6/25/2025 - With marine incidents involving small commercial boats and yachts on the rise, A&L Maritime Experts has expanded its specialist offerings in forensic investigations and regulatory compliance consulting.

The Florida-based firm, known for over 55 years of hands-on marine surveying experience, is answering an urgent need in a sector that has been chronically underserved by traditional ship-focused compliance and expert witness services.

The move comes at a critical moment for owners and operators of commercial vessels and recreational yachts under 250 feet. As international maritime codes such as SOLAS, MARPOL, ISPS, and the ISM Code are increasingly enforced on smaller vessels, those operating fishing boats, tugs, charter yachts, and small passenger vessels are facing legal, financial, and operational exposure they were never adequately prepared for.

“These vessels account for more than 75% of maritime incident reports in U.S. waters, according to Coast Guard data. Yet most of the forensic and compliance tools available today are still tailored to the operations of ships over 500 gross tons—leaving small vessel operators with generic paperwork, unclear expectations, and little real-world guidance,” shared a representative from A&L Maritime Experts.

“Recognising this gap, A&L Maritime Experts has formally expanded its scope to include incident investigation and compliance services designed exclusively for vessels between 16 and 250 feet.”

From mechanical failure investigations on 125-foot charter boats to structural damage analysis following collisions involving 90-foot barges, A&L now offers forensic clarity to law firms, insurance carriers, and operators who have historically been left to navigate disputes without credible marine-specific expert testimony.

“Our new offering includes forensic GPS and AIS data reconstruction, fire cause and origin reviews, human performance assessments, and detailed incident reporting that meets courtroom admissibility standards,” he added.

This expansion also strengthens A&L’s ability to support small commercial operators through growing regulatory pressure. While international frameworks such as the ISM Code were once reserved for large commercial ships, more ports, charter companies, and insurers now expect boats under 200 feet to demonstrate similar standards.

However, applying ship-scale systems to small boats leads to excessive paperwork, unrealistic procedures, and increased costs for captains and crews. A&L solves this by creating custom-fit Safety Management Systems (SMS), guiding owners through pre-audit preparation, and offering direct onboard support that reflects real vessel conditions.

Rather than handing over 200-page templates, the firm works side-by-side with vessel operators to ensure systems are practical, effective, and defensible under scrutiny. This tailored approach is especially relevant in a climate where port state control inspections are stricter, cross-border operations are more regulated, and marine legal disputes involving vessels under 250 feet are surging.

With decades of combined experience operating, inspecting, and testifying on vessels in the 20 to 250-foot range, the firm brings unmatched expertise to a sector too often dismissed or oversimplified. Their expansion is already seeing uptake across the legal and insurance industries.

Clients now turn to A&L not only for post-incident analysis but also for preventative consulting. Vessel owners seeking to avoid costly detentions or audit failures are increasingly requesting onboard reviews, custom documentation, and compliance briefings tailored to their specific vessel size, mission, and operating region.

From preparing a fishing boat for inspection under MARPOL rules to helping a 200-foot charter yacht pass a flag-state ISM audit, A&L Maritime Experts offers deep support that delivers peace of mind and operational confidence.

With this expansion, A&L Maritime Experts is reaffirming its role as the premier compliance and forensic resource for the commercial boat and yacht community.

In a maritime world where risk, liability, and regulation are growing across every vessel class, the firm is standing up for the operators who need guidance the most—and doing so with accuracy, authority, and a deep respect for the complexity of real-world vessel operations.

For consultation inquiries, expert support, or audit preparation, contact the experts via the information available below.
About A&L Maritime Experts
A&L Maritime Experts is a Florida-based consultancy specialising in forensic investigation, compliance support, and expert witness services for commercial boats and recreational yachts between 16 and 250 feet. With over 55 years of hands-on marine surveying and seafaring experience, the firm brings unmatched insight into vessel operations, incident analysis, and international maritime standards.

Contact Information

Website: https://www.almaritimeexperts.com/
Phone: +1 813 5389507
Email Address: [email protected]