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This recently-released NTSB report is only 9 pages but makes for very interesting reading, with some very valuable lessons; chief among these being the importance of an operational fire detection systems. Summary: A simple chain of events, malfunctioning cabin lighting led to the use of...

Viking is my life raft of choice, and has been for some time. I visited one of their facilities in Norway a couple of years ago and it only reinforced this notion. A visit to the life raft factory - Ocean Navigator - September/October 2017 However, I encountered a scenario on a new Viking...

WEBINAR: How to keep water out of your cored fiberglass, cabin, hull or deck A single misplaced or improperly installed canvas snap, through hull or pad eye can insidiously cause tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage, and lead to potentially serious structural weakness and failures...

Upcoming Webinar The third in a series of Steve D’Antonio Marine Consulting’s technical education webinars. Identifying the Most Common New and Used Vessel Construction and Systems Flaws Part II New builds, repairs and refits provide ample opportunity to do things right, and to follow both...

Diesel Fuel Systems: Tanks, Plumbing, Filtration and Polishing Explained Clean fuel, it’s the very lifeblood of any diesel engine, and for that reason its importance must not be taken for granted. The vast majority of diesel engine problems can be traced to contaminated fuel, and/or improper...

I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the Commercial Marketplace. I'm a long-time member and contributor to TF. I've worked in the marine industry for over three decades, first as a marine mechanic and electrician, then as a boat yard manager. I've been a consultant for...

I came across this just today, while on an inspection of a 6 year old high end production motor yacht; it's something I see on a near-monthly basis, corroded raw water metallic plumbing, more often than not part of the air conditioning system. Because they run so often, failures are accelerated...

Most boat owners in the US, and many elsewhere, have heard about the recent tragic dive boat fire in Southern California, with the resultant loss of life. Many of my clients and readers have inquired about regulations regarding fire, firefighting, smoke alarms and escape routes. Like most...

This is an issue I encounter on an all too frequent basis; the hose clamps for stuffing boxes look pristine on the upper hemisphere, in fact they look good from the 7:00 o'clock position all the way around to the 5:00 o'clock position. It's at the 6:00 o'clock position where the problem begins...

A few days ago the NTSB released its report regarding the Island Lady, the casino shuttle vessel that operated out of Pithlachascotee River, near Port Ritchey, Florida. She caught fire and was intentionally grounded last January, there were several injuries and one fatality. I've studied the...

I recently posted an article on the subject of electric shock drowning. It's short and I believe a worthwhile read for all boat owners. "In 2012 three cases of electrocution or electric shock drowning (more on that below) occurred over the Independence Day holiday. Tragically, they resulted...