Weather is often necessary in forming an expert opinion. For instance, a slip and fall in
a darkened cargo hold of a vessel during the day. When the area was later examined, the
sun was out and shown down into the hold through the deck scuttle (all hutch covers were
closed). Even the area in the lower tween deck where the accident occurred had some
ambient light. However, it was unknown whether or not the sun was out or it was overcast
at the time of the accident. Weather data can be obtained from the National Climatic Data
Center in Asheville, NC. It can be ordered on the phone (704) 259-0682 or by facsimile
(704) 259-0876. You should request data for a specific data (they send the entire day's
weather), the location, advise whether or not it needs to be certified, and furnish your
VISA or MASTER card number and expiration date.
If it need not be certified, they can fax it back to you, sometimes as quick as one day service depending on their work load. However, don't count on such quick service. Incidently, in the example just given, a measurement of the scuttle and its coaming was taken. A calculation of the elevation and azimuth of the sun at the time of the accident showed that it couldn't have shown into the scuttle even if it was clear and the sun was shining brightly.
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