft expert witness reports, and provide expert witness testimony at deposition and trial. The issues and subjects these maritime expert witnesses testify regarding may include: Maritime, Navigation, Rules Of The Road, Seamanship, Ship, Sinking, Allisions, Cargo, Collision, Collisions, Cruise Ships, Offshore Oil & Gas, Personal Injury, Safety, and Shiphandling.

Captain O. Franklin Morton

Maritime Operations Expert
Navigation, Fleeting, & Safety
30+ Years Experience

Captain Arlen Leiner

Marine/Maritime Expert
Accidents, storm damage,
Experienced Expert Witness

Captain Peter McGuiness

Highly Accomplished Shipmaster
30 Years Experience
Maritime Expert Witness

Captain Ronald Short

Maritime Expert
Maritime Master of Oceans Ret.
40+ Years Experience

Captain Kurt M. Hallier

Master Mariner/Marine Manager
40 Years Global Experience
Expert Witness

CAPT Sean Tortora, MS, USMS

Maritime /Marine Firefighting-
Casualties/ NAV Law/ Towing
Vessel Security/ 30 Years Exp.

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Capt. David G. Bacon

Boat safety & compliance, collision, injury, drown

Maritime, Slip Trip & Fall - marina safety, boating accidents, collisions/allisions, investigation, ship, yachts, seaworthiness, captain responsibilities, crew, passenger safety, Rules of the Road, equipment failure, sinking, drowning, vessel operation, safety, sport fishing, charter boat, jet ski, kayak

Captain David G. Bacon, a U.S. Coast Guard licensed vessel captain and Boating Safety & Compliance Consultant who is available as an expert witness on cases involving; boating accidents, slip & falls, personal injuries, collisions and allisions, issues of responsibilities and liabilities aboard vessels and on gangways and docks and piers, drowning and vessel grounding or sinking. I am available to travel for investigations, inspections and testimony. Passenger/crew interaction, training and safety orientation are areas where many liabilities are created due to negligent actions/inactions, and I have experience opining on those issues based upon Rules of the Road and other regulations, and standard duty of care and safety protocols. I have served as a vessel charter captain for 35 years, specializing in; crew training, safety procedures, crew drills and practice, passenger safety orientation. During that lengthy career I have had no accident or injury claims because I am a diligent...

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Matthew Fenton, B.Sc., CEng, FIMarEST, MNI, NAMS-CMS, Captain USN (Ret.)

Marine Engineering Expert Witness

Nicomar LLC

Vallejo, California

Maritime, Engineering - Marine Engineering Casualties, Personal Injury, Shipbuilding & Repair, Hull & Machinery Damage, Cargo Damage, Protection & Indemnity Surveying, Hull & Machinery Surveying, Marine Warranty Surveying, Offshore Oil & Gas, Marine Salvage, Diesel Engines, Steam & Gas Turbines, Boilers, Marine Insurance & Claims, Dock Damage

Matthew Fenton held an unlimited U.S. Coast Guard Chief Engineer's License from 1990 until 2025 as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering Technology from the California Maritime Academy. He worked in the Far East for twenty-four years before returning to the San Francisco Bay Area in August 2021, where he founded Nicomar LLC and provides expert witness, consultancy and survey services globally. During his 43-year career in the marine and offshore industries, Matthew has served as a senior officer and Chief Engineer on chemical tankers and roll-on/roll-off (Ro/Ro) vessels and as a junior officer served aboard bulk carriers, survey vessels, and passenger/cargo ships before coming ashore as a Superintendent Engineer, then moving into marine consultancy in 2000. Clients have employed him as an expert witness in a range of cases, including stern tube bearing failures, vessel performance and fuel consumption issues in newbuildings, charter redelivery, and floating ...

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Joseph Quinn, M.S., P.E.

Metal Failure Analysis - Materials Engineering

Materials FACT

Los Angeles, California

Failure Analysis, Metallurgy - Automobile, Aircraft, Tools, Appliance, Engineering Expert, Construction, Construction Defect, Corrosion, Maritime, Machinery, Materials selection, Glass, Medical Implant, Medical Device, Manufacturing Design, Plumbing Expert, Products Liability, Fire & Explosion, Product Design, Pipe

Joseph Quinn, MS, PE, is a Forensic Metallurgy and Metallurgical Engineering consultant. He is a Licensed Professional Engineer in Metallurgical Engineering and is registered in 7 states (CA, PA, UT, NV, AZ, CO, WA) with the Model Law Engineering (MLE) designation. He has provided over 1,000 Failure Analysis investigations on metallic and non-metallic (glass, plastic, rubber, and composite) materials or products. Mr. Quinn provides metallurgical and materials consultation, expert witness testimony, and forensic failure analysis in civil litigation matters for defendants and plaintiffs. He has received awards in the International Metallographic Contest and has delivered several presentations on metallurgical engineering and failure analysis subjects at universities, ASM meetings, and industry events. He has served as Past President of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) in California and remains active in industry standards development, technical societies, and pro...

