Background

Similar to land-based fire apparatus, operating a Marine Vessel has unique challenges and limitations. The marine vessel can also be multi-functional and be designed for:

  • firefighting
  • rescue
  • medical aid response
  • patient transportation
  • a combination of these

Unlike land-based fire apparatus, the marine vessel also needs to be designed for the water characteristics which it is expected to be utilized in. When a fire department is considering providing marine operations, the proper selection of the marine vessel is paramount. For this, the fire department should complete a needs analysis as set out in Chapter 4.2 of NFPA 1925. The marine vessel selection should also include the equipment needed to perform the required function(s).

Training specific to the marine vessel and response conditions is critical, as Canadian firefighters have been killed while attempting to perform rescue operations, for which the marine vessel was not designed, due to adverse water and weather conditions. Inquests have cited a lack of training to those conditions as a leading factor in the deaths.

In Canada, the Canada Shipping Act and its regulations (Small Vessel Regulation) govern many of the requirements for marine vessels. Most legislation is dependent on the size of the vessel, and in some cases the ownership of the vessel. The legislation may govern:

  • communications
  • navigating on the waters
  • the crews’ training and designations required
  • life safety equipment needed for the crew and passengers

As municipal councils set the level of service for their fire department, through their Establishing and Regulating By-Law, councils need to understand the benefits and risks involved.

Fire departments need to have policies and procedures which can take into account the uniqueness of their marine vessel(s), the crew, and their training to respond to their waterway(s) knowing how adverse environmental impacts can limit or even suspend their operations.

Concerns and hazards

Unlike land firefighting operations, marine operations have no ‘solid footing’ and are affected by water and environmental factors that change at any given moment making operations extremely hazardous. As previously stated, in marine operations, the selection process as to the design and ability of the marine vessel regarding the probable nature of responses is the first step.

In water, the low centre of gravity must be appropriately managed. As a marine vessel often operates in adverse weather and water conditions, it is important to ensure the vessel’s navigational systems and technology is appropriate for the response, such as:

  • radar
  • sonar
  • depth finding
  • charting
  • GPS
  • radios

Training requirements for operators and crew and the reasonable limitations of the operations of the vessel need to be set out to ensure the safety for all. Failure to take in account the hazards, have and can result in injury or death to a firefighter and those people trying to be rescued.

Actions for employers

Employers must ensure:

  • all federal and provincial legislative requirements are met once the marine vessel is purchased including:
    • registration
    • inspection
    • required safety equipment
    • navigational equipment
    • charts
    • communications equipment
    • formal training of the crew to the level required for that particular vessel (including ensuring the operator is licensed for operation of the vessel)
  • all internal combustion engine equipment is well ventilated including the engine of the vessel
  • operators and crews have training to deal with sudden or unexpected changes to the weather and environment
  • departmental policies and procedures are in place, including the following:
    • selection of operators and crew, maximum capacity (including victims) and minimum number of persons required to operate the marine vessel safely
    • training for all personnel on the vessel for the selected vessel, including the anticipated waterways in adverse environment conditions
    • strict limitations on conditions in which the vessel can safely operate
    • ensuring all equipment purchased is appropriate for the vessel’s weight requirements, distributed appropriately keeping in mind the center of gravity of the vessel, and secured to the vessel to avoid shifting
    • guidelines for specific responses, such as:
      • marine firefighting
      • structure/wildland firefighting
      • swift water vs surface water rescues
    • adequate and appropriate marine personal protective equipment (PPE) to be available and worn during operations.

Employers should:

  • consider completing a Determination of Needs Study prior to obtaining a marine vessel, as stated in NFPA 1925 and your Community Risk Assessment, to ensure the marine vessel will be able to respond to the anticipated calls for service
  • establish guidelines setting out the criteria and training required to fulfil the individual roles on the vessel, which may include Captain of the vessel, operator/helm personnel, level of marine classification, or the role(s) required on the vessel when in operations
  • ensure the crews’ training is appropriate for each marine vessel within the department, as different vessels may have different limitations
  • establish a regular inspection and preventative maintenance schedule to ensure the vessel and related equipment are maintained in good working condition
  • ensure the responders have the appropriate and adequate protective equipment for the response such as, but not limited to:
    • dry suits
    • self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
    • bunker gear
    • helmets
    • water gloves
    • foot fins
  • advise that structural firefighting bunker gear is not safe to be worn while on a marine vessel
  • ensure the Joint Health and Safety Committee has reviewed the SOG’s in conjunction with those members who are going to be the crew on the vessel

Considerations

  • Consider the limitations of the vessel vs the environment and water conditions. Establish departmental guidelines or procedures stating the limitations and ensure the crews understand the limitations before responding.
  • Planning the response should include the waterways and their characteristics including current, permanent obstacles, and the makeup of the shoreline during the many types of water conditions.
  • Consider backup for the team on the vessel if something were to go wrong. This may include an automatic aid or mutual aid response to ensure the backup can be responding at the beginning of the call.
  • Training with partners, including but not limited to, Canadian Coast Guard (including the CCG Auxiliary), CCG/Search and Rescue Centre, the local police service, and neighbouring fire departments.
  • Requirements for passengers including but not limited to mutual aid firefighters, paramedics and police.
  • If the department has drafting capabilities for the vessel or a portable pump, the operator of the vessel understands how the draft can affect the vessel’s operations.

Applicable regulations and acts

Federal law

As marine operations fall primarily under federal jurisdiction, employers should familiarize themselves with relevant Canadian law, including the Canada Shipping Act and the Act’s Regulations (depending on the class of vessel).

Relevant standards

Related

Read firefighter guidance notes: