Each year, the Association, in conjunction with its annual meeting, sponsors a three-day training seminar that is open to all members and to all interested law enforcement officers, insurance investigators, surveyors, and Coast Guard officials. These seminars normally cover the various aspects of marine theft and fraud, boating accidents, and very specific investigative techniques to assist investigators in their investigations.
Examples of topics normally covered:
HIN formats: raising, tracing, and lifting HINs
Trailer serial numbers, outboard and inboard serial numbers, and vessel identification numbers
Bank and insurance fraud investigations
Fire/arson investigations
Updates on the status of NCIC 2000 and VIDS
Updates on changes to Coast Guard regulations and policies.
IAMI also offers testing for two certifications: Certified Marine Investigator (CMI) and Certified Marine Fire Investigator (CMFI). To learn more about these programs, please read the information on the website and the qualifications.
You must be a member to attend. Non-Members, please apply first. The registration fee includes access to classes, the president's reception, the banquet, and the networking suite. No refunds after January 15, 2025.
Member Price $500
No refunds after January 15, 2025.
Accommodations
Hotel Information/Reservations
We will be staying at The Campbell House Lexington by Hilton.
The Campbell House:
Phone #: 1-859-255-4281
Rate: $129.00 Single/Double (Traditional) Plus tax/fees
Group Code: Use Link Above
Parking Daily: Free
Breakfast: Not Included
It is very important to book using a link or group code as we have to guarantee a certain # of rooms, and it only counts by using these means.
Hotel Airport Shuttle: This hotel does not provide a shuttle service.
Transportation: Private, Rental
Agenda
Subject to Change
(Updated 1/16/2025)
If you want a paper copy, a PDF version is available at the bottom of this page for download and print.
The Paddock
1:00 PM - 5:00 PMEarly Registration
Early Registration
The Paddock
8:00 AM - 4:00 PMRegistration
4:00 PM - 12:00 AMExhibitor Show
CMI-The Bluegrass Ballroom A
9:00 AM - 11:00 AMCMI-Federal Carriage
This session will focus on the equipment requirements, inspection of, and acceptable standards for equipment carried aboard U. S. recreational vessels.
Seth Wagner
State Program Coordinator at United States Coast Guard (USCG)
11:00 AM - 12:00 PMLunch
Provided by Total Vessel Solutions at the Hotel.
12:00 PM - 2:00 PMCMI - HIN 101/ HIN Restoration
This course will dove into the basics of vessel identification. Hull Identifications Numbers- HINS- are the platform for the understanding of marine theft and fraud issues. There will also be hands on instructions for pulling HIN numbers from Aluminum surfaces where the number has been ground off. HIN 101 is a primary course for those considering the CMI Certification.
Patrick Carron
Marine Conservation Officer at Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR)
Caroline Mantel
Director of Business Development at Boat History Report
Tony Spires
Lieutenant at South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR)
2:00 PM - 2:15 PMBreak
Snacks Provided in Exhibitor Hall
2:15 PM - 4:15 PMCMI - Insurance Fraud 101
A detailed review of basic insurance and insurance fraud terminology as well as discussion of practical facts and the typical consumer feelings towards insurance fraud, what types of acts that are considered fraudulent, the maritime law principle of material misrepresentation and utmost good faith, and “ red flags” uncovered during loss investigations that may be indicative of insurance fraud. This class will also discuss case studies with focus on how law enforcement and insurance can work together.
Brooke Leitch
Assistant Vice President of Claims and General Manager at Tower Hill Insurance Group
Kerry McCook, CMI
Supervisor, Boat Liability and Litigation at Geico
CMFI-The Bluegrass Ballroom B
9:00 AM - 11:00 AMCMFI - Insurance, Legal and Ethics
An overview of insurance, legal, and ethical issues that may be encountered when conducting marine fire and explosion investigations including policy language, maritime law, jurisdictional questions, environmental concerns, and conflicts of interest.
The devices and systems covered in this course are designed to be competent ignition sources even when operating as intended and may also require the storage and transfer of copious amounts of ignitable liquids or gases. We will examine the fire and explosion risks associated with cooking, heating, and galley appliances as well as common fire origin and cause scenarios. The session will also provide an understanding of this equipment and the scientific method while examining marine fire scenes that include these appliances.
James Cote
Owner at Cote Marine LLC
Michael Hunter, CMI
Principle Surveyor & Investigator at Hunter Consulting & Survey
2:00 PM - 2:15 PMBreak
Snacks Provided in Exhibitor Hall
2:15 PM - 4:15 PMCMFI - Cargo & Shipping Fires
The cargo and shipping vessel fire investigation course bridges the gap between fires involved in vessel systems and operations and the numerous fuel and ignition sources introduced into the vessel in the form of it’s cargo. This course will give the investigator up-to-date laws and regulations pertaining to the transportation and safety codes related to different cargos. Topics include container ships, inland vessels, USCG regulations, hazards, and techniques.