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Andrew E Madden, Esq., LL.M (US Law), LL.M, MSc, LL.B (Hons), CEng, CMarEng, FIMarEST, FRINA

Dual-Qualified Maritime & Legal Professional

The Law Office of Andrew E. Madden & A.M Marine Surveys LLC

Long Beach, California

Maritime, Legal - Machinery damages, Ship Explosions, Professional Indemnity, Oil Pollution, Marine Engineer, Personal injuries, Super Yachts, Lithium ion fires, Oily Water Separator, Audits, Hull damage, Law, Maritime Fires, Drydocking, Marine Casualty, Cruise Ships, Marine Surveyor, Class, Cargo, Propulsion

Andrew E. Madden, Esq. brings a distinctive and rare combination of legal, technical, and operational maritime experience. He is a California attorney, marine surveyor, and former UK-licensed Chief Engineer, with several years of seagoing service on a variety of commercial ships around the globe and 12 years’ experience as a Senior Surveyor and Senior Maritime Auditor with Lloyd’s Register. He also has specialist experience in the superyacht sector. Through The Law Office of Andrew E. Madden, P.C. — “Where Maritime Experience Informs Legal Strategy” — he provides focused maritime legal support informed by real-world vessel operations, casualty investigation, marine insurance claims, hull and machinery issues, cargo matters, audits, surveys, and technical dispute analysis. He is also President of A.M. Marine Surveys LLC (www.amarinesurveys.com), a separate marine surveying and consulting company. This dual background allows him to assess maritime matters from both the legal and engin...

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Richard Marzano

Independent Consultant

San Francisco, California

Maritime - Longshore Industry, Maritime Labor Consulting, Stevedore, Collective Bargaining Agreements, Longshore Jobs, Labor Relations

Richard Marzano has spent over 25 years in the longshore/maritime industry, working in both marine terminal operations and labor management, becoming a West Coast longshore expert. With nearly 15 years in labor relations, bargaining with the ILWU and administering the ILWU-PMA Agreement(s), Mr. Marzano has in-depth knowledge of ILWU/West Coast longshore hiring and employment practices and processes, working and dispatch rules, benefits administration, the ILWU-PMA grievance procedure, the ILWU-PMA reasonable accommodation process (re. the Americans with Disabilities Act) and its application on US West Coast ports.

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Capt. David G. Bacon

Boat safety & compliance, collision, injury, drown

Santa Barbara, California

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Captain Ronald J Short

Licensed Maritime Master of Oceans (retired)

Short Maritime Consultants, LLC.

California

Maritime, Transportation - Vessel Safety Training, Vessel Risk Management, Vessel Maintenance Management, Research Vessel Operations, Accident Root Cause Analysis, Small Passenger Ship Operations <1600 Gross Tons Domestic, Vessel Risk Assessment, Vessel SMS, Sport Charter Boat

Professional Summary Ronald J. Short is a highly proficient, motivated, and dynamic licensed Master with extensive experience in vessel management, both internationally and along coastal regions. He has worked with various types of vessels, including passenger, supply, oceanographic, break bulk, and special purpose explosive carriers. Ronald excels in maintaining effective working relationships and employs a high-energy, hands-on approach to management, demonstrating excellent communication skills and critical thinking during vessel operations. He is committed to continuous learning and applying new technologies and industry trends. Key Skills: • Ship Piloting and Navigation • Operations Management • Productivity Enhancement • Crew Training and Management • Marine Research Operations • Critical Problem Solving • Safety and Emergency Procedures • Team Building & Leadership • Process Improvement • Maritime Safety Training • Client Relationship Management • Cost Containment • Mainten...

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Michael C. Monastra, Captain

Offshore Nautical LLC. Seamanship/Maritime Consultation

San Diego , California

Maritime, Maritime - Seamanship, Sailing Yachts, Motor Yachts, USCG Navigation Rules, Bareboat Charter contracts and disputes, Racing Rules of Sailing, Jones Act, Injuries, Accidents, Dismastings, Sinkings, Collisions, Allisions, Navigation, Engineering, Boatyard and Insurance Company repairs and disputes

Professional Sailor since 1989. USCG Licensed Captain since 1990. World Sailing Group 3 (professional) Competitor since 2004. (retired) US Sailing Offshore Safety at Sea certification 2004-Present ASA certified Advanced Sailing Instructor 1992-Present ASA certified Coastal Navigation Instructor 1991-Present ASA certified Bareboat Chartering Instructor 1991-Present US Powerboating certified Advanced Powerboating Instructor since 2010. (retired) RBPA certified Twin Inboard Powerboating Instructor 2009-Present RPBA certified Single Inboard Powerboating Instructor 2009-Present RPBA certified Directed Thrust Powerboating Instructor 2009-Present Owner Offshore Nautical LLC. Seamanship/Maritime Consultation. Established 2008 Owner Privateer Maritime Inc, San Diego Sailing Academy and San Diego Powerboating Academy established 1989. I retired from on the water instruction in December 2021. I am an expert in seamanship, navigation, boathandling, docking, anchoring, mooring, and man overb...

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Alan R. Hugenot

Alan Ross Hugenot Inc.

