Fisher Maritime
Consulting Group

Comments from Participants

Contract Management for Ship Construction, Repair, and Design

"This is a course from which much additional knowledge can be gained. Beneficial to all attending from either ship owning/managing or shipyards."--- A.M., senior repair planner

"An excellent balance of very informative material. I feel much more confident in managing a contract. I thought it was the best course I have received while in the Canadian Forces."--- A.N., Canadian Dept. of Nat'l Defense

"Every topic --- without exception --- was essential to successful shipyard contract management. Extremely worthwhile."--- A.O., Ship Owner's Rep

"Great benefit to taking course before getting involved with a major contract. Hard to improve."--- B.A., Program Mngr., Major US Shipyard

"Excellent seminar. Dr. Fisher's examples and analyses drove home the importance of individual components of the large contract management picture."--- B.E., Project Mngr, Major US Shipyard

"Great course that makes you look at the contract as a whole whilst still focusing on specific issues that can have great impact. I will be better prepared to manage our contracts from inception to reality."--- B.H., N.Z. fishing fleet manager

"Excellent program! We should be able to avoid many future disputes through pre-contract review."--- C.B., Major sub-contractor to shipyards

"I suggest that no one pass up the opportunity. There is a wealth of important information conveyed."--- Contract Administrator, Canadian shipyard

"This is a good program for those who have the responsibility to develop, negotiate and then administer contracts and specifications."--- Contract mngr, major newbuilding shipyard

"Great eye-opener! Dr. Fisher's experience really shows up as he guides you through the jungles of contract mis-understandings."--- D.C.R., Project Eng'r, major U.S. marine vendor

"I especially benefited from the actual problems experienced between shipyards and owners. I also appreciated the in-depth discussions on contract language, contractor point-of-view, contractor management philosophies and negotiation/resolution techniques. Excellent presentation. Well done!"--- D.S., Canadian Dept. of Nat'l Defense

"A global understanding of ship repair contracts and problems comes out of this course."--- E.G., Canadian Dept. of Nat'l Defense

"A good, pragmatic approach to contract management. Many useful ideas on how to structure a contract before it is signed."--- E.G.B., Canadian fleet operator

"Most insightful program leading to a better understanding of cost-effective management. I also benefited by listening to other participants sharing their contract problems."--- F.G., Project Mngr, Canadian shipyard

"It is a good introduction ... even for those of us who have been in the business. Its good to hear how the other side sees the problems."--- F.S., N.O.A.A. Nat'l Ocean Service

"I benefited by learning better negotiating techniques."--- G.C., Ass't Program Mngr, US Naval Shipyard

"I benefited greatly regarding the organisation of OFE and OFI. It was very interesting to listen to all the different lessons, taken from reality, in order to avoid those mistakes in the future."--- G.W., Exec. Mngr, European shpbldr

"A better understanding of the inter-relationship between shipyards and their customers. I am certain my future dealings with shipyards will be more in my favor."--- H.P., Canadian ferry operator

"The course content is excellent, containing a great deal of good solid material based on experience, which will increase the knowledge and confidence of those involved in ship contracts."--- I.A.H., director for 30+ vessels

"All naval personnel going to Canadian Forces QAR should be required to have this training."--- J.A., Canadian Dept. of Nat'l Defense

"The program is very interesting and relevant for those involved in contract management, especially for the many practical and real cases that Dr. Fisher shares with attendees."--- J.A.V., Supt, European fleet operator

"Many tips on how to improve our contracts, to the benefit of both parties. A better understanding of the other party's view point."--- J.B., Manager, int'l surveyship operator

"The course provides an appreciation of the goals and working methods of both contractor and owner. It goes a long way to explaining the source of many disputes."--- J.D.M., Canadian Navy

"Emphasizes the need for pre-contract review, maintaining control over change orders and reading the contract before, during and after work has started."--- J.D.W., Canadian Coast Guard

"After 15 years dealing in gov't service contracts, I felt confident in my skills as a negotiator and subcontracts manager. This course was a rude awakening for myself and I will benefit greatly from the content."--- J.G., Program Mngr, Operator of USN ships