Robert Collins
Lieutenant/EMT and Fire/Arson Investigator at Normal IL Fire Department
Principal Forensic Fire Specialist at Southern Forensic Services, LLC
District 7 Social-President's Reception
6:00 PM - 9:00 PMPresident's Reception
TBD
The Barn
8:30 AM - 9:30 AMOpening Ceremony
9:30 AM - 9:45 AMBreak
Snacks Provided in Exhibitor Hall
9:45 AM - 12:45 PMInvestigators and Law Enforcement on the Stand
Be a better witness….anticipate defense attacks Law enforcement officers ,Investigators, and other Marine professionals testify at various phases of both civil and criminal trials and the stakes are always high. Cases are won or lost on the quality of sworn testimony . All of the effort and hours put into a good investigation can be destroyed by bad testimony. Investigators will learn to “de-escalate” testimony and respond effectively to attacks on their credibility in today’s highly charged environment. This course offers meaningful training on how to answer the questions asked by lawyers on both direct examination and cross-examination. Officers and Investigators will learn how to better prepare for giving testimony under oath and how to effectively handle attacks on credibility. Themes, theories, objections and exhibits and how they are used in the courtroom will be addressed. Anyone who testifies under oath in court or in depositions will benefit from attending this class. This is a highly effective program, taught by a nationally recognized instructor and tailored to give investigators essential skills needed when they are called to testify.
Caren Cambre
Attorney/Professor
12:45 PM - 1:45 PMLunch
On Your Own
1:45 PM - 2:45 PMInvestigators and Law Enforcement on the Stand
Be a better witness….anticipate defense attacks Law enforcement officers ,Investigators, and other Marine professionals testify at various phases of both civil and criminal trials and the stakes are always high. Cases are won or lost on the quality of sworn testimony . All of the effort and hours put into a good investigation can be destroyed by bad testimony. Investigators will learn to “de-escalate” testimony and respond effectively to attacks on their credibility in today’s highly charged environment. This course offers meaningful training on how to answer the questions asked by lawyers on both direct examination and cross-examination. Officers and Investigators will learn how to better prepare for giving testimony under oath and how to effectively handle attacks on credibility. Themes, theories, objections and exhibits and how they are used in the courtroom will be addressed. Anyone who testifies under oath in court or in depositions will benefit from attending this class. This is a highly effective program, taught by a nationally recognized instructor and tailored to give investigators essential skills needed when they are called to testify.
Caren Cambre
Attorney/Professor
2:45 PM - 3:00 PMBreak
Snacks Provided in Exhibitor Hall
3:00 PM - 5:00 PMInvestigators and Law Enforcement on the Stand
Be a better witness….anticipate defense attacks Law enforcement officers ,Investigators, and other Marine professionals testify at various phases of both civil and criminal trials and the stakes are always high. Cases are won or lost on the quality of sworn testimony . All of the effort and hours put into a good investigation can be destroyed by bad testimony. Investigators will learn to “de-escalate” testimony and respond effectively to attacks on their credibility in today’s highly charged environment. This course offers meaningful training on how to answer the questions asked by lawyers on both direct examination and cross-examination. Officers and Investigators will learn how to better prepare for giving testimony under oath and how to effectively handle attacks on credibility. Themes, theories, objections and exhibits and how they are used in the courtroom will be addressed. Anyone who testifies under oath in court or in depositions will benefit from attending this class. This is a highly effective program, taught by a nationally recognized instructor and tailored to give investigators essential skills needed when they are called to testify.
Caren Cambre
Attorney/Professor
The Paddock
7:00 AM - 4:00 PMRegistration
The Bluegrass Ballroom A
8:00 AM - 10:00 AMLightning vs Power Surge
The electrifying facts about lightning and how it can affect boats and your inspection. We’ll discuss the science behind lightning, how a lightning strike can be hard to identify plus the obvious, research tools for lightning strikes and the surveyor’s role in loss and damage investigations. We will also hear from a prominent marine electrical/systems expert about how lightning affects onboard systems – from new to old and how to manage and mitigate damage.
James Cote
Owner at Cote Marine LLC
Doug Aling
Marine Surveyor at Pilot Marine
10:00 AM - 10:15 AMBreak
Snacks Provided in Exhibitor Hall
10:15 AM - 12:15 PMAccident Investigation Part 1: Know Before You Go
The investigation and reconstruction of a marine-related accident is a process involving many aspects: from review of the physical evidence, to knowing how to approach the scene, gathering evidence and conducting witnesses interviews, to utilizing the scientific method to analyze the case in order to prepare a report for your client, be it an agency, insurance carrier, or other involved parties. This three-part series will take you through these steps, with hands-on investigation of physical evidence from a vessel collision, to documenting and analyzing the evidence to the final review with input from marine surveyors, admiralty attorneys, and first responders.