San Francisco, California

Maritime - Maritime Casualties, Personal Injury, Root Cause Analysis, Ship-handling, Sailing yachts, Motor yachts, Charter contracts & disputes, Sail Racing Rules, Jones Act, Dis-masting, Capsizing, Sinking, Collisions, Yacht Design & Engineering, Boatyard repairs, Insurance disputes, Cruise ships

Merchant Marine Officer, Master Mariner, Near Coastal Inspected Passenger Vessels, Steam Motor & Sail for 34 years. STCW 95 and Radar Observer Unlimited, Navigation, Safety Regulations, Shipboard Safety/Security, Deck Seamanship, Rules of the Road, Experienced Towing & Rescue of Yachts and Small Craft. Maritime Smuggling. Naval Architect-Marine Engineer, Full Member SNAME 40 years, Expert on Diesel failure analysis, Experienced Engine Rebuilder, Engine replacements, Electrical Propulsion Controllers, Solar Panels & controllers, High voltage storage batteries, Diesel generators & Inverters, 12VDC, through 96VDC. 125VAC & 240 VAC. Expert on all shipboard mechanical systems, fuel oil, lube oil, fire protection, all piping and pumping, HVAC, • Chairman, SNAME Motor Craft & Service Craft Panel (SC-4) Small Craft Technical & Research Committee (Since 2006). • Principal National Fire Protection Association-NFPA Motor Craft Committee (2011), • Member of five American Boat and Yacht Coun...

Andrew E. Madden Esq.

Attormey at Law
Marine Surveyor
Maritime Consultant

Captain O. Franklin Morton

Maritime Operations Expert
Navigation, Fleeting, & Safety
30+ Years Experience

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Captain John G. Jacobsen

Miami, Florida

Maritime, Accident Reconstruction - Admiralty Law, Marine & Maritime Incident Analysis & Accident Reconstruction, AZIPOD Ships, Podded Ships, Commercial Vessel, Passenger, Cruise Ship, Tug, Barge, Towing, Pilot, Piloting, Navigation, Seamanship, Rules of the Road, Boating Safety, Boating Accident, Yacht, Pleasure Craft, Container Ship

After attending the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Captain Jacobsen served as an officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine for nine years. He sailed in many positions, attained his master’s license, and has been a Port of Miami harbor pilot since 1994, including serving as Chairman. He has piloted yachts, tugs & barges, and ships of all types and sizes including Azipod ships, podded ships, freighters, tankers, container ships, ferries, cruise ships, passenger vessels, naval vessels, research vessels, and tall ships. Active in boating and yachting all of his life, Captain Jacobsen is a member of a yacht club in Miami where he serves on various committees. Captain Jacobsen remains an active pilot and avid boater to this day. Harbor Pilot: actively providing State & Federal licensed pilotage services to all types of ships, including Azipod ships, cruise ships, NeoPanamax container ships, tugs & barges, yachts, and other vessels of unlimited size and tonnage in Port of Miami. Have co...

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Paul S Foran

Consolidated Maritime Resources LLC

Saint Johns, Florida

Maritime, Safety - Oil tanker, Chemical tanker, Container ship, Bulk Carrier, General Cargo vessel, Loss Control, Accident investigation, Incident investigation, Regulatory violation, Regulatory issue, Cargo contamination, Safety issues, Stability issues, First Responder, Training, Vessel management, Personal injury

Master Mariner Unlimited Tonnage, Liaison to USCG for Emergency Response to Key Bridge Collapse, Baltimore MD March - July 2024, Liaison to USCG for Emergency Response to GRANDE COSTA D’AVORIO fire and salvage July - Aug 2023, Liaison to USCG for Emergency Response to SPIRIT OF NORFOLK fire and salvage June 2022, Liaison to USCG for emergency response to capsized liftboat SEACOR POWER Apr - Aug 2021, Safety Officer for salvage of car carrier MV GOLDEN RAY 2019, OCIMF SIRE Inspector Category 1, Tanker Management Self Assessment 3 (TMSA3) Solutions, Marine Safety Advisor for Petroleum Load and Discharge Operations, Expert witness for maritime litigation, Safety Assessments / ISM Audits for Commercial and U.S. Military Sealift Command vessels, 20+ year’s in command of 15 ships, including tankers, Ro-Ro / Container, and break bulk. Vessel superintendent for Oil / Chemical Tank vessels, STCW certified instructor / assessor, Simulator Training Instructor, USCG Chemical Transportation Advi...

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Craig Setzer, CCM

Forensic Maritime Meteorological Expert

Forensic Maritime Meteorological Consultants

Ft Lauderdale, Florida

Meteorology, Maritime - Cruise Lines, Maritime, Forensic, Marine, Ocean, Wave, Wind, Ship, Vessel, Weather, Storm, Hurricane, Meteorology, Container, Cargo, Tanker, Damage, Sea, Harbor

Forensic maritime meteorological expert witness providing consultation, investigation, data gathering, report writing, rebuttal, deposition, and court testimony services. Extensive cruise industry experience to include hurricane, tropical, and severe weather knowledge. Emmy award winning former television meteorologist with public speaking, teaching, and on camera experience. American Meteorological Society Certified Consulting Meteorologist (board member).

