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This proved to be an excellent insight from the top brass as to what they are looking for, require and more importantly expect.


It


is interesting to know that many self-declared ‘experts’ still do not know the requirements of the CPR particularly regarding report formatting, content, statement, hot-tubbing and joint meetings of experts. The day wrapped up with separate seminars on disclosure and working with counsel. So, whilst not all the speeches in this great hall compared necessarily to Sir Winston Churchill’s announcement to the world the sinking of the German battleship Bismarck when it was used as parliament’s temporary home in World War II, most were not to be missed and the day was remarkably more enjoyable and interesting than originally expected (not forgetting the food!).


Marking once again that rare occasion of the largest gathering of registered Expert Witnesses in the UK, Church House within the confines of the Palace of Westminster, London was loaded up with medical boffins, quantity surveyors, architects and even alcohol tasters (what a job!). Yet again I had that lonely feeling as the only Marine Surveyor representative of our trade.


Joining leading expert witnesses working in civil, criminal and family law allowed for a huge wealth of experience and expertise to be available and whilst originally anticipating the usual dribble of law and what we can and cannot do (and that which we must) I was swiftly taken aback at the immense relevance of the subject matter of the day to my continuing work. A full review of the use of artificial intelligence and the responsibilities in relation to data use and the expert formed great introductory seminars. A full update on the Civil Procedure Rules and discussions of example cases followed and then a brilliant discussion and opinionated group seminar on a judge’s perspective on expert reports and their testimony by Sir David Foskett, High Court Judge.


48 | The Report • March 2019 • Issue 87


Okay, so this year’s conference focused on changes in the law, technological implications and the impact of Brexit. An all-round success across the board. Totally relevant for all industries, however there was just one problem; no marine surveyors were present to take advantage! Dwarfed by the crowds of architects, quantity surveyors, RICS candidates, psychiatrists, accountant’s legal beavers and medics covering a variety of fields I felt rather unloved. On several occasions, I was asked about my trade and specialisation; all good questions but there was a base line to this which was the stereotypical idea that marine surveyors are cross trade enthusiasts without qualification. Many times, in conversation, when describing what I do for a living it made me realise what a niche little (but yet huge) industry we work in. Having to describe the training and experience required to get we were are, in an industry where for once experience is often put before qualification is sometimes difficult to justify to expert peers. My training however, will never be over. My field of expertise rests with ‘expert valuation’ having completed over 100 this year to date with


several in arbitration at present. This is in addition to high value logistics (specifically the handling and securing of high value cargoes) an area in which I have worked and studied for fifteen years. Explaining these basic facts to my peers at the conference won me some points and by the end of the day you could say I was one of them, but nonetheless always feeling slightly like a guest amongst others.


I’ve always been rather sceptical about subjects such as raising professionalism within the IIMS and our beloved industry. However, being placed in a room full of internationally accredited experts opens one’s eyes to the opinion of our field and knowing that there are several marine surveyors working as ‘expert witnesses’ (though none were present at such a gathering or to my knowledge hold membership to any of the associations relevant). I think it is perfectly understandable where the negative opinion is sought and I would welcome discussion from any of our membership who work in the expert witness field on how they maintain their standards if association with some of the legal institutes would be of interest.


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