Admiralty - Maritime Law Specialty Consultants: 2

Capt. David G. Bacon, is a Maritime Consultant with over 30 years of experience providing exceptional customer service to clients from around globe. He has a United States Coast Guard Captains License (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel - unlimited tonnage). Capt. Bacon is the owner, operator, and captain of Wavewalker Charters. His vessel charters include fishing, cruising, eco-tours, whale watching, diving, kayaking, photography, oil seeps, and oil spills. He has decades of vessel operations experience with zero accidents and zero injuries. As the Founder and Executive Director of Softin, Inc., a nonprofit organization providing at-sea educational adventures for special-needs children and adults, Capt. Bacon has extensive knowledge of passenger safety orientation and creating/maintaining a safe environment for passengers, including special-needs passengers in for-profit and nonprofit (501c3) ventures. As the owner of two retail stores: Hook, Line, & Sinker Fishing Center and Guns of Santa Barbara, Capt. Bacon understands the value and importance of customer service.

Background - Capt. Bacon worked in corporate management with AT&T for nearly 20 years, serving as Manager of Technical Operations and Customer Support. He also served as President and CEO of Sea Cubed, Inc., developing, publishing, selling, and distributing quality nautical products and displays.

Freelance Writer - Capt. Bacon has published over 2,000 articles for various periodicals (both print and on-line) and continues as an active writer. His areas of editorial responsibilities (past and present) encompass technical, educational, advocacy, and entertainment. He has written for such publications as Pacific Coast Sportfishing, Western Outdoor News, www.noozhawk.com On-line News, and Fishing and Hunting News among many others.

Public speaking - Capt. Bacon has participated in approximately 85 engagements. He is a teacher at Santa Barbara Community college. He has over 15 years of experience hosting seminars, informational/motivational lectures, and presentations for civic organizations, trade shows, and clubs. He has been a speaker at the Parks and Recreation Department of Santa Barbara, and made radio guest appearances on Fish Talk Radio.

View Capt. Bacon's Expert Witness Profile.

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