On October 4, 2023, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a safety alert aimed at enhancing the training and awareness of land-based firefighters responding to vessel fires. This alert follows the tragic incident in July 2023, when two firefighters from Newark lost their lives while attempting to combat a fire aboard the Grande Costa D’Avorio, a ship docked in Port Newark.
In its investigations, the NTSB found that many firefighters lack the necessary training and familiarity with the unique layouts and fire safety systems aboard vessels. A common issue is that land-based firefighters may not understand how to utilize the structural fire protection mechanisms built into most commercial ships effectively.
To address these deficiencies, the NTSB recommends that fire departments serving ports take the following measures:
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Develop Comprehensive Training Plans: Fire departments are urged to create training programs that educate firefighters on vessel firefighting techniques, necessary resources, effective communication methods on board, and the specific layouts of vessels.
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Supplemental Training Resources: Departments should refer to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, such as NFPA 1405 and NFPA 1010, to reinforce operational procedures and improve professional qualifications for tackling marine fires.
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Conduct Familiarization Tours: Fire departments should collaborate with local ports to arrange vessel tours and coordinate firefighting preparedness drills that align with regulatory requirements for various vessels.
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Coordinate with the U.S. Coast Guard: Establishing a standard operating procedure with the Coast Guard for emergency situations is vital for an effective response to vessel fires.
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Learn from Past Incidents: Analyzing previous in-port vessel fires helps in refining contingency plans to better prepare firefighters.
The alert highlights specific past incidents where a lack of training led to injuries and fatalities among firefighters, including the incident aboard the Grande Costa D’Avorio. In that case, a vehicle used for loading caught fire in the ship’s garage deck. The Newark Fire Division instructed firefighters to engage the blaze in a zone where the vessel’s carbon dioxide fire suppression system was active. This decision inadvertently escalated the fire by allowing more oxygen into the area, ultimately resulting in the fatalities of the two firefighters who became trapped in the smoke-filled space. The NTSB concluded that inadequate firefighting training for marine vessels played a significant role in the tragedy, compromising the safety of those involved.
The safety alert is available for more detailed guidance, emphasizing the critical need for enhanced training and preparedness in responding to fires on vessels. It serves as a vital reminder of the dangers that firefighters face and the necessity of appropriate training to safeguard lives during such emergencies.