"Comprehensive coverage of all aspects of contract management. Beneficial for Contracts, Program Mngmnt, and Senior Technical personnel alike. Our Project Eng'rs learned many practical do's and don'ts."--- J.M., Eng'r Mngr, major US shipyard

"This course defines and emphasizes the distinct functions and responsibilities of a contract manager vis-a-vis project manager. Clear focus!"--- J.Z., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

"Better management of reports and changes that are part of drydock and dockside availabilities is the result of this course."--- K.C., U.S. Coast Guard

"Good refresher course for the experienced contract manager. Valuable information for newcomers to contract management."--- K.D.E., Project Mngr, coatings subcontractor

"I was able to apply my training the 2nd day back ... in particular to disruptive changes"--- K.L., Tech'l Dir., Major marine equip't vendor

"This seminar was an eye-opener. It made me realize how important it was to clear-up contract ambiguities prior to signing."--- L.K., contract manager, major ship repair yard

"This course should be a compulsory part of any training given to project managers moving into the marine industry. I have certainly benefited from the change management section as this seems to take up a large portion of my working day."--- L.S., Project Mngr, N.Z. yacht bldr

"The course provided current policy and pragmatic legal interpretations for conflict resolution. I enjoyed the areas of do's and don'ts' of contract negotiation."--- L.S.M., Ferry operator

"The course will furnish the tools to allow you to manage your contracts with significant savings to your firm."--- L.U., Fleet manager, service vessel fleet

"The knowledge passed on at this course has been a very useful tool and I feel more confident in the way I handle the client/customer."--- M.A., Project Mngr, major U.K. marine vendor

"Excellent course for all who are involved in ship construction or repair and design."--- M.A.C., fleet manager

"We can all learn from Dr. Fisher's experience and expertise in the marine field."--- M.B.C., Naval Fleet Maint.. Facility

"Tremendous overview covering the full spectrum of contract management from pre-contract to post-delivery."--- M.G., Ass't Proj. Mngr, major newbuilding shipyard

"The first fresh and rational approach to resolving contract problems, starting with causes and misunderstandings which cost disproportionate amounts of money and time."--- N.V., Director, European fleet operator

"The curriculum touched upon every mistake we made in the past several years, indicating better approaches to solving those problems."--- R.B., Project Mngr, European fleet operator

"I found the course put together a lot of things I knew, but needed to be reminded of. A great deal of information in three days."--- R.C.R., U.S. ch. nav. arch, major design firm

"If you think you know all there is to know about contracting in the marine industry, reserve judgment until you take this course!"--- R.O., Canadian Dept. of Nat'l Defense

"This class should have preceded my shipyard floundering."--- Repair Manager, State agency

"A very informative and practical seminar. It has already come into great use in a fairly difficult project I am currently involved in."--- S.B. Project Mngr, U.K. vessel operator

"This course is a 'must' for anyone who is involved in contract management. Well structured, systematic approach, supported by endless examples from real life."--- T.G., Gen'l Mngr, N.Z. custom yacht builder

"We should have had this course 5 years ago."--- T.H., Financial Mngr, Canadian Patrol Frigates

"Good program. Gave me many insights to be used in future shipyard contracts to save megabucks."--- T.L., Canadian tug/barge operator

"A well-documented and organized seminar directing contract managers in much-needed practices to prevent costly errors."--- T.O., Program Mngr, Operator of Gov't Vessels

"This course will teach anyone how to shape a contract into what you'll need and to control that contract to keep all parties safe and happy."--- Tech'l director for U.S. ship owner

"Now I know what some of the traps look like, so I won't fall into them again. Definitely a course that should be taken prior to undertaking a major project or multi-vessel project."--- W.C., Project Mngr, U.S. fleet operator

"A must for anyone who is involved (even remotely) with contract management."--- Z.H., Canadian Dept. of Nat'l Defense

"Gained considerable insight into what motivates private shipyards."--- W.H., foreign navy

The Port Engineer's and Owner's Representative's Course

"Very practical and insightful course, ties together all players and their roles in a contract. Definitely an eye-opener that will help me better perform my job!"--- A.P., U.S. Coast Guard engineering center

