As degreed engineers, experienced mariners, and boatbuilders, Maine Design Company (MDC) has the expertise to provide in-depth understanding of complex problems beyond the scope of a conventional marine survey. We are frequently called upon to perform analysis, provide technical advice, engineering support, communicate with builders or repair yards, and give expert testimony. Typical services include:
- Owner’s representation & project management
- Failure analysis: Including masts, rigging, engines, wood boats, etc. MDC has performed this work for boat owners, insurance companies and builders/repair yards. Destructive testing, nondestructive testing and third-party labs are utilized when needed.
- Third-party verification: Performed on behalf of owners, builders or repair yards who need verification that standards have been met or require as-built documentation for liability/warranties. Also performed for milestone-based remuneration.
- Expert witness: Typically performed for attorneys and often includes extensive research, detailed reports and at times, court testimony
- Catastrophe response: Tom spent months in the Caribbean as one of the primary surveyors responsible for evaluating a 450-boat, multimillion-dollar loss in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Catastrophe response is high-stress, high-stakes work, and often creates logistical challenges not easily solved. MDC has the experience and expertise to successfully navigate through the pitfalls.
Research & Teaching
Tom is available to deliver a range of technical training and professional development seminars to the marine industry. Marine subjects he has presented include:
- Report Writing (2018, IBEX)
- Perils and Pitfalls of Non-Destructive Testing (2018, IBEX)
- Hurricane Preparation after Irma & Maria (2018, Maine Boatbuilder’s Show)
- Thermal Imaging (2016, IBEX)
- Thermal Imaging (2016, Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors NE regional meeting)
- The Ethics of Marine Surveying (2015, Tall Ships America Conference)
Tom spent over five years working as an adjunct professor, lab manager, and research engineer at Maine Maritime Academy’s research lab METEL. METEL focuses on increasing efficiency and decreasing emissions of marine diesel engines, as well as other topics in renewables, such as tidal energy.
Academic Publications
- Lokocz, T.A., 2012. Testing of a Ducted Axial Flow Tidal Turbine.
- Eaton, S.J., Wallace, T.T., Sarnacki, B.G., Adams, T.L., Kimball, R.W., Henry, J.A. and Harakas, G.N., 2018. Combustion and emissions of a glycerol-biodiesel emulsion fuel in a medium-speed engine. Journal of Marine Engineering & Technology, pp. 1-10.
- Sarnacki, B., Kimball, R., Wallace, T., Lokocz, T. and Harakas, G., 2015, August. Real time emissions monitoring of diesel engines aboard marine vessels. In ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY (Vol. 250). 1155 16TH ST, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 USA: AMER CHEMICAL SOC.
- Kimball, R. and Adams, T.L., 2018. Federal Grant Number: DTRT13-G-UTC43. Diesel Glycerin Emulsion Fuel Project (No. METEL-2014P777).
- Kimball, R. and Adams, T.L., 2018. Federal Grant Number: DTRT13-G-UTC43. Hydrogen Injection Project (No. METEL-2014P778).