The firm was founded in 1875 by Frank S. Martin and remained under the Martin family control for 85 years. In 1961, it was purchased by William T. Ottaway and his son Harry J. Ottaway and reincorporated under the name of Francis A. Martin and Ottaway, Inc. In 1992, Henk van Hemmen, who had been a partner for a number of years, purchased the company and changed the name to Martin, Ottaway & van Hemmen, Inc. With the addition of new partners in 1995, the name was changed to Martin, Ottaway, van Hemmen & Dolan, Inc. Recognized as one of the United States' foremost marine consulting firms, Martin, Ottaway, van Hemmen & Dolan is accustomed to providing engineering and surveying services on short notice all over the world. The firm engages in many types of work, including consulting, construction and conversion supervision, cargo and damage surveys, inspections and investigations, proposal evaluations and appraisals. Having been under contract to the US Maritime Administration since 1955, the firm provides vessel appraisals for the United States Government War Risk Insurance Program. Additionally, the members of the company are often called upon by clients to formulate their insurance claims and make the presentation to the underwriters. Martin, Ottaway, van Hemmen & Dolan, Inc. is well known throughout the world for its members' expertise as expert witnesses supporting attorneys, solicitors, and barristers in matters of maritime litigation. Most of the firm's work is related to commercial maritime affairs, which includes shipyards, dry docks, offshore equipment, drill rigs, shore side equipment, floating construction equipment, piers, bulkheads and wharves. Vessel experience encompasses all types from super tankers to small craft, including passenger ships, high performance vessels and luxury yachts. Clientele include the world's most prominent ship owners, underwriters, attorneys, investors, financial institutions and governmental agencies, both U.S. and foreign. Each year the firm's consultants provide services in over 30 countries while representing over 100 clients. The total value of damages and repairs surveyed, supervised and investigated by the company exceeds $100,000,000 per year. The firm maintains a computerized appraisal database and an extensive engineering library with historical publications dating back to the early 1800's. In addition, the firm maintains rules and regulations promulgated by the United States Coast Guard, the Maritime Administration and other national administrations, the major Classification Societies, IACS, Intertanko, BIMCO, IMO, FCC, OSHA, United States Public Health Service and the NFPA.