Marine fires are a major concern in the maritime industry. The combination of tightly packed containers, complex supply chains, and potential regulatory gaps can create a dangerous environment where fires can spread rapidly, endangering crew members, cargo, and the marine ecosystem.
Understanding how a marine fire originated is crucial to mitigate the risk of future occurrences. Investigations into such incidents present a unique set of challenges that require a comprehensive blend of technical expertise, regulatory knowledge and practical experience.
Forensic Fire Investigator, Dr Tom Peat recently presented Fire at Sea – Navigating the Complexities of Marine Fire Investigations at Marine Insurance Greece. His presentation provided an insight into the complexities of marine fire investigations and the importance of collaboration between stakeholders to prioritise safety, whilst ensuring the successful completion of a robust investigation. He discussed the key elements of an investigation including the initial response requirements, the management of the investigation onboard the vessel and the detailed forensic analysis of the available evidence, through to reporting and arbitration.
Tom is a Principal Associate with Hawkins and investigates fires, explosions, escapes of fluid, and engineering failures. He has led investigations ranging from small domestic claims to large multi-million-pound losses in the UK and internationally. He has produced expert reports for Pursuers and Defenders and has given expert evidence in the Sheriff Courts. If you have experienced a fire at sea and would like to speak to Tom or one of our team, please get in touch.