"I gained better insight into correct wording of agreements and procedures required to implement terms. Most interesting and enjoyable --- thank you, Dr. Fisher."--- B.P., port superintendent

"It is valuable to hear all of the rules that all of us have broken at some time at our peril, condensed into three days' instruction. It was the first course at which I did not fall asleep, which must be a compliment."--- C.B., Owner's hull surveyor

"Very interesting class with lots of real world examples."--- C.C.P., U.S. gov't agency

"Course was well-tailored to the audience, very enlightening on actual contracts and specs as well as good management techniques, providing checklists for future reference."--- C.J.M., Project Mngr, U.S. Navy

"I learned about potential problems in our contracting processes that we did not know existed."--- C.M., U.S. fleet operator

"Provides excellent checklists for future reference --- very enlightening on management techniques."--- C.M., U.S. Navy

"This course would be very good for young/new port engineers who have to wear all hats due to budget cuts."--- D.E., marine superintendent, dredge operator

"Helps a port engineer control the shipyard's rush to get approval for changes."--- D.N., Port Eng'r, U.S. fleet operator

"Course syllabus is very comprehensive --- easy to follow --- emphasizes importance of effective communications between port engineer and yard."--- D.W.K., U.S. gov't agency

"The concepts and ideas expressed in the training greatly enhanced and complemented my own experiences."--- F.E.D., U.S. Coast Guard maintenance

"Beneficial to all port engineers regardless of experience level."--- G.J.R., Port Eng'r, tanker fleet operator

"Every engineer, nav. arch., project manager or contract manager involved in a ship project, whether it be operations, repair, etc., should take this training since it is all very practical. I have learned a number of things that I will look to incorporate in future contracts."--- G.L.D., Canadian Coast Guard

"An encompassing view of our industry from both the owner/operator's and the ship repair facility's sides. A highly recommended program."--- G.P., Port Eng'r, US vessel operator

"This course should be a must for all estimators and spec writers."--- J.B., Canadian Dept. of Nat'l Defense

"I really appreciated the 'most probable' theory for writing specs with removable work when not required."--- J.F., port eng'r

"Good training, well presented. I expect this training to become more valuable as I gain more experience."--- J.F., USCG port eng'r

"I put into practice immediately what I learned, and obtained better results."--- J.G. Port Eng'r, U.S. bulk fleet operator

"This is the only course I have been able to take that has been directly applicable to my most important job function in terms of cost to the company --- drydocking and repair."--- J.H., Port Eng'r, U.S. fleet operator

"Opens up many various ideas that we usually forget or have not thought of."--- J.M., Eng'g Mngr, Canadian Vessel Operator

"Improvement to my negotiating skills for ship repairs and changes are the direct outcome of this course."--- J.P., Canadian Dept. of Nat'l Defense

"In my 20 years with [major oil fleet operator], this has been the most practical course I've ever taken."--- J.S., Port Eng'r, U.S. tanker company

"Refreshing emphasis on writing the specs to promote a good relationship between yard and owner to achieve satisfactory repairs."--- L.A.M., Manager, coastal fleet

"Dr. Fisher's course emphasizes to [vessel] owners the results of poor contract/specification development. If the most important this is 'read the contract,' then the owner's most important effort should be the development of the most clear and concise contract possible."--- L.C., Project Mngr, Major U.S. ferry operator

"For every dollar spent for this course, your company gets back many in return because you will be able to do a better job."--- L.H., Port Eng'r, U.S. fleet operator

"Extremely beneficial by gaining an understanding of the perspectives of differing management structures undertaking the work."--- M.K.O., Project Mngr, U.K. tanker fleet operator

"The class is a must for Chiefs and Port Engineers. It will save many times the cost of tuition."--- M.N., Port Eng'r, major ferry operator

"Highly valuable training based on lessons learned from broad cross sections of the maritime industry."--- M.P., Port Eng'r, U.S. fleet operator

"I highly recommend this course to others. It was one of the most comprehensive classes on the things I spend most of my work day attending to."--- M.P.L., USCG supervising eng'r

