By Lisa Burton
Recent headlines highlighting vessel fires have led to a growing recognition of the need for increased education and training for land-based fire departments that might respond to such incidents. Some notable fires:
- A fire on a Port Newark (N.J.) cargo ship – the Grande Costa D’Avorio – claimed the lives of two Newark firefighters and injured others in July 2023.
- A fire ignited on the Ocean Navigator Cruise ship shortly after docking in Portland (Maine) in October 2023. One crewmember was seriously injured and transferred to a local hospital with burns.
- The NY Waterway ferry Father Mychal Judge suffered an engine room fire in August 2024.
For many communities, a vessel fire like any of the above will be a high-risk/low-frequency incident, so it’s imperative for firefighters to review the after-action reviews and learn from decisions made in the heat of the moment. After all, anyone who follows risk management expert Gordon Graham knows that “If it’s predictable, it’s preventable.” So the question becomes, what can shoreside firefighters do to prepare for such an incident?
Regardless of whether the vessel is positioned in port or remains at anchor within a department’s coverage area, vessel fires present unique challenges for fire crews and should not be underestimated. These fires have the potential to be detrimental for not only life safety, but property and the environment as well. Consider the following topics as your department works toward organizational preparedness for a potential vessel fire.
Start with standards
Begin with reviewing information in NFPA 1005: Standards for Professional Qualifications for Marine Fire Fighting for Land-Based Fire Fighters and NFPA 1405: Guide for Land-Based Fire Departments that Respond to Marine Vessel Fires. NFPA1005 defines the minimum job performance standards for land-based firefighters who are responsible for firefighting operations on commercial or military vessels over 50 feet, and NFPA 1405 provides firefighters with information on tactics, strategies and training necessary to safely and efficiently extinguish vessel fire. These documents address incidents on vessels calling on U.S. ports or that apply to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) maritime treaty. SOLAS sets minimum standards for the construction, equipment and operation of ships, aiming to ensure their safety at sea. It is considered the principal treaty regarding maritime safety and is administered by the International Maritime Organization.
Vessel familiarization
A positive first step is familiarizing fire personnel with detailed layouts of vessels whose home port falls within organizational coverage area. Crews should focus their attention on the ship’s layout, including bridge, engine room, cargo holds and living quarters. Additionally, onboard systems like electrical, mechanical and fire detection/suppression systems should be reviewed. Learning the location and operation of fire extinguishers, hoses, fire blankets and emergency breathing apparatus (EBA) should also be incorporated in the familiarization process. This information is something that the ship’s crew will be familiar with, and a broader understanding of the vessel can offer insight into potential actions of the crew during an incident.
A vessel Fire Control Plan is an excellent resource for responders during both training and incident response. These plans, which are required by SOLAS for vessels over 500 gross tonnage (GRT) and for passenger ships that travel internationally, contain information on structural fire protection barriers, compartment titles, fire detection and protection, fire hazards, evacuation routes and other useful features. Plans should be kept in a weather-tight enclosure, prominently marked and readily accessible in the vicinity of the ship’s quarterdeck, and available through the company archives.
A general understanding of vessel classifications and use will also help land-based firefighters understand potential challenges. Vessels may be classified by their purpose, size (measured in deadweight tons, DWT), or cargo type. Purposes may include oil tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, ferries, fishing vessels and more. Cargo may include crude oil, chemicals, liquified natural gas (LNG), liquified petroleum gas (LPG), grains, fertilizers ores and petroleum products, to name a few.
Organizational resources
There are a variety of resources available for firefighters responding to a vessel fire, but the vessel personnel themselves are by far the most important. Vessel crew, responding firefighters, the incident commander, safety officers, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) members, ships agents and salvor representatives may all support the incident. Trained firefighters, both land-based and vessel-based (many of whom are trained in basic and advanced firefighting in compliance with USCG requirements), are the primary resources.
