John Gow
Technical Director, Marine + Senior Investigator
Areas of Expertise
Scotland
John is a highly experienced Fire Investigator who has provided expert testimony in fatal accident inquiry, criminal and civil court. His work has seen him accepted as an expert in the US. He is also an experienced Marine Fire and Explosion Investigator. A skilled author of reports he has undertaken marine investigations on behalf of, underwriters, charterers and cargo interests. His experience includes cruise ships, container ships, Ro-Pax, tankers, and bulk carriers. As a former Fire Officer, he also taught STCW certified courses in Marine Firefighting and Command and Control to ship’s crew and officers, utilizing a live fire environment. John was fully involved in the development of Strathclyde’s full time Fire Investigation Unit and its Modus Operandi, the first full time unit in Scotland. He has represented both Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service and CFOA(S) at national forums on the development of fire investigation and crime scene standards.
Education / Certifications
- Registered Forensic Practitioner - Fire Scene Examination, Council for Registration of Forensic Practitioners
- Specialty Assessor - Fire Scene Examination, Council for Registration of Forensic Practitioners
- Fire Protection Assoc. Level 5 Course, Fire and Explosion Investigation
- Legal Experience Training Adv. Award in Expt. Wit. Evidence, Pearson Learning, Level 7 (Masters)
- Member, International Association of Arson Investigators
- Director, UK Association of Fire Investigators
- Member, UK Association of Fire Investigators
- Member, Global Marine Investigators
See Insights from John Gow
Podcasts
Forensics Uncovered Podcast | Forensic Services: Challenges and Insights
9 Apr 2024
Join Will Hutchinson, Managing Director, and John Gow, Technical Director and Senior Marine Investigator, for a podcast discussion about challenges and insights in the forensics industry. Listen in to explore how Will’s experience as a forensic scientist and investigator will influence how the company develops our forensic services to face the challenges ahead.
Blog
Lithium-Ion Batteries in Transportation
14 Nov 2023
Batteries are used in energy storage systems as well as vehicles in warehouses and transit centers and on cargo ships. The risks and hazards vary.
Blog
Lithium-ion Batteries + Fire At Sea
3 Apr 2023
The discussion about the hazards and risks arising from fires involving lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles continues to hit the global headlines with much debate on the topic.
Blog
Subrogation: The Road to Recovery
12 Dec 2022
In 2021, it was estimated that insurers in the United Kingdom paid approximately £8 million per day on home insurance claims, a significant cost to the community and insurer.
Blog
SUBROGATION
20 Sep 2022
In 2021, it was estimated that insurers in the United Kingdom paid approximately £8 million per day on home insurance claims
Blog
A Safe Ship for Seafarers: Challenges of Protecting Crew Against Fire and Explosion
24 Jun 2022
On this Day of the Seafarer, John Gow looks at the hazards seafarers encounter and what can be done to reduce fire risks.