Academic and Professional Qualifications:

BEng Marine Technology - University of Newcastle upon Tyne
CEng Chartered Engineer
CMarEng Chartered Marine Engineer
FIMarEST Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology

Experience:

Frank spent 9 years as a Marine Engineering Officer in the Merchant Navy before studying at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne for a degree in Marine Technology, with honours in Marine Engineering. He then spent 4 years as a Marine Surveyor before joining Burgoynes in Singapore in 1997. He transferred to the UK in 2000 and became a Partner in 2008.

Frank has investigated a wide range of fires, explosions and engineering failures on land and on ships.

On land, he has worked in a variety of locations, from dwellings and commercial premises through to power stations and oil refineries. He has an interest in investigating fires in engineering plant, vehicles and oil fired equipment. He investigates engineering failures, ranging from escapes of oil and water to the failure of large diesel and gas engines.

As a marine engineer, he has an interest in the investigation of incidents aboard ships, having worked or investigated incidents aboard most vessel types, including: bulk carriers, car carriers, container ships, cruise ships, dive support vessels, dredgers, general cargo ships, livestock carriers, reefer vessels, research vessels, Ro-Ro passenger ferries, tankers, tugs and yachts. Aboard ships, he has investigated engineering failures, fires and explosions arising from a range of phenomena. These incidents have occurred in machinery spaces, on deck, in cargo holds and in accommodation spaces. He has also investigated cases of cargo contamination and spillage, and marine equipment failures. whilst he investigates a wide range of incidents, he has a particular interest in engine room fires, diesel engine and auxiliary equipment failures, and in the operation and failure of fire-fighting equipment.

Frank has travelled extensively and has investigated incidents in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, India, Asia, Africa and South America. He has given expert evidence in criminal courts, civil courts, arbitrations and mediations, both in the UK and overseas.

He has lectured on fire and engineering failure investigation at conferences, and to audiences from the insurance and marine industries, to the fire service (in the UK and overseas) and to fire investigation professionals. He has also assisted insurers, ship operators and publishers with the preparation of marine safety bulletins and articles.