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Captain Eric Watson

Maritime Expert Witness | USCG Master

Watson Maritime Consulting

Venice, Florida

Maritime - Offshore, Coastal, Oil & Gas, Ship repair, Offshore supply vessel, Vessel maintenance, Yachts, Uscg inspections, Sailing, Uscg regulations, Navigation, Voyage planning, Accident and fraud, Cruise ships, Passenger vessels, Charter boats

Eric Watson Master Mariner | Maritime Operations, Safety & Passenger Vessel Expert Captain Eric Watson is a U.S. Coast Guard–licensed Master with more than 24 years of command and maritime operations experience aboard passenger vessels, small cruise ships, offshore supply vessels, charter vessels, sailing vessels, motor yachts, and private vessels up to 280 feet. He has logged more than 300,000 nautical miles and has served in command roles involving inland, near coastal, offshore, and ocean operations. Captain Watson has served as Captain on U.S.-flag passenger vessels operating under USCG Subchapter K and Subchapter T, with direct responsibility for vessel safety, regulatory compliance, navigation, crew management, emergency response, passenger safety, vessel inspections, and operational decision-making. His experience includes high-visibility guest service environments where safety, seamanship, regulatory compliance, and risk management are critical. His areas of expert analys...

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Matthew Knoll

Marine surveyor and consultant brown water & yacht

jupiter, Florida

Maritime, Transportation - yacht, shipyard, tug, barge, longshoreman, crew, seaman, stevedore, super yacht, workmanship, limitation of liability, appraisal, salvage, damage, sailing, cargo, sinking, collision, allision, offshore

Knoll Marine Services is committed to providing the best marine surveying and consulting services to the maritime industry by performing our job safely; with prompt and accurate reporting. Servicing yachts, cargo, inland and offshore commercial maritime sectors. Services include, but are not limited to: Condition Surveys, Appraisals, Damage Surveys, Salvage, On/Off Hire Surveys, Pre-Purchase Surveys, Trip in Tow Surveys, Load Out Surveys, New Construction and Repair Project Management, Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement, Ship Checks for Engineering and Drawings. Matt has extensive experience in shipyard repair of yachts, tugs, barges, and offshore support vessels. Including working with composite materials, steel and aluminum. Matt has extensive experience liaising with classification societies, and United States Coast Guard concerning vessel inspections and compliance issues. Matt regularly performs appraisals of commercial vessels and yachts for many purposes, including limitation...

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Victor Gomez, MD, MSc, MA, MBA

Cruise Ship & Maritime Medicine Expert Witness

Miami, Florida

Maritime, Emergency Medicine - Cruise Ship Medicine, Maritime Medicine, Shipboard Medical Care, Cruise Ship Doctor, Cruise Ship Medical Negligence, Cruise Ship Medical Malpractice, Standards of Care, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, Remote Medical Care, Evacuation, Aeromedical Medicine, Occupational Medicine, Fitness for Duty Evaluations, Telemedicine

Maritime & Cruise Ship Medical Expertise Dr. Victor Gomez has over a decade of experience delivering medical and occupational health services aboard major international cruise lines including Azamara, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, and The Apollo Group. He served as Senior Medical Officer managing passenger and crew medical emergencies and is well versed in the cruise ship medical standard of care governing shipboard diagnosis, treatment, documentation, and medical evacuation decisions. His responsibilities included triage, emergency response, medical documentation, outbreak management, and regulatory compliance within onboard medical centers. Dr. Gomez also directed occupational health programs for multinational crews including fitness for duty assessments, health surveillance, and return to work protocols aligned with maritime medical standards. Through his consultancy VGMO Colombia SAS, Dr. Gomez advises offshore platforms and maritime operations on health system readiness, occupa...

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Eric M. Macdonald

SCUBA diving, commercial diving, OSHA policy

Apex Dive Safety and Compliance, LLC

Lynn Haven, Florida

Maritime, Aquatics Safety - SCUBA Diving , Commercial diving , Diving casualties, Mixed Gas diving, Surface Supplied diving, salvage work, rigging, underwater search, recompression chamber, scientific diving, Military diving, Emergency Response diving, ROV operations, dive equipment, under-sea operations, OSHA policy, project Management

Over 35 years of direct responsibility for complex diving, salvage, and open ocean recovery operations. Expertise encompassing the following areas: • Dive Program Management. Participated in a complete reevaluation of all USN military and civilian diving policies resulting in publication of a new OPNAV 3150 Navy Diving Policy instruction. Revised USN Diving Manual (Rev. 7) to reflect new policy. Chairman of the Chief Warrant Officer Advisory Team (CWOT) tasked with advising Navy leadership on all aspects of diving, salvage, and special diving operations. • Dive Instruction and training. High Risk Training Officer for USN dive program. Navy Personal Qualification Standard (PQS) manager for entire Navy Dive Program. Updated and published Navy safety program and qualification manual. • Dive Safety enforcement. Dive Safety Officer for three (3) Naval Repair activities, and three (3) Mobile diving and salvage teams; published fleet wide dive safety policy/procedures. • Dive In...

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Arlen Leiner

57 Years Marine Surveying and Litigation Support

A & L MARITIME EXPERTSs, LLC.