"I am better prepared to put together a meaningful bid package that will maximize the work done while keeping costs down and minimize change orders."--- P.H.B., pax vessel supt

"The course helped me prioritize my responsibilities for upcoming contracts."--- P.K., U.S. Coast Guard engineering center

"This course should be a prerequisite to working with any contracts. I should have had this course several years ago before I was given the responsibility of dealing with contracts on behalf of the Crown. I will benefit by understanding a clearer path between the paper contract and the 3-dimensional finished product."--- P.M., Port Eng'r, Canadian ferry operator

"Course content considered excellent. Provided helpful insight into the problems as seen 'from the other side.'"--- R.C., Port Eng'r, US Operator

"This is the first course I have been on that is directly related to my job. The insights gained through the course regarding other segments of the industry will be invaluable to me and my organization."--- R.L., Canadian ferry operator

"I have benefited from being exposed to the contractor's point of view."--- S.B., Washington State Dept. of Trans

"Showed me how to approach difficult situations in shipyards in a manner that will benefit my company."--- T.J.A., Manager, tug/barge fleet

"Excellent training for all managers of ship repair or conversion. I gained considerable insight into what motivates private shipyards and how to approach contract management at shipyard projects."--- W.M., Canadian Navy

Shipyard Management of the Customer and Contract

"Extremely valuable course that highlights commonly encountered contract problems. It is reassuring to find others in similar situations and discuss possible solutions that have been used to remedy the problem."--- I.F., U.K. shpyrd ass't gen'l mngr

"I thought the program was excellent! I see great potential for improving the financial results on my next project."--- P.F., Project Mngr, US Naval Shipyard

"In 20 years of working in the maritime business, I have never attended a seminar where I knew most everything but did not ever have it brought together in such a way that it was inspirational."--- R.W., A.G.M., ship repair yard

"As a new manager at the yard, the course was extremely beneficial to my understanding of contracts and their impact on every phase of shipyard operations."--- T.M., Project Mngr, major US shipyard

"Excellent seminar! ... Ken Fisher is extremely knowledgeable of shipbuilding and ship repair industry."--- D.K., Vice-Pres. Gulf Coast ship repair yard

"Open discussion and examples reinforce prior knowledge and lends motivation to use it. I have used these insights to great benefit in the few weeks since taking the course."--- Contract manager, Gulf Coast shipyard

"Send your key production people also. It helps to get them on the team so more people outside of management understand the consequences of what they tell our customers."--- D.C., Production Mngr, Major US Shipyard

"This training opens up your views of the impact of changes on other departments within your organization. Now I will evaluate changes in scope with a broader perspective."--- D.K., Ass't Project Mngr, US Naval Shipyard

"Dr. Fisher gave me new ideas to negotiate change orders. Excellent training. It gave me a lot of new ideas to work with."--- G.L., Program Mngr, US Naval Shipyard

"I have learned new ideas and will blend them into my everyday tasks and way of doing things."--- G.W., Project Mngr, Canadian shipyard

"This program hit the nail right on the head. I enjoyed this course very much as the type-desk fund manager. This course will increase each fund manager's ability to negotiate with our customers with greater credibility."--- H.M., Fund Mngr, US Naval Shipyard

"Excellent info and lots of good examples of how things can go wrong when documents are ignored. All new estimators should have this course, too."--- I.D., Ass't Gen'l Mngr, Canadian shipyard

"All estimators should have this course. Lots of excellent info on dealing with ship owners and how to look at the contract from different perspectives."--- I.D., Project Mngr, Canadian shipyard

"This knowledge is a must for all contract administrators."--- M.C., A.G.M., newbuilding shipyard

"Take the course. Its well worth the time."--- R.C., Ass't Project Mngr, US Naval Shipyard

"The general response of our 22 employees attending was very favorable to the overall program."--- R.G, A.G.M., Major US Shipyard

"This course opens the window of understanding onto the customer's points of view."--- R.H., Repair Manager, U.S. shipyard

"Gives new insight into negotiating. The course has paid for itself many times over on the first contract after having the course."--- Vice Pres., Canadian Shipyard

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