MARINE SURVEYORS
Worldwide service from our San Diego office, including California, Arizona, Nevada and the desert areas, Mexico and the Pacific Rim

KELLS W. CHRISTIAN

EXPERT WITNESS • MARINE CLAIMS • VESSEL INSPECTIONS

Accredited Marine Surveyor since 1990. Expertise in recreational and commercial vessels. Regional Director of Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) for 2 years. Prominent member of numerous other industry organizations. Unwavering commitment to continued education and tracking current regulations, industry trends, and market conditions. Ability to understand technical functions from multiple angles and explain them clearly in lay-person terminology. Accomplished speaker, writer, educator, and communicator. Raised the bar for quality customer service. Licensed insurance adjuster.

Integrity • Impeccable Reputation • Ethical • Diligent

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

CHRISTIAN & COMPANY MARINE SURVEYORS
San Diego, California
1995–PRESENT
PRINCIPAL

• Manage day-to-day operations of business and staff. Conducted/oversaw 2,000 marine insurance claims and 6,000 condition and valuation inspections for wood, fiberglass, steel, aluminum, and ferro cement pleasure yachts, commercial passenger vessels, and commercial fishing vessels. Travel globally to assist with claims and vessel inspections.

• Provide expert witness testimony with adherence to the highest of standards as set forth by the American Boat and Yachting Council, the National Fire Protection Agency, and the United States Coast Guard. Ascribe to the Code of Ethics and By Laws of SAMS.

• Developed a thorough system of inspecting vessels inclusive of the following: structural integrity analysis, dry dock inspections, sea trials, electrical systems, propulsion system, fuel system, machinery, navigation, overall cosmetic appearance, and general condition.

• Attend continuing education events, including International Boat Builders Exposition seminars, numerous American Boat and Yachting Council seminars, and local, regional, and national symposiums for SAMS.

• Developed a program for State Farm Insurance geared toward training their marine claims managers and adjusters. Created text and course materials and taught classes.

• Performed over 2,000 claims assignments for recreational and commercial vessels.

• Determined cause of loss; performed inspections to determine claim-related damages.

• Served as liaison between policy holders and repair facilities. Negotiated repair costs. Obtained
discounts when appropriate.

• Performed over 1,500 condition and valuation surveys for underwriters and buyers.

• Oversaw hiring and training of technicians for the Jacksonville, Orlando, and Seattle offices.

• Played key role in the San Diego area for marketing, developing new business, and providing services (including P & I theft claims and expert witness services in County and Federal courts).

 

• Managed a repair business for commercial and recreational vessels up to 80 feet long.

• Supervised start to finish work for general maintenance, painting, and electrical repairs.

• Provided preparatory education for United States Coast Guard Captain’s license examinations. Implemented a comprehensive training program for the Marine Division of the Jacksonville Fire Department.

• Delivered vessels to destinations in the United States and Bahamas Islands.

 

ST. JOHN’S RIVER TAXI, INC.
Jacksonville, Florida 1989–1990
CAPTAIN

• In charge of operating a river taxi service consisting of 4 vessels carrying 26 passengers each.

• Provided general maintenance and repair services.

• Oversaw passenger safety issues in compliance with state and federal regulations.

SEATOW INC.
Jacksonville, Florida 1985–1987
CAPTAIN

• Provided services in all phases of the towing and salvage business.

• Operated the towing vessel; located and recovered vessels in distress; raised submerged vessels; performed salvage and wreckage removal services.

 

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors, #301, Regional Director (2001–2003), current member
International Association of Marine Investigators, member, 2003–present
American Boat and Yachting Council, member, 1995–present
San Diego Port Tenants Association, member, 1995–present
Marine Underwriters of Southern California, member, 1995–present
San Diego Insurance Adjusters Association, member, 1993–present

 

CERTIFICATION/LICENSING/EDUCATION

American Boat & Yachting Council Standards Accreditation, 2006
Extensive continuing education, including SAMS and NAMS regional, national and international symposiums, ABYC training programs, IBEX (International Boatbuilding Exposition) conferences, etc…
Vessel Fire Fighting Certificate (United States Coast Guard Approved), Pyrotechnical Institute Inc., 1989–present.
Lifeboat Competency Certificate, United States Coast Guard, 1989–present
Diesel Engine Service Training, Caterpillar, 1992
Insurance Adjusters License (#2819521), State of California, 1993–present
Captains License, Commercial Assistance Towing Endorsement (vessels up to 50 gross tons),
United States Coast Guard, 1988–1998
B.S., Mathematics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 1987

1276 Scott Street
San Diego, CA 92106

800-944-4789
619-223-7380
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