Mike Wisekal
MSc, AAs, CFI, FIT, MIFireE, MIAAI, APAEWE
Technical Director + Senior Investigator, Scotland + North England
Areas of Expertise
Scotland
Mike has worked in the fire industry since 1997, serving nearly 18 years in the Fire Service. His fire service career included fulfilling various roles from operational firefighter to Incident Commander. Part of his operational training included structural firefighting, firefighting at sea, road traffic collisions, fire behaviour training, and health & safety training. During his fire service career, he was deployed to numerous incidents involving a diverse range of operational challenges involving risk to life and property.
Mike’s career as a fire investigator began in 2007. He has investigated a variety of marine, industrial, commercial, and residential fire investigations with experience in managing and undertaking complex fire scene investigations involving the loss of life, property and personal injury.
He has investigated marine causalities involving RoRo’s, Bulk Cargo, FPSO vessels, and Container ships. These investigations have involved cargo such as: vehicles; calcium hypochlorite, self-heating of wood pellets, fertilizer, and hot works. Mike has also had the opportunity to experience life at sea by taking voyage on an ultra large containership.
As a Technical Director Mike works with members of the leadership team to ensure the effective delivery and management of the (Fire) Forensics operations. In this capacity Mike leads and manages a team of investigators within his respective region.
Mike continues to provide an excellent forensic experience for clients, undertaking varied investigations both nationally and internationally.
Education / Certifications
- MSc, Fire Investigation, University of Central Lancashire
- Criminal Justice Technology, Prince Georges Community College
- Military Policing, US Army Military Police School
- Managing Safely, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health
- Certified Fire Investigator, Intl. Assoc. of Arson Investigators
- Fire Investigation Technician, Intl. Assoc. of Arson Investigators
- Certified Professional Coach, Intl. Coach Academy
- Member, United Kingdom Assoc. of Fire Investigators
- Member, The Institution of Fire Engineers
- Member, Intl. Assoc. of Arson Investigators
- Advanced Professional Award in Expert Witness Evidence
- Diploma in Marine Accident Investigation
- Certificate in Maritime Fire Safety
- Certificate in Maritime Safety Management & the ISM Code
See Insights from Mike Wisekal
Articles
Charting the Waters of Marine Fire Investigation
22 Jul 2024
Mike Wisekal discusses shipboard fire incidents and the importance of ISM guidelines on CSI on Fire.
Blog + Whitepaper
SOLAS Regulations in Marine Fire Investigations
3 Jun 2024
Learn more about how Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the ISM Code, and the Ship Safety Management System (SMS) form a comprehensive framework for ensuring maritime safety.
Podcasts
Forensics Uncovered Podcast | Maritime Safety + Exploration
1 May 2024
This episode of the Forensics Uncovered podcast series is dedicated to maritime safety and exploration. In this episode, we're joined by Mike Wisekal and John Gow, our Technical Directors and Senior Marine Investigators. We delve into the critical topic of navigating safety at sea and the significance of the International Maritime Safety Management (ISM) Code to marine casualty investigation. Tune in as we explore how adherence to these standards ensures the well-being of both crew and vessels alike, offering insights and expertise gathered from years of experience in the field.
Blog + Whitepaper
Conducting Scene Risk Assessments for Structural Fires Investigations
13 Nov 2023
When undertaking a scene risk assessment, investigators bear in mind three key elements: hazards, risks, and control measures.
Blog + Whitepaper
Know Your Fire Investigator's Certifications & Methodology
27 Jan 2022
Claims success begins with knowing your appointed fire investigator, their certifications, and professional methodology.
Blog + Whitepaper
When Alarm Bells Ring: How Forensic Fire Investigators Uncover Arson Fraud
8 Jul 2021
Recognition of warning signs are key to identifying arson insurance fraud and obtaining evidence for fraudulent claims