Andrew Lachtman

Assistant Professor of Naval Architecture

 

Education

Bachelor of Science, Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, Webb Institute
Master of Science, Engineering-Mechanical, University of California, Los Angeles

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Appointments at Webb:

  • Assistant Professor, 2025 to Present

Non-Academic Experience:

  • United States Coast Guard, Marine Safety Center, 2017 – 2025
    At the USCG Marine Safety Center, Mr. Lachtman reviewed drawings, calculations, analyses, and procedures for certificated vessels to ensure compliance with applicable safety and engineering requirements, including classification society rules, CFR, and IMO regulations.  He also supported USCG and NTSB investigations by providing subject matter expert interviews and technical analysis of major marine casualties.  Additionally, Mr. Lachtman trained active duty Coast Guard officers in the areas of ship stability, structures, and general arrangements.
  • United States Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, 2016 – 2017
    At the Maritime Administration, Mr. Lachtman worked in the Division of Maintenance and Repair, Office of Ship Operations, responsible for five ships in MARAD’s Ready Reserve Force (RRF).  He attended drydock periods and sea trials to monitor performance, inspect the vessels’ material condition, document successful completion of maintenance & repair items, and review and revise vessel preventative maintenance plans.
  • Bruce S. Rosenblatt & Associates, LLC, 2011 – 2016
    Mr. Lachtman worked in a variety of subject areas on the engineering and design of naval and commercial ships.  Responsibilities included:
    – Stability – Intact and damage stability assessments, inclining experiments, deadweight surveys, preparation of trim and stability booklets, permanent ballast plans, and weights and centers. Lead naval architect on stability tests for Alaska Marine Highway System Ro/Ro ferries (MALASPINA and LE CONTE) and Military Sealift Command vessels (USNS JOHN GLENN and USNS MILLINOCKET).
    – Structures – Conducted structural assessments using first principles and finite element analysis (FEA) of local and global ship structures. Notable projects included: Global FEA of 55,000 LT floating drydock in both transit and docking conditions, local FEA of topsides module support structures for FPSO conversion, and local FEA of underway replenishment system components.

Professional Development Activities:

  • In conjunction with USCG Training Center Yorktown, contributed to the development of the USCG Marine Inspector Performance Support Architecture (MIPSA) training program for junior and apprentice marine inspectors, particularly in the areas of vessel stability and stability tests
  • Presenter at Tall Ships America Annual Conference on Sail Training and Tall Ships (2024) on USCG plan review of sailing vessels
  • Participant in U.S. Naval Institute DARE Innovation Workshop (2023) addressing the challenges of Force Design and Talent Management
  • USCG training course on sailing vessel masts and rigging systems (2019)
  • USCG training course on inspection of wood and FRP boats (2018)
  • Attended Ship Structures Committee symposium (2014)
  • Attended Offshore Technology Conference (2010)
  • Regularly attend SNAME annual maritime convention and local section meetings
  • Attended Sea-Air-Space, ASNE Technology Systems & Ships, and Workboat Show conferences multiple times each

Professional Memberships:

  • Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME)

Service Beyond Webb Institute:

  • SNAME Chesapeake Section Executive Committee roles
    – Strategic Planning 2025-2026
    – Membership 2023-2025
    – Nominations 2022-2023
    – Chair 2021-2022
    – Vice Chair 2020-2021
    – Technical Program 2016-2020
    – Meetings 2014-2016
  • SNAME Maritime Convention
    – Moderator, presenter, and peer reviewer of technical papers