George M. Zeitler, MSc

Mr. George M. Zeitler, MSc

Zeitler Marine Services LLC
13776 NW 22nd Place
Sunrise, FL 33323
Mobile: 954-804-8919
Office: 954-804-8919
Introduction

Mr. Zeitler has over 30 years of experience in the marine industry. His experiences include 18 years as a US Coast Guard qualified marine inspector and casualty investigator and 7 years as a Classification Society principal surveyor. He has a Masters of Science degree (with distinction) from Middlesex University in Marine Operations Management. Mr. Zeitler is accredited by the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) as a Yacht and Small Craft surveyor and is a member of the American Boat and Yacht Council.


Areas of Expertise
  • Accident Investigation
  • Admiralty & Maritime
  • Cruise Lines
  • Fire & Life Safety
  • Marine Engineering
  • Safety

Expert Background
Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:
A: Master of Science, Maritime Operations, Middlesex University
Accredited Marine Surveyor (Yacht and Small Craft) - Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS)
Diploma in Marine Surveying (with Merit) - North Kent College and Lloyd’s Maritime Academy
Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:
A: Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors
The American Boat and Yacht Council
Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:
A: International Institute of Marine Surveyors - Environmental Surveys and Audits - Jan 2020
Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors Annual Conference - Welding Inspections - Sep 2019
Live Interviews - Conception Dive Boat Casualty - KRON TV - San Francisco - Sep 2019
Lead instructor - US Coast Guard Foreign Passenger Vessel (Cruise Ship) Course
DNV GL - Advanced Passenger Ship Surveyor Course
CLIA Leadership Forum presentation - November 2013
Various Yacht Seminars hosted by yachting newsletter THE TRITON - 2004

Q: Have any of your accreditations ever been investigated, suspended or removed? (if yes, explain)
A: No
Q: On how many occasions have you been retained as an expert?
A: Since 2015, I have participated in 5 cases as an expert witness, two have gone to trial. Prior to that I had participated in 1 previous court case as a witness and 1 deposition in a civil suit.
Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?
A: Personal injury on a charter fishing boat
General boating knowledge
Valuation of a damaged recreational boat
Sinking of a cabin cruiser pleasure boat
Improper installation of a side shell door on a Ro-pax passenger ferry
Personal injury caused by a door onboard a cruise ship
Vessel documentation and registration requirements
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?
A: 85% of the time I was retained by the plaintiff.
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?
A: 15% of the time I was retained by the defendant.
Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?
A: I have been deposed 3 times, 2 as an expert witness and once as part of a dispute between two businesses - one was a client of my previous employer (marine surveyor).
Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?
A: January 2020
Q: On how many occasions have you been qualified by a court to give expert testimony?
A: To date, I have testified one time in court and I have a second case heading to trial.
Q: On how many occasions have you testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator?
A: To date, I have testified one time in court and I have a second case heading to trial.
Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?
A: Four years
Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)
A: Consulting, review of documentation, reports, site inspection and limited testing.

Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?
A: $200 per hour for standard work hours (Mon-Fri 8:00 - 18:00) for all administrative work. For other rates, see below.
Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?
A: $200.00 per hour for standard work hours (Mon-Fri 8:00 - 18:00). For other rates, see below.
Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?
A: $400.00 per hour for standard work hours (Mon-Fri 8:00 - 18:00). For other rates, see below.
Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?
A: $400.00 per hour for standard work hours (Mon-Fri 8:00 - 18:00). For other rates, see below.
Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.)
A: $3000 non-refundable retainer which is credited towards any work completed during the project.
Standard travel rate - $150 per hour during normal working hours and $200 during Non-Standard work hours.
Non-Standard work hours - $250 per hour.
Expenses invoiced at cost plus 5%.
Rates are negotiable depending on the length of the case and the quantity of work involved.


References

Jack Andreas Krumbein, Esq.
Krumbein Law PLLC
9802 Baymeadows Rd., Suite 12-150
Jacksonville, Florida 32256
Tel: 904-435-3451
Fax: 904-435-3452

Beregovich Law Firm
Andres I. Beregovich, Esquire
141 NE 3rd Avenue, # 8007
Miami, FL 33132
P: 1 (800) 631-9009
F: (407) 809-9001
www.beregovichlaw.com

Charles Moure | Moure Law, PLLC
1700 Seventh Avenue, Suite 2200 | Seattle, WA 98101
www.mourelaw.com
Charles@MoureLaw.com
Phone 206.695.9202 | Cell 206.300.2351| Fax 206.374.2293

Timothy J. Young
The Young Firm
400 Poydras Street
Suite 2090
New Orleans, LA 70130
(p) 504 680-4100