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Marine Forensic Engineering Services
From the time cargo is loaded until it reaches its destination, both the cargo and the vessel are subject to peril. Nature, human error, and mechanical failures are dangers that are magnified by the very process of sailing from shore.
Sinkings, fires, accidents, and other incidents involving marine vessels, piers, and facilities occur regularly due to nature, human error, and mechanical failures. Whether it's a natural catastrophe or a collision between two vessels, we are here to help.
McDowell Owens investigates marine incidents and explains what happened, how it occurred, and how to avoid the same issues in the future.
McDowell Owens and Marine Forensic Investigation
McDowell Owens Engineering, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary, nationwide forensic engineering firm. Since 1986, we have provided comprehensive, unbiased marine forensic engineering and failure analysis services.
As established leaders in forensics, McDowell Owens professional engineers, scientists, and consultants are experts in marine accidents and losses.
Marine Expertise
Our team of forensic engineers and investigators specialize in evaluating a wide array of maritime incidents such as fires, equipment failures, on-board accidents, sinkings, capsizes, groundings, and damage to piers and wharves.
Our teams at McDowell Owens have decades of industry-based knowledge, project management skills, and analysis experience. We can identify the cause and sequence of damage to the attributable loss estimate and produce reports that are detailed, clear, and understandable.
McDowell Owens experts have experience spanning from ocean-going vessels and offshore platforms to ‘brown water’ vessels on inland waterways to recreational vessels and yachts. We have been involved in forensic investigations including:
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- Shipboard Fires and Explosions
- Personal Watercraft Injuries
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- Fuel System Defect Analysis
- Marine Loss Analysis
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- Marine Facilities Damage
- Hull and Deck Equipment
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- Marine Accident Investigation
- Hull, Deck, and, Rigging Failures
- Crewman, Longshoreman, and Stevedore Injuries
- Container and Bulk Cargo Vessel Accidents
- Shipboard Fires and Explosions
- Personal Watercraft Injuries
- Operator Error Determination
Commercial Ship Accident Analysis
Allianz’ Safety & Shipping Review estimates that between 75-96% of all marine accidents can be attributed in some way to human error. Those accidents mean billions of dollars in unnecessary costs, needless crew injuries, and avoidable loss of life. Commercial ship accidents are serious and frequently have impacts felt across industries and around the world, which then requires careful, in-depth analysis and clear and precise reporting.
McDowell Owens draws on our in-depth knowledge of physics, hydraulics, ocean conditions, and ship response behavior in our investigations. Our team of forensic engineers and investigators dig deep to produce accurate reconstructions of the incident, provide detailed insights into every factor and condition that led to the incident, and explain how those conditions resulted in damage, injury, or loss of life.
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- Cargo Claims
- Vessel Hull and Machinery
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- Equipment Loss Mitigation
- Equipment Loss Mitigation
- Vessel Marine Casualties or Accidents
- Vital System Automation
- Cargo Claims
- Vessel Hull and Machinery
- Vessel Pollution
Large Scale Forensic Investigation
Our experts can perform large-scale examinations of cruise ships, cargo vessels, or passenger ferries. We provide expert marine investigation services for mechanical, electrical, or structural failures.
Inland Marine Services
Our inland marine services encompass a multitude of coverages, from hull and machinery coverage of inland watercraft to fire, damage, collision, dock, marina, physical injury, and much more.
Recreational / Pleasure Boats / PWC
Accidents involving small and privately-owned crafts are fundamentally different from accidents involving motor vehicles. Our certified experts provide the experience and attention necessary for reconstruction and investigation addressing the three-dimensional nature of marine accidents. These factors include ramping, overriding, vaulting, downward forcing, and many other characteristics unique to the maritime environment.
Our Marine Forensic Consultants
McDowell Owens consultants have extensive experience in a wide range of marine forensic matters, allowing us to provide scientific clarification and an engineering perspective that will guide your legal team through the technical details and evidence.
McDowell Owens marine forensic experts are leaders in the field, demonstrating expertise in research, teaching, and publishing. We combine real-world experiences, advanced degrees, and certifications in several sub-disciplines. We stay ahead of changes by actively contributing to industry groups, conducting research and testing, teaching aspiring engineers and scientists, and presenting to peer groups.
Litigation Support and Marine Forensics Expert Witnesses
Since our founding in 1986, McDowell Owens experts have been involved in over 20,000 cases. We have extensive experience in every stage of the litigation process, from collecting and presenting evidence to expert witness testimony, forensic analysis, and post-litigation actions.
We provide dependable, unbiased litigation support that is comprehensive, yet accessible to non-experts. McDowell Owens teams combine investigative skills, scientific data, and courtroom experience for a thorough and understandable report.
When you work with us:
- We will match you with an engineer with the expertise to inform your case.
- We rapidly respond to your litigation needs, including 24/7 support.
- You are assured of working with a team of licensed experts with extensive credentials.