Shipboard firefighters can provide valuable insights about available fire suppression systems, onboard firefighting equipment, vessel layout and more. PPE and damage control equipment available onboard for crew on some vessels may allow for crews to launch an initial fire attack if conditions warrant. Ship crewmembers may also provide access to critical equipment such as portable pumps, thermal imagers and foam systems.
Strategies for mobilizing local firefighting units and emergency responders quickly and seamlessly in conjunction with the vessel crews must be discussed prior to an incident. Creating mutual-aid agreements is a formal way to communicate and document expectations between the two organizations.
The USCG specifically offers regulatory oversight, ensuring compliance with maritime safety standards and regulations, conducting vessel inspections, and overseeing and participating in training across nine districts in the United States. This oversight helps mitigate potential problems for a variety of vessels. The USCG may also offer operational support, technical assistance and resources during a fire.
Special resource considerations
It is always prudent to consider the special resources that might be needed to address a vessel fire involving hazardous cargo or the hazardous materials that may support the operation of the vessel itself, for example, large fuel or alternative fuel loads. It is imperative to identify the presence of flammable, explosive or toxic materials, and the ship’s crew is a valuable resource for this information. Crewmembers may also know the placement of vessel fixed fire suppression systems.
The use of chemical extinguishing agents such as aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) for oil fires and specialized agents for other types of hazardous materials may be necessary. The vessel engine room, galley, and paint locker may have systems in place that could be activated with approval from authorized personnel during the fire suppression response. This decision must be clearly communicated from the Command level to firefighting personnel during the fire suppression operations.
Planning and training
Like land-based fire suppression, successful vessel fire suppression begins with planning. Land-based fire departments that have vessels whose home port falls within their response area should reach out to those vessel owners, operators or agents to work together to plan response.
Development of emergency response plans that include roles, responsibilities and specific actions based on potential fire scenarios well before an actual incident allows the opportunity to identify and communicate special hazards or anticipated response actions. Planning also allows the time to learn about and incorporate local and national regulations regarding marine firefighting.
Once a plan is in place, the next step is conducting drills based on realistic fire scenarios to assess the effectiveness of the response plan within the umbrella of the area contingency plan. Regular shipboard firefighting education and training in conjunction with the drills and exercises are required for certain vessels under Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section 155.4052. This CFR provides a clear framework for emergency planning for vessel crews as well as insight for land-based fire departments. Vessel crews and shore-side fire department members should work together to achieve greater interagency emergency response effectiveness.
Regular interagency training sessions covering firefighting techniques, equipment operation and emergency procedures are imperative. Simulation exercises allow the practice of coordination and communication during emergencies and translate the plans into action. If you are looking for an exercise framework, check out the National Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (PREP).
Communications and terminology
Effective communication protocols are fine-tuned through interagency training, including standard terminology and technical communications. Knowing your partners in safety before an actual incident is crucial for establishing clear communication lines among all personnel involved in firefighting efforts. The use of the Incident Command System and Unified Command can assist in this process. Additionally, it is important to maintain communication with the USCG, mutual-aid fire departments, and other relevant agencies for effective incident management.
Always use standard terminology to avoid confusion during high-stress situations. Consider that mariners have their own vernacular, so ensure that interpretation of commands are clear. For example, a mariner may give an order for a firefighting crew to “go two decks below and report to the bow, port side compartment.” A shoreside commander might give the same order using the language “go two floors down, go to the front of the vessel and then to the left compartment.” A second example is the use of the word “line.” This word may communicate a hoseline, or it may be intended to communicate a line to secure the vessel or something on the vessel.
Keep in mind that language may be a communication issue as well. English may not be the primary language of the crew, and people in emergency situations often revert to speaking the language in which they are most comfortable. Interpreters may be needed for a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
First responders must also consider radio communication. Radio interoperability may not be possible across the organizations. The use of vessel communication systems may be an alternative for interior or tactical work.
Strategies and tactics
Tactical considerations should be based on the assessment of fire size, location and potential for escalation. Vessels are constructed with bulkheads designed for compartmentalization of water and fire.