Land O Lakes, Florida

Maritime, Accident Reconstruction - Boat Diminished Valuation, Boating Accident Reconstruction, Vessel collisions, Sinking, Boat Fire Reconstruction, Maritime Injury and Death, Cruise ships Accidents, Jones Act investigations, Boat Construction and repair, Marine Engines, US Coast Guard (USCG) (DOT) (DEA), Navigation Rules, Fire, Storm Damage, Dock Damage, Lakes

(1) Numerous experiences as a certified expert witness in the Marine Field in the past 42 years, including Diminished Valuation, Accident Reconstruction, Vessel collisions, Sinking’s, Fire Reconstruction, Injury and Death, Cruise ships Accidents, Jones Act investigations, and noncompliance, Boat Construction, and repair and Quality Control, Marine Engines, and Installations, Testifying in the United States, Great Britain, BVIs, Mexico, Spain, Puerto Rico, France, Poland, and Greece. (2) Experience with Docks (loading and unloading), Boatyards, and Marinas and Marina Dockage, Boat Construction, Repair, Quality Control, Boat, and Ship Construction, as well as Management of New Construction and Repair. (3) Experienced boat builder Ocean Horse Label (before HIN’s) 178FRP Commercial boats, 3 Steel, 3 Aluminum, 7 Wood, 8 sail 116FRP l, and from 2007 on under the AMS HIN Experienced and licensed operator (Master since 1963). (4) Experienced Marine Engineer License 4000 Horsepower or greate...

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Bradley Cuthbertson, Captain

JET SKI, PWC RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY EXPERT

Gary Robinson Inc

Captain Cook, Hawaii

Maritime, Accident Reconstruction - Jet Ski, Personal Watercraft, Boating Safety, Excursion Boats, Rental Boats, Personal Watercraft Manufacturer Defect, Vessel Right of Way., Sail Boat, Boat Training, Accident reconstruction, Commercial Shipping

Providing counsel for over thirty years consulting a wide range of services related to Jet Ski, Personal Watercraft and Recreational Boating accidents. I have been sought for assistance in many cases involving serious boat injuries by counsel from coast to coast. CURRENTLY there is a growing trend in PWC rental concessionaire accidents, typically lack of adequate education, warnings and supervision associated with rental activity. From consulting, reviewing discovery, site and equipment inspection, written report and trial appearance other services have included productions of exemplary videos and trial exhibits.

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Capt. Gregory C Daley

International Maritime Consultancy

Lafayette, Louisiana

Maritime, Safety - boat, ship, personnel basket, collision, dredging, personal injury, crewboat, offshore supply vessel, Platform supply vessel, crew management, navigation, Navigation Rules, CFR's, fishing boats, recreational boats, hurricane, ports, shipping, dynamic positioning, swing rope

Assisted both plaintiff and defense attorneys in understanding the industry standards and regulations of maritime operations, maritime safety, and maritime navigation. My export reports combine my years of hands-on captain experience with my MIT education producing meaningful reports that have expedited settlements. My trial testimony focusses on instructing judge and jury on the nature of the sea and how the involved parties were affected by it. My testimony has included demonstratives of my drone photography of the accident site and accident recreation. Additionally, qualified to opine on maritime forecasts and observations regarding significant wave height, maximum wave and rogue waves. Axcess to archived maritime forecasts and archived wind/wave analyses by the National Weather Service. - USCG Master Unlimited, Oceans - AFNI, Associate Fellow of Nautical Institute, U.K. - Dynamic Position Operator - Member, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Certified Safety Professional with AS...

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Captain O. Franklin Morton

Maritime Expert/USCG Master of Towing Vessels

New Orleans, Louisiana

Maritime, Transportation - Maritime Navigation, Barge Fleeting, Maritime Vessel Safety, Subchapter M, Maritime Vessel Operations, Maritime Casualties, Maritime Collision, Maritime Allision, Maritime Grounding, Maritime Towing, Barge Fleet Operations, Barge Fleet Safety, Maritime Compliance

Captain Frank Morton is a maritime professional with over 30 years of experience in a variety of vessel-based and shoreside operations. As a United States Coast Guard-licensed Master of Towing Vessels; Near Coastal and Western Rivers and Designated Examiner, Captain Morton has been a deckhand, engineman, able-bodied seaman, pilot, chief mate, relief master, and master on a variety of towing vessels. As a Designated Examiner, Captain Morton has trained and educated mariners in vessel operations and navigation. In addition to his vessel experience, Captain Morton has been a fleet mate, dispatcher, assistant fleet manager, marine surveyor/auditor, and port captain. As a marine surveyor/auditor, Captain Morton performed daft, cargo, condition, and subchapter M surveys and subchapter M and internal audits. As a port captain, Captain Morton was responsible for crewing and compliance with United States Coast Guard regulations and SIRE requirements.

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Ayman Alakkawi, MSc., CEng

Consulting Marine Engineer and Safety Expert

Consult Maritime LLC

Hoboken, New Jersey

Maritime, Engineering - Marine Accident & Incident Investigation, LNG/Dual Fuel/Alternative Fuel Vessel, Offshore Oil & Gas, Failure Analysis (Hull Machinery Propulsion), Renewable Energy, Marine Surveys & Audits, Marine Engineering System Design & Operation, Shipbuilding & Repair, Hull & Machinery Surveying, Diesel Engines, Crew Injury

Ayman Alakkawi is a Chief Marine Engineer and Chartered Marine Engineer (CEng, UK) with over 23 years of global experience in the Maritime, Offshore Oil & Gas, and Renewable Energy sectors. He is the Founder and President of Consult Maritime LLC, an independent maritime consultancy based in the New York Metropolitan Area, serving clients across North America and internationally. Ayman is a recognized expert in marine engineering, vessel integrity, regulatory compliance, and accident investigation, with a distinguished record of conducting over 900 vessel inspections and audits worldwide. His expertise spans casualty investigations, failure analysis, and LNG/Dual Fuel Vessel Design & Operation, positioning him as a trusted expert witness in complex technical disputes. As a consulting marine engineer, Ayman has investigated a wide range of hull and machinery cases, including damage to main and auxiliary engines (low-speed, medium-speed motors), hull casualties (cargo holds explosions...

