Marine Surveying Expert Witnesses: 2

George Zeitler, MSc, has over 30 years of experience in the Marine Industry in various regulatory, management, and consulting roles. He is an Accredited Marine Surveyor (Y&SC) by the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors and a Member of the International Institute of Marine Surveying.

Background Experience - Mr. Zeitler served 18 years as a USCG Marine Inspector / Casualty Investigator, and 7 years as a Class Society principal surveyor (DNV).  He then spent 1 year as VP of Operations for a niche cruise line. Mr. Zeitler went on to serve 5 years as a technical consultant for various segments of the marine industry, including 2 years as third party environmental auditor for criminal pollution cases. He has been an Accredited Yacht and Small Craft Surveyor for over 15 years. 

In 2002, Mr. Zeitler formed Zeitler Marine Services (ZMS), using his experience and knowledge to offer condition and valuation (pre-purchase and insurance) and damage survey services to the yachting and recreational boating communities in south Florida. He is currently the Director of the Chapman School of Seamanship Yacht and Small Craft survey course.

Litigation Support - Mr. Zeitler uses his vast experience verifying Compliance with Applicable Maritime Laws / Regulations through on site surveys and audits of client's vessels. His years of operational and regulatory enforcement help provide clients with a unique perspective that is key in identifying vulnerabilities onboard vessels as well as gaps in policies and procedures. He functions as a Court Appointed Monitor in situations where vessel operators are negotiating a plea agreement for a DOJ-approved Environmental Compliance Programs.

Areas of Expertise:

• Vessel Design and Construction
• Vessel Compliance with International and US Laws and Regulations
• Compliance with Federal and Voluntary (ABYC) Standards for Yachts and Small Craft
• Casualty Investigation
• Vessel Operations
• Cruise Ship Management, Operation, and Safety
• Environmental Compliance and Auditing

Captain Arlen Leiner, . He has an engineering degree from the University of Toledo, with a Masters's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a subcategory of Marine Combustion Engines. He is trained in MARPOL, SOLAS, and IMO Regulations as well as International Maritime treaties. 

Capt. Leiner has performed Marine Surveys and Inspections Including FLIR INFRARED THERMAL throughout the U.S. and virtually worldwide as well as testifying throughout the US and in 18 Foreign countries

Litigation Support - In his 52 years of surveying boats and other watercraft, Capt. Leiner has provided expert witness testimony in marine litigation involving vessels of any size or type. This includes numerous depositions and trials in state and federal courts, with each damage and casualty survey prepared so that findings can be defended in a court of law. 

Capt. Leiner is qualified to analyze evidence, form a professional opinion, and communicate his findings to a jury. His services are necessary for litigation in many situations, requiring an expert evaluation of any vessel's value or seaworthiness. These situations can include:

View Captain Leiner's Consulting Profile.