Shipboard Fire Procedures PDF

SHIPBOARD FIRE PROCEDURES 1. Due to the unusual circumstances that may be encountered by Miami Fire-Rescue Department personnel responding to a shipboard fire, the following operating procedures have been developed as a general guideline: The normal response to a shipboard fire shall be a Class 3 di...

SHIPBOARD FIRE PROCEDURES 1. Due to the unusual circumstances that may be encountered by Miami Fire-Rescue Department personnel responding to a shipboard fire, the following operating procedures have been developed as a general guideline: The normal response to a shipboard fire shall be a Class 3 dispatch: a. two (2) Pumpers b. two (2) Aerials or Quints (or one of each) c. two (2)Rescues d. one (1) District Chief plus the Hazardous Materials Team 2. It should be understood that once an alarm is called in to the City of Miami Fire-Rescue Department and Miami Fire-Rescue Department units arrive on the scene, the ranking Miami Fire-Rescue Department Officer has authority and shall be in overall charge of the firefighting operations. 3. Along with the normal RIT procedures, a Water Rapid Intervention Team (WRIT) should be additionally established and implemented as early as possible to facilitate the speedy deployment of rescue measures in the event a member has fallen in the water. 4. Since there is likely to be a possible communications problem encountered by Miami FireRescue Department personnel, it is essential that the Incident Commander establish contact with an English speaking representative of the Captain of the vessel. 5. The Incident Commander shall proceed to the bridge of the vessel to determine the nature and extent of the problem. No other Miami Fire-Rescue Department units should board the vessel until ordered to do so by the Incident Commander. 6. The Incident Commander shall establish the following: a. A Fire Department liaison on the bridge of the vessel from which direction and coordination of firefighting activities in cooperation with the ship's ranking officer can be conducted. 7. The Incident Commander will utilize the ship’s plans with the aid of the ship’s master to assist with strategic planning and tactical decisions. a. A staging area shall be established dockside adjacent to the probable point of entry for firefighting operations. There shall be a Staging Officer designated by the Incident Commander. Some of the Staging Officer's responsibilities are:  To establish a roster of crew assignments so that personnel entering the ship are accounted for and relieved as needed.  To see that no Miami Fire-Rescue Department units enter the ship without being escorted by a member of the ship’s crew who is knowledgeable in the layout of the ship.  To see that the necessary support services are located near the staging area. 8. After extinguishment, the Miami Fire-Rescue Department will follow its normal investigative procedures before releasing the vessel to the ship's Captain. Firefighting operations involving vessels in the water are both complex and dangerous. Therefore, accountability and safety are paramount and the IC should assure that all members are accounted for at all times. Several resources are available (Dive Team, FireBoat, Haz Mat) and should be requested and employed as soon as possible when needed to assist with incident efforts and safety.