1. Tell us the problem
A short description, the vessel or operation, and any deadline.
For vessel operators, businesses & organisations
Vessel testing, operating manuals and crew training.
We investigate vessel problems, write manuals and procedures, assess crew skills and design training programmes. Get help with a specific problem or ongoing support for your operation.
Tell us about your vessel, the problem and any deadline.
Acuitypractical maritime help
What we solve
What do you need help with?
Choose the closest fit, or tell us what is happening.
01 · Vessel testingTesting & expert reports
Vessel testing & investigations
Investigate handling problems, test vessel performance and provide technical reports for purchase decisions or disputes.
See vessel testing services →02 · ManualsProcedures & audit preparation
Vessel manuals & compliance
Write operating manuals and procedures, organise records and help your team prepare for audits.
See manuals & compliance services →03 · Crew & trainingAssessment & training design
Crew assessment & training
Assess crew skills, familiarise new crew, run emergency exercises and design training programmes.
See crew & training services →Selected work
Examples of our work.
Open an example to see the problem, the work and the outcome.
Technical dispute · powered vesselTesting a disputed vessel handling problem.
Read the example +
The problem
A vessel handling problem was disputed. An earlier technical assessment described different behaviour.
The work
We ran controlled sea trials with different trim settings and loads, recorded speed, RPM and fuel use, and observed when the handling problem appeared.
The value
The report set out the measurements, observations and conclusions so the client could make the next decision using evidence.
Expert support · maritime prosecution mattersExpert reports for maritime court proceedings.
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The context
Andrew Flanagan has been instructed as a maritime expert witness through Crown Solicitors' offices on complex Maritime New Zealand prosecution matters.
The work
The work has included expert reports, review of other expert evidence, written replies and preparation for meetings and court proceedings.
How we report
Reports explain what was observed, what was assumed and how the conclusions were reached, including evidence that challenges them.
Vessel audits & crew training · infrastructure operatorVessel audits, crew training and operating manuals.
Read the example +
The need
A large infrastructure operator needed ongoing vessel audits, refresher training, new-crew training and operating manuals.
The approach
The work covered vessel audits, crew training, operating material and digital reporting for the same operation.
Why it matters
Manuals, training and audit records need to reflect the same vessels and the way crews actually work.
How it works
A clear first step. An agreed scope.
2. Agree the work
We agree the work, the deliverables and the terms.
3. Receive the work
A report, operating manual, assessment or clear action plan.
Andrew Flanagan
Vessel operations · testing · manuals · crew training
Who you work with
Practical maritime experience. Clear, independent advice.
Andrew Flanagan brings experience in vessel operations, search and rescue, training, audits and expert-witness work. He turns that experience into practical answers, clear reports and systems your team can use.
Expert-witness workMaritime prosecution matters through Crown Solicitors' offices, including technical review, expert reporting and proceeding support.
Training and assessmentRYA Yachtmaster Power Instructor and RYA Trainer, with institutional and professional training experience.
Vessel audits & manualsVessel audits, operating manuals and crew assessments for organisations and commercial operators.
Vessel testingControlled sea trials and investigations with recorded measurements and clear findings.
Talk to Acuity
Tell us what is happening. Let’s discuss the next step.
A few sentences about your vessel and the problem are enough to start.
Common questions
What you need to know.
Can Acuity support lawyers and insurers?
Yes. We provide technical review, vessel testing, evidence analysis, expert reports and support for conferences and proceedings.
What kinds of vessel problems can you investigate?
Typical questions involve powered-vessel behaviour, handling, trim, loading, configuration, performance and practical operation. The scope is defined before work begins and other disciplines are brought in where necessary.
What is different about your digital compliance systems?
We organise your vessel procedures, records and responsibilities into a digital system your team can use and keep up to date.
Do you replace a surveyor, marine engineer or naval architect?
No. Acuity focuses on vessel operation, handling problems, operating manuals and crew skills. We work alongside surveyors, engineers, naval architects and other specialists when their discipline is required.
Can you work with an existing lawyer or expert team?
Yes. We can test a specific vessel problem, review operating evidence or prepare a technical report alongside your existing team.
Do you still provide practical powerboat training?
Yes, through Powerboat Training NZ. Acuity Maritime provides vessel testing, operating manuals, crew assessment and training system design.
