Marine Fire Fighting for Land-Based Firefighters

Land-based firefighters need to understand their departments' policies and liabilities as they pertain to waterfront and marine incidents. Legal responsibilities and authorities aboard a vessel are different from those for a structure fire on land. This text describes the roles and responsibilities of responding agencies and the concept and implementation of a unified command structure. It also contains preincident and tactical work sheets, stability calculation work sheets, technical data sheets, professional qualifications, and training standards ready for immediate use by fire service personnel.

The responsibility for fire suppression on vessels moored in or passing through an area belongs to the local jurisdiction. This text was written to provide training assistance to shoreside fire service personnel who respond to those fire emergencies. It covers subjects pertaining to the maritime environment, shipboard fire fighting strategies and tactics, and firefighter safety. It addresses the requirements of maritime regulatory organizations such as the U.S. Coast Guard, Transport Canada, and International Maritime Organization and also addresses NFPA® 1405, Guide for Land-Based Fire Fighters Who Respond to Marine Vessel Fires.