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Matthew David Marko, PhD, MBA, PE

Ivy League PhD Mechanical Engineer and Physicist

Seaside Heights, New Jersey

Mechanical Engineering, Maritime - Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Tribology and Lubrication, Ball Bearings, Forensic Analysis, Hazards Electromagnetic Radiation, Radar, Electromagnetics, Naval Engineering, Thermodynamics, HVAC, Heat Engines, Electric Motors, Energy, SCUBA, Aircrafts, Failure Analysis, Optics / Fiber, Numerical Methods and Analysis, Radio Frequency RF

I am a mechanical engineer and physicist, with 20 years of experience with the US Navy as a civilian engineer and research scientist. I hold a total of 7 degrees, including a Bachelor of Engineering in mechanical engineering, a Bachelor of Science in physics, and a Master of Engineering in mechanical engineering from Stevens Institute (2006); a Master of Science in applied physics from Johns Hopkins (2009); a Master of Philosophy and a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in mechanical engineering from Columbia University (2015), with a doctoral dissertation and thesis in tribology (lubrication and ball bearings); and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Rutgers University (2019). I am a New Jersey licensed Professional Engineer (PE), license number 49629. I have a total of 15 first author peer-reviewed scientific publications in several different fields, including nonlinear optics, tribology, thermodynamics, numerical methods, electromagnetics, and even a publication on histo...

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Jack Leo

Security & Premises Expert - Ret. U.S. Marshal

The Probity Group

Somers Point, New Jersey

Premises Liability, Security - Negligent Security, Premises Liability, Inadequate Security, Foreseeability, Security Adequacy, Incident Causation, Apartment Security, Hotel Security, Parking Lot Security, Retail Security, Nightclub Security, Casino Security, Law Enforcement Practices, Use of Force, CPTED, Marina, Maritime, Bar, Causation, Restaurant

Jack Leo is the Founder and Principal Consultant of The Probity Group, a security consulting and investigative firm specializing in premises liability, negligent security, law enforcement practices, security operations, and protective methodologies. He is a former senior federal law enforcement executive and security professional with nearly three decades of progressively responsible leadership in high-risk investigative, protective, and security environments. A veteran of both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force, Mr. Leo began his federal career as a United States Border Patrol Agent before serving in the United States Marshals Service, ultimately attaining the position of Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal — the highest field-based leadership position within the agency. Over the course of his career, he directed and supervised complex investigations, fugitive apprehensions, witness protection operations, security assessments, and protective assignments across the United States and internatio...

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CAPT Sean P. Tortora, MS, USMS

Long Island Maritime, LLC

Long Island, New York

Maritime, Fire - Maritime / Marine Casualties, Admiralty, Maritime / Marine Collisions, Allisions, and/or Groundings, Marine fire / Marine fires / Marine Firefighting, Towing, Navigation Law, Underway Replenishment, Maritime Accident Investigations / Analysis / Consultation, Cargo Claims, Seaman Claims

CAPT Sean P. Tortora, M.S., U.S.M.S., is a Master Mariner with twenty-five years at sea. He is also an unlimited Master of towing vessels and Master and Commander of U.S Naval underway replenishment vessels. During his career at sea, CAPT Tortora had command of many different classes of vessels, including tankers, dry cargo, break bulk, ammunition, ocean towing, and salvage, special mission, as well as underway replenishment vessels. CAPT Tortora is a native of Long Island, New York. He is a graduate of Chaminade High School and holds a BS in Marine Transportation and MS, with honors, in International Transportation Management, both from the State University of New York Maritime College at Ft. Schuyler. He has served in the first Gulf War 1991-1992, Operation Noble Eagle—the response to the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, and Operation Iraqi Freedom—the second Gulf War from 2002-2010. CAPT Tortora’s decorations include U.S. Navy MSC-Command-at-Sea Designato...

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Kevin A Rider, PhD, PE, CHFP

Human Factors Expert

Forensic Human Factors, LLC

Delaware, Ohio

Human Factors, Traffic Engineering - Distracted driving, Driving behavior, Reconstruction, Biomechanics, Maritime, Manufacturing, Mining, OSHA, Premises Liability, Products Liability, Safety, Slips, Trips, Falls, Transportation, Warnings, Conspicuity, Cell phones, Texting, Lighting

Dr. Kevin Rider is a human factors expert and owner of Forensic Human Factors, LLC, providing investigations, reports and expert testimony for personal injury cases – plaintiff and defense. His expertise involves investigating how people interact with other people, products and environments in predictable ways, and applying this understanding to effective, efficient and safe products, services and systems. He has been consulted as an expert in 49 states (so far). Dr. Rider’s expertise includes: • MVAs and pedestrian collisions, incl. trucks, trains, buses, motor/bicycles • Illumination, nighttime visibility, and conspicuity • DUI/DWIs, where intoxication was not a proximate cause of crash • Adequacy of product designs and warnings • The design and maintenance of safe civil and occupational environments • Premises liability, and slips, trips and falls • Workplace and construction safety Dr. Rider is a Professional Engineer (PE), a Certified Human Factors Professional (CHFP), and ...