Daniel Rutherford
Director of Claims and Risk Management at Maritime Program Group
The investigation and reconstruction of a marine-related accident is a process involving many aspects: from review of the physical evidence, to knowing how to approach the scene, gathering evidence and conducting witnesses interviews, to utilizing the scientific method to analyze the case in order to prepare a report for your client, be it an agency, insurance carrier, or other involved parties. This three-part series will take you through these steps, with hands-on investigation of physical evidence from a vessel collision, to documenting and analyzing the evidence to the final review with input from marine surveyors, admiralty attorneys, and first responders.
Mackenzie (“Mac”) Hannon
Maritime Enforcement Specialist at United States Coast Guard (USCG)
Matt Majors
Lieutenant Colonel at TWRA - Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
Jason Harris
Partner at Farrell Smith O'Connell
3:15 PM - 3:30 PMBreak
Snacks Provided in Exhibitor Hall
3:30 PM - 5:30 PMAccident Investigation Part 3: Itโs in the Details Prep, report writing, trial, experts Panel
The investigation and reconstruction of a marine-related accident is a process involving many aspects: from review of the physical evidence, to knowing how to approach the scene, gathering evidence and conducting witnesses interviews, to utilizing the scientific method to analyze the case in order to prepare a report for your client, be it an agency, insurance carrier, or other involved parties. This three-part series will take you through these steps, with hands-on investigation of physical evidence from a vessel collision, to documenting and analyzing the evidence to the final review with input from marine surveyors, admiralty attorneys, and first responders.
Mackenzie (“Mac”) Hannon
Maritime Enforcement Specialist at United States Coast Guard (USCG)
Matt Majors
Lieutenant Colonel at TWRA - Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
Jason Harris
Partner at Farrell Smith O'Connell
Casey Matthews
Marine Manager at Markel Services Incorporated
Daniel Rutherford
Director of Claims and Risk Management at Maritime Program Group
The Bluegrass Ballroom B
8:00 AM - 10:00 AMPersonal Watercraft Fraud
The course will provide red flags for cloned watercraft and assist in identifying the difference in makes and models of PWCs and tips for detection and what to look for. Thefts of PWCs being stolen & subsequently cloned are a statewide problem.
Michael Haney
Captain at Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC)
10:00 AM - 10:15 AMBreak
Snacks Provided in Exhibitor Hall
10:15 AM - 12:15 PMMarine Theft and Trends
This course will discuss the current theft trends in Florida and beyond. We will discuss past cases, success stories and the importance of sharing and networking on all levels from Law enforcement to our private sector partners and overview of the MVWC task force creation.
Nancy Alvarez
Investigator at Monroe County Sheriff's Office
12:15 PM - 1:15 PMLunch
On Your Own
1:15 PM - 3:15 PMCombatting Illegal Charters
Defining proper Passenger for Hire Operations, Bareboat Charters, Notable Cases, Statistics, and Q&A session
Jesus Porrata
Lead Marine Investigator and Chief at United States Coast Guard (USCG)
Alvaro Ferrando
United States Coast Guard (USCG)
3:15 PM - 3:30 PMBreak
Snacks Provided in Exhibitor Hall
3:30 PM - 5:30 PMMarine Theft Workshop- Bringing the Training Home
This is a certification course that enables law enforcement officers to bring IAMI Marine training home to their agency. The student will receive a pre-packaged training kit on Marine Theft, Identification, and Recovery. The training kit includes lesson plans, text, PowerPoint slides and handouts. The officer can use this kit to instruct Marine Theft, Identification, and Recovery training upon request to other agencies and/or at In-service training. In addition, this course will give law enforcement officers tips on delivery and some instructor techniques.
Chris Castelli, CMI
1st Vice President at IAMI
Shawn Elmore
Corporal at Georgia Department of Natural Resources
The Rockbridge Reserve
8:00 AM - 10:00 AMCMFI โ Part 1: Explosions
This two part CMFI marine fire explosion investigation course expands the fire investigators basic knowledge of post explosion scene investigations. This class assists the investigator in identifying fuel and ignition sources unique to the marine environment and blast effects on the vessel structure and components. The information provided will guide the investigator in developing an incident timeline and analyzing post blast damage. Topics include explosion dynamics and classifications, fuel reactivity, damage assessment, and common explosion investigations for recreational and commercial vessels.