- Class A bulkheads prevent the passage of smoke and flame for the first 60 minutes following the fire.
- Class B bulkheads prevent the passage of flame for the first 30 minutes following the fire.
- Class C bulkheads are constructed from fireproof materials but are not required to prevent the passage of smoke or flame.
When responding to a vessel fire, consider that direct fire attack may not always be required nor is it always the best tactical approach. Command should determine whether to use direct or indirect attack methods or a combination of both.
Vessel ventilation also varies in some ways from shoreside firefighting. Ventilation techniques to manage smoke and heat include the use of fire doors, fire dampers and vent fans, plus creating controlled openings via doors, hatches, portholes and vessel placement.
Fire Control Plans will be a valuable resource for formulating plans that outline how to manage the fire, including potential evacuation of crew if necessary.
Vessel stability
It is important to understand how water ingress from firefighting efforts can affect the vessel’s center of gravity and overall stability. Firefighters should consider conducting assessments before engaging in firefighting, especially in cases of water flooding or significant weight shifts, and ongoing stability assessments must be executed throughout the firefighting operation.
Additionally, crewmembers must conduct dewatering – all water flowed onto a vessel must also be removed. The process of dewatering should be incorporated in the incident action plan from the very beginning of the operation. Water removal may be achieved by passive means, such as relying on scuppers already in place, or through active pumping.
At the command level, managing vessel stability should be assigned to trained personnel. This task is often executed by members of the ship’s crew.
Unique challenges
There are several operational challenges that are specific to marine firefighting, starting with the environment in which the vessel is operating. Severe weather, poor visibility and the changing height and directions of tides can all impact response. A crewmember who can speak to these specific challenges should be part of the Unified Command. Resources from the USCG or NOAA may also be utilized to support decisions.
Once firefighters are aboard, they may find limited access to certain areas of the vessel, complicating fire and rescue efforts. Understanding the vessel fire plan and maintaining effective communication with Command can help firefighters better understand their onboard surroundings.
Finally, managing run-off and pollution resulting from firefighting efforts, especially in sensitive marine environments, must be considered. A representative who can speak to environmental concerns should be included in response planning to mitigate damage to the environment, reduce cleanup time and lessen incident expense.
Post-incident activities
As with all fires, it is imperative to perform an after-action review. The review should involve all key stakeholders involved in the incident. Best practice holds that the review be led by a person who was not directly involved in the incident response. This allows for an unbiased overview of the incident and allows all responders involved to provide feedback. The review should identify correct actions, opportunities for improvements, and lessons learned regarding response effectiveness. Sharing these insights with other maritime stakeholders provides an opportunity for safer, more effective response to future incidents. Preparing detailed reports for regulatory compliance is critical as well. Incident documentation should be available to all participating mutual-aid organizations as needed to ensure details for accurate reporting are in place.
Final thoughts
Preparing your organization’s response to a vessel fire takes time, planning and outreach, but it is critical. Reach out to your local USCG representatives, port facilities or local organizations that utilize vessels with your response area and start the conversation. This proactive approach can help mitigate vessel fire hazards affecting life safety, property and the environment. The collaborative approach to preparedness is well worth the time for your organization to be more prepared when the call comes in.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lisa Burton serves as Manager of Fire Training for Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) where she oversees training for both MMA undergraduates as well as industry professionals through the Center for Professional Mariner Development. Burton also serves as a captain with the Castine (Maine) Fire Rescue Department and volunteers as the Everyone Goes Home Advocate Region 1 Advocate Manager for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. A credentialed Chief Training Officer, Burton works as an instructor for Hancock County Fire Academy as well as a state fire instructor with Maine Fire Service Institute. She has presented at FDIC, the Women In Fire Leadership Conference and Women In Fire International, as well as regional and state level events. Burton holds a master’s degree in emergency management with a concentration in management of fire and emergency services from Eastern Kentucky University.