Resume
R. THOMAS ECKHARDT JR.
1482 NW 20th Street, Homestead, FL 33030 • (305) 219-1336 • Tom@marinementor.com
Profile: Independent Marine Surveyor
~ Expert in loss assessment and catastrophe loss assessments, pre-purchase, and condition/value surveys ~
~ More than 30+ years of combined experience with marine vessels ~
Track record of performing accurate loss assessments, serving as an expert witness in court cases, and serving as a project manager for major renovation and repair projects.
Effective advisor to all levels of an organization, providing marine vessel insight on catastrophic loss assessment, pre-purchase surveys, insurance condition and value surveys (CVS), and general marine vessel loss assessment.
Voted the #1 Dive Operator in North America by SCUBA Diving Magazine, doubling the gross income of Conch Republic Divers, Inc. overnight.
As a Captain, have directed thousands of SCUBA diving excursions while evaluating the weather, diver skill level, resources, and other variables to conduct safe and enjoyable dives for clients. Additionally have delivered various vessels around the Carribean and trans Atlantic.
Proficient in all aspects of marine vessel maintenance, with experience working on every system, minimizing scheduled vessel haul out times and working closely with USCG Vessel Inspectors to ensure compliance with all CFRs relating to vessel safety.
Superb team leadership, management, and communication skills. Tech savvy with experience implementing business development strategies. Reputed for credibility, exceptional work ethic, and sharp attention to detail. Thrive in dynamic settings.
Core Competencies Include:
Marine Vessel Surveying • Damage Assessments • Project Management • Catastrophe Damage Assessments
Repair & Renovation • Risk Management • Yacht Delivery • Team Leadership • Business Development • Process Improvements
Professional Experience
SAMS AMS-Accredited Marine Surveyor — DBA Marine Mentor Homestead, FL 2000 – present
Survey vessels, sail, power and passenger carrying to ascertain the condition of the hull, machinery, and equipment to determine if they meet all safety standards for insuring. Inspect all systems above and below the waterline. Prepare reports on surveys conducted, recommended actions, and repairs.
Perform damage assessments for marine vessel insurance claims in the United States and the Caribbean.
Contact insured, inspect the property, develop an assessment of the scope of the damage, review estimates from repair vendors on all repairs, ensuring no non-loss repairs are included.
Provide catastrophe services after major disasters; have worked with Hurricane Ivan (Grand Cayman), Hurricane Ike (Galveston, TX), Hurricane Katrina (Miami, FL), Wilma, Jeanne, and others.
Serve as an expert witness in boating accident and SCUBA diving court cases.
Nationally published author with credits, including Living Aboard Magazine “It Broke”, and Florida Scuba News – the Undersea Journal (publication for PADI dive instructors) “Dive-rsions” weekly column in Knight Ridder paper.
Provide expert pre-purchase and reinsurance condition/value surveys.
Serve as a Project Manager for major renovation and repair projects.
Provide vessel delivery services up to trans-Atlantic as a Delivery Captain.
Have completed 1000+ damage surveys and 2500+ pre-purchase and reinsurance assessments.
Marine Surveyor Associate — Davis and Company Inc. Ltd Lisle, IL 2003- Present
Provide damage and condition/value surveys (CVS) as a contract employee for South Florida and the Carribean.
Serviced a major contract with Allstate in south Florida from 2003 to 2006.
Successfully completed 800+ surveys for major carriers.
Expert in loss assessment surveys on marine losses in Florida and the Caribbean.
Owner — Conch Republic Divers Inc. Tavernier, FL 1995-2000
Managed and maintained 2 commercial dive charter vessels and a retail store in the extremely competitive Florida Keys market. Oversaw all aspects of the business, restructured the marketing plan, renovated the assets, and developed dive plans that spurred the business to flourish. Initially operated on a shoestring then increased the company gross by more than 4 times doubling the value of the assets.
Featured in the largest dive publication in the world – Rodales SCUBA Diving Magazine; awarded the #1 Dive Operator in North America, doubling the gross value of the shop overnight.
Managed 2 dive charter boats, staff of 5, SCUBA equipment rental inventory and Air fill system.
Previous Experience
Owner/Operator/Captain, Stargazer Enterprises, Tavernier, FL
Education & Professional Development
Yacht and Small Craft Surveying Certification, 2000 — Chapmans School of Seamanship
USCG Masters License, Issue #6
State of
Florida, Independent All Lines Adjustor – #D085948 (inactive)
Submarine Pilot, Submersible Systems Technology
PADI Open Water SCUBA Instructor #13515 (retired)
High School Diploma, East Kentwood High School
Affiliations
Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors – Accredited Marine Surveyor • American Boat and Yacht Council