Robert Collins
Lieutenant/EMT and Fire/Arson Investigator at Normal IL Fire Department
Principal Forensic Fire Specialist at Southern Forensic Services, LLC
10:00 AM - 10:15 AMBreak
Snacks Provided in Exhibitor Hall
10:15 AM - 12:15 PMCMFI โ Part 2: Explosions
This two part CMFI marine fire explosion investigation course expands the fire investigators basic knowledge of post explosion scene investigations. This class assists the investigator in identifying fuel and ignition sources unique to the marine environment and blast effects on the vessel structure and components. The information provided will guide the investigator in developing an incident timeline and analyzing post blast damage. Topics include explosion dynamics and classifications, fuel reactivity, damage assessment, and common explosion investigations for recreational and commercial vessels.
Robert Collins
Lieutenant/EMT and Fire/Arson Investigator at Normal IL Fire Department
During this 2 part course, learn to plan, organize, and execute a complex marine fire investigation that may involve multiple parties and multiple vessels including best practice, potential hazards, perils and pitfalls. Will include coordinating with governmental authorities, the team approach, marine fire scene management, safety, evidence preservation, and salvage operations.
Revel Boulon
Yacht Practice Leader | Senior Surveyor Marine | Adjuster at Sedgwick
Bill Nolan
Owner at Fire Origin & Cause Unlimited Services, Inc.
During this 2 part course, learn to plan, organize, and execute a complex marine fire investigation that may involve multiple parties and multiple vessels including best practice, potential hazards, perils and pitfalls. Will include coordinating with governmental authorities, the team approach, marine fire scene management, safety, evidence preservation, and salvage operations.
Revel Boulon
Yacht Practice Leader | Senior Surveyor Marine | Adjuster at Sedgwick
Bill Nolan
Owner at Fire Origin & Cause Unlimited Services, Inc.
The Bluegrass Ballroom A
8:00 AM - 10:00 AMScience Behind Mechanical Part 1: Failure Analysis
The science behind mechanical failures.
Thomas Marek
Special Lines Claims at Progressive
10:00 AM - 10:15 AMBreak
Snacks Provided in Exhibitor Hall
10:15 AM - 12:15 PMDeep Dive Practical Part 2: Application
Deep dive into the practical applications of failure analysis.
Thomas Marek
Special Lines Claims at Progressive
12:15 PM - 1:15 PMLunch
On Your Own
The Bluegrass Ballroom B
8:00 AM - 10:00 AMUSCG Investigative Services Overview and Case Study
The U.S. Coast Guard’s role in complex maritime crimes. Will provide an overview of violations of captain of the port orders, pollution, manslaughter, merchant mariner fraud, and financial crimes involving the maritime community
Caleb King
Supervisory Special Agent at United States Coast Guard (USCG)
10:00 AM - 10:15 AMBreak
Snacks Provided in Exhibitor Hall
10:15 AM - 12:15 PMNICB and ISO Claim Search Overview
This presentation will cover who the National Insurance Crime Bureau is, and how we assist local law enforcement and insurance member companies in their investigations in fraud and theft. The presentation will follow how NICB agents and those with access to Claimsearch ISO uses the database to assist in their investigations using common searches and Secondary HIN information.
Todd Blair
Special Agent at National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)
12:15 PM - 1:15 PMLunch
On Your Own
The Rockbridge Reserve
8:00 AM - 10:00 AMCMFI โ Lithium Ion Batteries
There has been an explosion of lithium Ion battery usage in various marine applications. While providing incredibly dense energy storage capability these batteries can act as an ignition source, fuel load, and oxidizer in a fire. The competent fire investigator must be aware of the form factors, characteristics, failure modes, and risks of the various types of lithium ion batteries in the marine market.
James Cote
Owner at Cote Marine LLC
Chris Silman
Sr. Fire Investigator at S-E-A
10:00 AM - 10:15 AMBreak
Snacks Provided in Exhibitor Hall
10:15 AM - 12:15 PMCMFI โ Engine & Exhaust Systems
Gasoline and diesel internal combustion engines, engine exhausts, turbo-chargers, and ancillary systems as potential ignition sources. Engine fluids as the first fuel at the fire origin point as well and as fuel loads during the progression of the fires. The role of engine room ventilation in fire progression and spread.
Michael Hunter, CMI
Principle Surveyor & Investigator at Hunter Consulting & Survey
John Palcher
Marine Surveyor/Fire Investigator at Palcher Marine Consultants Inc.
12:15 PM - 1:15 PMLunch On Your Own
1:15 PM - 3:00 PMAGM/Business Meeting
This is for members to hear updates on IAMI as well as vote on any CBL changes and your new Board.
The Barrel Room
2:30 PM - 5:30 PMCMI/CMFI Testing
Good Luck
Sponsors and Partners
Organizer
Diamond/President's Reception Sponsor
Diamond/Lunch Sponsor
Diamond Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Exhibitors
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