Marine Investigations

Introduction to the Business of Marine Investigations- Investigation to Court Testimony:Marine Investigations - The first and only book of its kind on the subject of investigating pleasure craft casualties and other issues. Although written primarily with the North American market in mind, international surveyors will find that the principles employed here are equally applicable to where ever marine surveyors are to be found.This book was written because I perceive that there is a great need for more qualified investigators which has gone unmet for far too long. Moreover, as boating continues to grow, the need for more investigators will also continue to grow. Unfortunately, there is virtually no literature available on the subject. Equally unfortunate is my perception that of the few practicing marine investigators, far too many do not have a sound understanding of the proper role and function of the investigator. I propose to fulfill both those need.This book uses a format similar to my marine surveying book 'Surveying Fiberglass Power Boats'; in that I cover the subject from beginning to end, starting with the basics of establishing a business, then moving on to basic fundamentals, including the vital issues of insurance and law. Next comes the nuts and bolts of investigating, along with the essential subject of conducting interrogations, followed by how to write effective reports and ending with the essentials of how to be a good legal witness and testifying at deposition and in court.There is virtually no limit to the number of situations that can give rise to the need for an investigation. The most common employers of investigators are, of course, insurance companies, but also lawyers, boat owners themselves as well as affected second and third parties. Though it would take a number of books to cover even just the major possibilities, I have concentrated on the most frequent events such as fire, sinking, machinery damage, theft and fraud in considerable detail.Far too often the investigator becomes an advocate for his client, resulting in this becoming a partisan who produces a report which is biased and obviously prejudicial. The result of this malpractice is usually a report that is easily discredited during legal proceedings, and thus becomes a disservice to the client. Investigators get themselves into this bind mainly because they can’t perceive a way around it. But there is and this book carefully explains how to avoid falling into the trap of becoming a paid partisan whose indiscretions are ultimately revealed and he is made a fool of in court.Learning to become an effective investigator is not difficult; rather, it is more a matter of tenacity, gaining experience and following a few simple rules of engagement. Few marine surveyors actually perform investigations on a full time basis. For most, it is a major part of a diversified professional range of services that dovetails very nicely with any type of survey business. Branching off into investigations is especially good for those who are working in marginal boating areas where it is particularly difficult to obtain a steady flow of work.The establishment of a good reputation based upon effective, professional work is critical to developing an investigative book of business from a variety of sources. This book covers virtually all of the essentials needed to achieve that goal.David H. Pascoe