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Richard A Shema, CCM

WeatherGuy.com, LLP

Lakeville, Pennsylvania

Meteorology, Maritime - Weather reconstruction, forensic meteorology, weather, marine meteorology, maritime, admirality law, weather routing, ship accidents, boating accidents, consulting meteorologists, tropical cyclones, hurricanes, tropical meteorology, extreme waves, oceanography, waves, marine insurance, insurance

• Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) by the American Meteorological Society • Over 30 years experience in meteorology and physical oceanography • I am a U.S. Navy veteran with sea duty and therefore have firsthand experience in the effects of weather on operations • Past AMS board member that certifies CCM’s for technical knowledge, communication skills, and ethics • I provide quality testimony using the scientific method • My testimony is clear, concise, and technically complicated subjects are plainly described • Sound communication skills describing complex atmospheric processes are put into easily understandable words and presentations • My written testimony is quality controlled and peer reviewed to produce an error free report that stands up to scrutiny of cross examination • I keep abreast of the latest scientific developments in meteorology and physical oceanography by attending conferences, re...

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Joseph Quinn, M.S., P.E.

Metal Failure Analysis - Materials Engineering

Materials FACT

Pennsylvania

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Gavan Dunleavy, Capt.

Unlimited 1st Class Pilot / Maritime Operations

Yardley, Pennsylvania

Maritime, Safety - Shiphandling, Maritime Incident Analysis, Shipyard Safety, Tugboat Operations, Harbor Pilot, Human Factors, Confined Space Entry, Maritime Safety, Maritime Procedures, Ship Repair Operations, Vessel Operations, Hazardous Liquid Cargo, Maritime Technology, Navigational Safety, Tank Vessel Operations, Maritime Training

Capt. Gavan Dunleavy is an active Delaware River docking pilot, maritime consultant, and former U.S. merchant seafarer with over a decade of operational experience involving tanker operations, ship handling, tug/barge operations, and the transportation of crude oil, refined petroleum products, and chemicals. As a harbor docking pilot he conducts docking and undocking operations involving large ocean going vessels including Aframax and Suezmax tankers up to approximately 200,000 deadweight tons, large containerships, bulk carriers, and chemical carriers. His background includes extensive experience in harbor maneuvering, docking operations, Z-Drive tugboat operations, marine casualty analysis, shipyard repair, confined space safety, pollution prevention and vessel operational safety. In addition to active pilotage duties, Capt. Dunleavy provides maritime consulting and expert witness services involving vessel operations, maritime safety practices, ship handling, tug/ship interaction...

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Kelly C. Knighton, CSP

Former OSHA Regional Administrator - Safety Expert

The Knighton Consulting Group, LLC

Santa Fe, Texas

OSHA, Safety - OSHA Compliance, Construction, General Industry, Maritime, Workplace Safety, Safety, Manufacturing, Accident Investigation, Litigation Support, Risk Analysis, Regulatory Compliance, Plaintiff/Defense, Multi-Employer Worksites, OSHA Citations, scaffolding, Lockout/Tagout, confined space, fall protection, machine guarding, Excavation

Kelly C. Knighton is a Board-Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and former senior executive with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), bringing over 30 years of experience in workplace safety, regulatory enforcement, and incident investigation. Ms. Knighton previously served as OSHA Regional Administrator overseeing one of the agency’s largest regions, directing enforcement and compliance programs across multiple states. She now provides expert consulting and litigation support involving workplace safety standards, OSHA compliance, and catastrophic incident analysis. Expert Witness Specialties: - OSHA regulations, compliance, and enforcement - Construction safety, general industry, and maritime safety - Workplace incident investigation and root cause analysis - Fatalities and catastrophic injury analysis - OSHA citations, including General Duty Clause (5(a)(1)) - Safety management systems and hazard identification - Regulatory interpretation and industry s...

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Captain Kurt M. Hallier

Maritime and Terminal Expert

Maritime Perspective Inc.

Montgomery, Texas

Maritime, Safety - Vessel Management, Oil Tankers, Chemical Tankers, Gas Carriers, Bulk Carriers, Ferries, Marine Terminals, Incident Response, Accident Investigations, Personal Injury, Fires, Collisions, Allisions, Groundings, Loss Control, Vessel Salvage, Offshore Operations, Marine Pilots, Navigation and Waterways

Master Mariner and Marine Manager with more than 40 years of proven global experience in managing shoreside, shipboard, offshore facility, and terminal operations within the petroleum industry. Successfully resolved complex issues by collaborating with international, federal, state, and local agencies. Recognized as an industry expert in terminal operations, incident management, safety, quality, and environmental affairs. Demonstrated proficiency in conducting port, terminal, and offshore assessments to optimize operations and improve safety. Known for utilizing a robust network of global marine experts to effectively manage risk and enhance the performance of marine assets. Responded to the Exxon Valdez oil spill and Deputy Incident Commander for the salvage of the OMI Charger in Galveston Bay. 30+ years as a member of a major oil company Tier One Incident Response Team responding to actual oil spills, salvage operations, fires, vessel collisions, groundings and allisions. Partic...

