Marine Fire Investigation

We provide fire origin & cause investigations for a variety of marine vehicles, equipment and machinery.

Cargo ship burning amid pack ice with heavy black smoke

Motorboat on a lake with fire burning at the bow

What We Investigate

Marine and watercraft fire investigations

We provide fire origin & cause investigations for a variety of marine vehicles, equipment and machinery. Marine fire investigations can be extremely complicated due to the nature of marine equipment. Industrial marine equipment may be under regular and repeat use, while recreational marine equipment may be used sporadically. Each condition creates its own set of challenges for evaluating the cause of a failure or fire.

Fishing Boat
Commercial Boat
Cargo Ship
Personal Watercraft (Jet-ski)
Houseboat
Catamaran
Police Watercraft

Boat fire lighting up a crowded marina at night

Marine Fire Origin & Cause

Navigating complex marine fire analysis

Marine fires are complicated by varied materials, fuels, electrical and hydraulic systems. Seawater-based vessels and equipment can have complicated maintenance requirements which require a lot of specialty work. All these factors require an expert that is aware of not only the functions of the vessel or equipment, but also the operational environment and maintenance requirements.

Investigate the marine fire and find the origin and cause
Retain the equipment or affected parts and components
Conduct a destructive examination to pin-point the specific root cause
Provide litigation support

Sailing yacht burning with thick black smoke near shore

Detailed Marine Fire Investigations

Quick response, thorough analysis

Our evaluations are thorough, containing photos and diagrams detailing origin and cause of the fire. We provide you a report that is both easy to read, yet sufficiently technical to provide clarity. Engineering Specialists, Inc. knows how to quickly get to your affected marine equipment and find you the facts you need surrounding the fire incident to determine how to proceed.

Quick short-form verbal report
Written report with documentation
Comprehensive full report

Get answers to questions surrounding your loss with a free consultation.

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Is this matter headed for litigation? The same investigation supports expert witness work, from the written report through deposition and testimony.

Expert Witness & Litigation Support

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

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Who investigates boat and ship fires?

A qualified fire investigator determines where a marine fire started and what caused it. ESI investigates fires on boats, ships, and other watercraft following NFPA 921, then documents defensible origin-and-cause findings.

What types of marine vessels do you investigate?

We investigate fires across a range of marine vehicles, equipment, and machinery, from personal watercraft and recreational boats to commercial vessels and their onboard systems.

Can you investigate a fire on a recovered or salvaged vessel?

Yes. Our investigators work from the physical evidence that remains, so vessels that have been recovered, salvaged, or moved can still be examined for origin and cause.

Do you determine the cause of onboard electrical and engine fires?

Yes. Marine fires often originate in electrical, fuel, or propulsion systems, and our engineers analyze those systems to identify the origin and cause.

Do you provide expert testimony for marine fire cases?

Yes. We support claims and litigation with written reports, evidence retention, and testimony at deposition and trial. See our litigation support services.

Related services

Fire & Explosion InvestigationLed by NAFI-certified CFEIs

Licensed Professional EngineersPE & SE on staff

Independent Third PartyUnbiased, objective evaluations

Nationwide ResponseOmaha lab · Los Angeles office

Have a loss that needs answers?

Tell us what happened. An engineer, not a call center, will review your case.

Submit a case (877) 559-4010