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Agenda subject to change

Marine Law Symposium

April 1-2, 2026
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
8:00 - 8:45

Continental Breakfast & Networking

8:45 - 9:00

Introduction & Industry Report

Presenter:
John Adey, President, ABYC
9:00 - 9:45

Death from a Prop Strike - Part 1

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.

Presenter:
Raul Chacon, Attorney at Law
Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP
9:45 - 10:00

Break

10:00 - 10:45

Death from a Prop Strike - Part 2

10:45 - 11:00

Break

11:00 - 12:00

Death from a Prop Strike - Part 3

12:00 - 12:45

Lunch

12:45 - 1:45

Case Study: 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.

Presenter:
Eric S. Winkel, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI, CFVI
Senior Engineering Consultant
Design Research Engineering
1:45 - 2:00

Break

2:00 - 2:45

High Speed Accident - Part 2

2:45 - 3:00

Break

3:00 - 4:15

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
4:15 - 4:30

Wrap Up & Q&A

Thursday, April 2, 2026
8:00 - 8:45

Continental Breakfast & Networking

8:45 - 9:00

Introduction & Industry Report

Presenter:
John Adey, President, ABYC
9:00 - 9:45

Case Study: The Pre-Purchase Surveyor's Nightmare - Part 1

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
Patrick Goodrow, Marine Surveyor, High Tech Marine Surveys
Stephen Mason, Marine Surveyor, Mason Marine Surveyors
9:45 - 10:00

Break

10:00 - 10:45

Pre-Purchase Surveyor's Nightmare - Part 2

10:45 - 11:00

Break

11:00 - 11:45

Pre-Purchase Surveyor's Nightmare - Part 3

11:45 - 12:45

Lunch

1:00 - 1:45

Liability in a Double Fatality Case Study - Part 1

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
1:45 - 2:00

Break

2:00 - 2:45

Liability in a Double Fatality Case Study - Part 2

2:45 - 3:00

Break

3:00 - 3:45

Liability in a Double Fatality Case Study - Part 3

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