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
Blogs
Lithium-Ion Batteries in Transportation
Nov 14, 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.
Blogs
Subrogation: The Road to Recovery
Dec 12, 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.
Blogs
THE FIRE PERIL: LITHIUM-ION BATTERY FIRE + EXPLOSION RISK ON CARGO SHIPS
Oct 6, 2022
Cargo fires and explosions are one of the top three causes of total losses in the shipping industry.
Blogs
SUBROGATION
Sep 13, 2022
In 2021, it was estimated that insurers in the United Kingdom paid approximately £8 million per day on home insurance claims
Blogs
A Safe Ship for Seafarers: Challenges of Protecting Crew Against Fire and Explosion
Jun 24, 2022
On this Day of the Seafarer, John Gow looks at the hazards seafarers encounter and what can be done to reduce fire risks.
Articles
John Gow Published in Marine Insurer
Jan 21, 2022
Marine fires and explosions continue to rise - what do we do about it?
Blogs
Firefighting at Sea: Towards Safer Ships – A Holistic Approach
Jan 7, 2022
No single solution will solve fires at sea - a holistic approach must be adopted to reduce disasters and respond effectively.
Articles
Firefighting At Sea
Jun 17, 2021
John Gow, explains the challenges faced by the maritime sector brought by fire and what needs to be done.