Joe Lombardi’s extensive expertise makes Ocean Technical Services (OTS) a full service marine surveying and consulting firm. We can help you with varied marine projects, including the following consulting services:
Mooring plans
Trip-in-tow surveys
Tow plans
On/off hire surveys
Shipyard and yachtyard assessments
New vessel construction and damage investigations
Shipyard and yachtyard project management
Expert and professional witness services
Preparation of naval museum ship applications
Motion picture marine coordinator
Cargo Loading & Unloading
Insurance Issues
MOORING PLANS
OTS prepares detailed mooring plans designed to ensure the safety of your vessel and waterfront docking facility. We follow the National Institute of Building Sciences Construction Criteria Base Standards (one hundred year catastrophic event). Our OPTIMOOR mooring software provides a baseline for the safest and most effective mooring plans.
TRIP–IN–TOW SURVEYS
Trip-in-tow surveys manage the complicated process of towing a vessel or barge. OTS determines the correct towing jewelry as well as the number and strength of tugboats required for a specific tow. Trip-in-tow surveys inspect the vessel’s preparedness for towing, including:
- Condition of trim
- Ballast options
- Tow bridle make-ups
- Assurances of deck hardware condition
- Stability
- Securing of gear
Insurance underwriters and the US Coast Guard often require trip-in-tow surveys. The owner of the vessel is usually responsible for payment. In completing trip-in-tow surveys, OTS adheres to the conservative US Navy Towing Manual.
TOW PLANS
Tow plans outline the itinerary and details of a tow, including:
- Proper towing vessel and towing equipment
- Weather restrictions
- Insurance requirements and coverage
- Oil and other hazardous materials aboard
SHIPYARD AND YACHTYARD ASSESSMENTS
Ship and yachtyard assessments are designed to provide insurance underwriters with a sense for the yard’s safety. During an assessment, OTS will examine the complete yard, including:
- Graving docks
- Floating drydocks
- Pierhead appurtenances
- Cranes and auxiliary equipment.
ON/OFF HIRE SURVEYS
On/off hire surveys are comprehensive inspections of the current condition of a commercial vessel or barge, and are performed for the vessel’s owner or the leasing party prior to signing a lease.
NEW VESSEL CONSTRUCTION, VESSEL REFIT AND DAMAGE INVESTIGATIONS
OTS is often hired to consult on both new vessel construction and damage investigations. We can provide expert opinion on the installation or repair of systems and equipment, and determine the extent of on-board damage.
SHIPYARD AND YACHTYARD PROJECT MANAGEMENT
OTS can manage any ship or yachtyard project. Our ship and yachtyard specification packages are tailored to your vessel’s needs. From start to finish, we manage the details.
- Hull preparation
- Machinery upgrades and repairs
- Sandblasting and fairing
- Detailed paint specifications
- Custom installations of electronics and working gear
EXPERT/PROFESSIONAL WITNESS
OTS provides factual and effective assistance during marine-related litigation. We can serve as your expert or professional witness, provide admiralty investigations support, or assist with insurance arbitration. OTS is a qualified Federal Court marine surveyor, and has consulted for vessel owners, builders, attorneys, and underwriters before and during litigation.
PREPARATION OF NAVAL MUSEUM SHIP APPLICATIONS
OTS prepares documentation for 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations seeking ex-US Navy Vessels for museum settings. The application process is complicated, and organizations risk rejection if the application is not properly prepared. OTS works with the US Navy Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Ship Donation Program on behalf of your organization to ensure a successful application.
MOTION PICTURES MARINE COORDINATOR
OTS has extensive experience in the motion picture industry. During the filming of the movie Thirteen Days, OTS conducted a required structural survey and tow plan of the destroyer USS Joseph P. Kennedy. OTS also served as a technical consultant throughout the movie production of Proudly We Served.
CARGO LOADING & UNLOADING
OTS attends the loading/unloading of cargo on the dockside and at client premises prior to road transportation. The most common types of cargo include high-value specialist equipment for the offshore industry, containers, Xmas Trees, wellhead equipment, and bulk tubulars. However, we also inspect general cargo as required. On the dockside we will undertake Draft Surveys which verify the weight of material being loaded or discharged from a vessel. We also undertake seafastening calculations and supervision during loading operations.
INSURANCE ISSUES
No assets are immune from mishap and this is especially true of vessels in the inland and offshore marine industry. The effects of working in harsh environments, busy harbors, and congested navigation routes invariably take their toll on a vessel’s hull, machinery, and ccargo. Ocean Technical Services has a long history of working with Insurers and Underwriters attending, inspecting, and reporting on P&I/Hull claims. We work with Port/Harbor Authorities and Owners to investigate and report on damage to fenders, link-spans and other harbor structures. We also perform marine warranty and casualty investigation work.
