Marine Law Symposium 2026

View Marine Law Symposium Agenda & Speaker Bios Here

Wednesday, 4/1

Thursday, 4/2

Next Level Accident Reconstruction

An effective accident investigation is not meant to be interpreted only by other investigators. It is an open presentation that will circulate between claims departments, defense counsel, opposing counsel, opposing experts, and finally to a judge or jury.

This session reviews a series of unconventional case studies that use imaginative techniques to illustrate and bring life to incidents. Scale models, drone imagery, GPS forensics, and forensic video are all tools that elevate an investigation off the simple 2D page. Come prepared for some gripping stories and million dollar table stakes.

Presenter: Jonathan Klopman, Marine Surveyor
NAMS Certified, International Association of Marine Investigators Member

Death from a Prop Strike

This case follows a young boy that was killed by a prop strike while trying to board a boat. Representing the manufacturer, many aspects of the case revolved around compliance with ABYC Standards and operator error.

Presenters: Raul Chacon, Attorney at Law, Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP
Wendy Sanders, Ph.D., P.E., Principal Engineer, Explico Inc.

High Speed Accident Ejecting 10 Passengers

An 1800 HP go-fast boat that bow-steered, slid, and ejected 10 passengers during a 75+ mph turn. There were many allegations related to the navigation system, autopilot, and various steering system installation issues.

Presenters: Donald J. Kelly, Partner, Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP
Eric S. Winkel, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI, CFVI, Senior Engineering Consultant, Design Research Engineering

The Anatomy of a Complex Marine Fire Investigation

This will be an in-depth, step-by-step description of the processes, procedures, and best practices during a complex marine fire investigation.

The roles and qualifications of the marine surveyor, insurance adjuster, fire investigator, subject matter expert, boatyard, attorneys, and law enforcement will also be discussed as they pertain to the unique perils and pitfalls associated with a joint forensic investigation of a complex marine fire loss.

Presenter: James Cote, BSEE MBA CFEI CVFI
Cote Marine LLC
Electrical & Corrosion Control Services

The Pre-Purchase Surveyor's Nightmare

On July 1, 2021, Pat Goodrow performed a pre-purchase survey for the potential buyer of a 2009, 29-foot Surf Hunter motor vessel. The purchaser did not attend and asked no questions about the survey. Years later, the purchaser sued the surveyor. This presentation explores how this case unfolded and discusses how to avoid the financial hardship and stress of litigation.

Presenters: Christopher Buck, Principal, Law Offices of Christopher Buck
Stephen Mason, Marine Surveyor, Mason Marine Surveyors

Marina and Boatyard Fires - Prevention, Compliance, Investigation and Liabilities

This course discussed what causes most marina and boatyard fires and how to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Part of prevention is compliance, and compliance leads us into the realm of addressing liability issues surrounding fires that involve not only your property, but property in your care, custody, and control.

Responsibilities and duties of the involved parties will be discussed to give the attendee an understanding of not only the complexity of handling a marine fire case, but also how to better manage a fire scenario involving a marina or boatyard.

Presenter: Daniel Rutherford, Director of Claims and Risk Management
Arrowhead Intermediaries

Liability in a Double Fatality Case Study

The owner of a 2013 powerboat with twin inboard/outboard engines had nine guests on board. Late in the afternoon the boat owner left both engines running while anchored and was swimming with guests. One of the passengers still on the boat engaged the throttles, causing the boat to back over the owner and a passenger, killing both. One of the major issues in this litigation was whether the design and/or installation of the engine controls at the helm caused or contributed to the accident.

Presenters: Steven Knox, Marine Surveyor and Investigator, Knox Marine Consultants
Andy Landry III, Partner, Gray Reed