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Reginald E. McKamie, MBA, CPA, JD

Maritime Safety Licensed Unlimited Captain Master

Houston, Texas

Maritime, Safety - Captain, Seaman, Gangway, Master Mariner, Seamanship, Boat, Ship, Collision, Deck, Shipboard Safety, Allision, Cruise, Safety, navigation, shiphandling, rules of the road

Captain McKamie has 48 years of experience in the maritime industry both at sea and ashore. Captain McKamie is a licensed Unlimited Master Mariner for over 33 years and is a retired U. S. Navy Captain. At sea Captain McKamie was Captain of a very large crude carrier that traded on U. S. domestic and international voyages. While in the Navy Captain McKamie taught shiphandling to Prospective Commanding Officers and Prospective Executive Officers at the Navy School for Shiphandling. Ashore Captain McKamie has management experience in vessel manning, crew training and marine insurance. McKamie, a graduate of the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York might assist you in matters involving marine cargo, marine insurance, marine casualties, marine collisions, marine navigation, marine seamanship, deck seamanship, marine allisions, marine rules of the road, seamanship, seaman claims, marine radar, International Safety Management Code (ISM) application, SOLAS, marine safet...

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Captain Ronald J Short

Licensed Maritime Master of Oceans (retired)

Short Maritime Consultants, LLC.

Yakima, Washington

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Randall L. Pinetti, Captain

Maritime Consultant, Live TV Network Interviews

Pinetti Maritime LLC

Everett, Washington

Maritime, Risk Management - Marine Casualties/Accidents, Maritime Root Cause Analysis, Ship Pilot, Shiphandler, Channel Vessel Interaction, Navigation Safety Regulations, Anti-Terrorism, Anti-Piracy, Shipboard Safety/Security, Rules of the Road, Maritime Simulation Development, Seamanship, Cargo Surveyor, Ladder Usage/Accidents

Qualified Maritime Expert Witness Marine Casualties and Incident Investigations/Root Cause Analysis Risk Assessment and Decision Making Expert Shiphandler - Pilot and Instructor Bridge Resource Management Instruction/Evaluation Seamanship Instructor - Best Practices and Accident Evaluations Oil Spill Response/Recovery Rules of the Road, Channel Vessel Interaction Simulator Evaluation/Programming Master/Pilot Information Exchange - relationship/evaluation Tugs and Usage - Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD), ASD Reverse Tractor, Voith-Schneider Tractor, Conventional Drive - single and twin screw Captain, USNR (Ret.): Surface Warfare Officer, Merchant Marine Officer Master Mariner, Unlimited Tonnage Upon Oceans, STCW 95, 2010, 2017 compliant First Class Pilot - Unlimited Tonnage, 35 years - greater than 5000 ships piloted San Francisco Bar Pilot (16 yrs) Los Angeles Port Pilot (4 yrs) Chevron Shipping Port Captain/Mooring Master, Barbers Point - Oahu, Hawaii (8 yrs) Master, Tanker & Cargo V...

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Captain Peter McGuiness

American Maritime Information Service LLC

Vancouver, Washington

Maritime, Management - newbuilding sea trials, bridge resource management, watchkeeping, watchstanding, navigation, shiphandling, tanker operations, cruise ship operations, quality and safety management systems, ISM Code, ISPS Code, regulations for preventing collisions at sea (“Rules of the Road”), teaching and training

Highly accomplished shipmaster and manager of over thirty years’ commercial maritime industry experience. EXPERIENCE -- Newbuilding sea trials shipmaster (over 100 sea trials in over 50 new ships) -- Operations, health, environment and safety superintendent -- Quality and safety management system lead auditor -- Shipmaster and officer in commercial merchant ships on international and US coastwise voyages -- Appointed shipmaster of a new refined products tanker in US coastwise service, at age thirty -- Served as second mate and chief mate on four maiden voyages, two on new trade routes for the respective shipowners EXPERTISE -- Command in newbuilding sea trials -- Bridge resource management, watchstanding, watchkeeping, navigation, shiphandling -- Petroleum tankship operations -- Tanker Management Self-Assessment 3 (TMSA3) -- Cruise ship operations including operation of their tender boats and rescue boats -- Design, administration and audit of quality management syste...

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William Ostara

Marine Engineering Expert

Sci Maritime, LLC

Gig Harbor, Washington

Maritime, Engineering - Marine engineering casualties, Incident investigation, Personal negligence, Vessel systems, Proper equipment operation, Engine room best practices, Safety and compliance, Offshore oil & gas, Commercial fishing, Passenger transportation, Private yachts, Marine electrical, Medium-speed diesel engines, High-speed diesel engines

William H. D. Ostara is a licensed chief engineer and maritime consultant with over 20 years of sea-going and shoreside experience across the commercial fishing, offshore supply, passenger, and research sectors. He is the Principal Consultant of Sci Maritime, LLC, providing incident investigation, risk assessment, and expert witness services to vessel owners, insurers, and litigation counsel. William’s expertise centres on engineering failures, shipboard casualties, and operational negligence, with a particular focus on propulsion systems, refrigerated seawater and ammonia plants, electrical distribution, and maintenance management practices. He offers technical opinions on machinery damage, engine-room fires, regulatory compliance, human-factor contributions, and organizational safety breakdowns. His analysis blends root-cause methodology with first-hand knowledge of shipboard culture, watchstanding realities, and the constraints of commercial operation. His career spans progress...

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Maritime Operations Expert
Navigation, Fleeting, & Safety
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