Mastering the Inferno: Revolutionizing Shipboard Firefighting & Why This Matters to Downstream Energy
The recent loss of life in Port Houston aboard the M/V STRIDE is tragic. The maritime industry mourn their loss and celebrate the bravery of those who fought to save them.
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Only 04% of public firefighters globally are trained to fight shipboard fires. Of those, only a fraction of those trained have ever actually experienced a ship fire due to their rarity which means ship fires present a unique, high-stakes challenge that demand a fusion of skill and technology. Fortunately the maritime industry is evolving with firefighters who are blending cutting-edge innovations along with rigorous training.?
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Here’s more at a glance:
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1. Technology & Technique: Key to Effective Safety.
?? - Infrared systems and advanced firefighting tools.
?? - Enhanced efficiency and crew safety in operations.
?? - Continuous innovation in emergency equipment.
?? - Fog method revolutionizes firefighting approach.
?? - Teamwork and precision in execution save lives.
?? - Adapting to diverse fire types enhances versatility.
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2. Regulatory Compliance and Standards: A Crucial Aspect.
?? - Strict U.S. Coast Guard regulations set response standards.
?? - Emphasis on timely, efficient emergency reaction.
?? - Commitment to regulatory adherence ensures readiness.
?? - Alignment with NFPA and OSHA standards.
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?? - U.S. Coast Guard approval signifies quality.
?? - Global codes and standards shape practices.
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3. Specialized Training: Elevating Skills Essential for Safety
?? - Live exercises in replicated ship compartments.
?? - Focus on controlling fire and managing flooding.
?? - Military-grade training at institutions like MITAGS.
?? - Real-world simulations increase crew preparedness.
?? - Complex scenarios test critical firefighting skills.
?? - Practical experience builds confidence in emergency response.
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As tragic as these fires are, they’re necessitating the merger of advanced technology, innovative techniques, stringent regulatory compliance, and specialized training which is resulting in a new era of shipboard firefighting that is setting new safety and efficiency standards.
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Moreover, this intricate balance between practical skills and theoretical knowledge also serves as a metaphor for effective leadership in high-stress situations, highlighting the importance of preparation, adaptability, and regulatory awareness. That mindset is increasingly needed far beyond just ship fires, as our present crisis in the Red Sea reminds us.
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But I promised you an insight on why this matters to downstream #energy which while not revelatory, isn’t as visible as what we’ve seen recently on #ContainerShips. Ship fires can significantly impact downstream energy shipping in several ways.
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Point being: this matters to ALL of us, more than many may think!
Freelance Blogger | Mindfulness Certification
10 个月I have put them out as a team of course
Marine Expeditor/Supt covering Ports/Terminals/Tankers with Capital Marine (UK) CSO support to TARC from Ghana & US As always, a member of "NH & region mutual aid" POSWG (Ships & Barges/Terminals/Ports), Hydrospatial
10 个月3of3 On impacts? Through the years, several have gone down because of such issues. New means of fire fighting could help once the fires break out. Need it to be a multi facet approach though. Fire fighting tools/approaches but further push to the cargo itself. How packed, how prepared for shipping, identification of contents properly & weights, more.
Marine Expeditor/Supt covering Ports/Terminals/Tankers with Capital Marine (UK) CSO support to TARC from Ghana & US As always, a member of "NH & region mutual aid" POSWG (Ships & Barges/Terminals/Ports), Hydrospatial
10 个月2of3 A ship board fire can evolve quickly. 1 change and you could be in a very bad spot on no notice. Ship fires are no joke. Container ships have gone down because of misidentified HazMat containers. Shippers (persons putting forth products for carriage - truck , rail, ship) are supposed to follow the proper identification. Aviation has IATA which is strict for hazmat along with civil & criminal penalties. IATA is pretty clear on what to do & how. On the Shipper to the trucker for transit to port or container builder then to port. It can have other issues. A retail pkg which is a non regulated size but multiplied by how many per shipment? Possibly a loosely packed container as it was fine on shore but a ship rolling in the seas? Everything moves as a dead blow hammer works? Damage to containers & contents? People who "cut costs" by mis-identification and poor packaging? Container ship crews can have an easy sail doing general maintenance or a nightmare at sea. Challenging. Containership it tight spaces to have to deal with fires in port or at sea. Closely packed, tall stacks, then the heat of one suddenly hitting the break point. threshold of another? On impacts? Through the years, several have gone
Marine Expeditor/Supt covering Ports/Terminals/Tankers with Capital Marine (UK) CSO support to TARC from Ghana & US As always, a member of "NH & region mutual aid" POSWG (Ships & Barges/Terminals/Ports), Hydrospatial
10 个月1of3 My condolences to the family & friends of the 3 crew. How badly burnt the 3rd is? How fit before, sleep, hydrated, more? All comes to play in critical moments. Their actions & sacrifices to stop the spread & protect others. No words can appropriately cover.... On the 2 deaths & 1 injured? Sounds like 1 hose line got into serious issues. Nozzle person, person just back a bit from nozzleman then hose tender a little further back. Even at a fire school such events can occur. Had one where 6 lines going on a mockup refinery unit fire. 6 lines with couple of back up deck monitors "in case of" a problem. Fire went up, fuel feed person distracted by an issue at the burn going on in the next section. Kept feeding fuel which just means a bigger burn. Life as normal. Hose 6 which was supposed to be "protection to attack line 5", dropped hose and ran for it. Rest of the burn went ok as line 5 went to fog just before the natural gas line erupted in front of them. Needed new face shields & turnout coats for 2. Otherwise, ok. During the debrief of those in the "run away situation" - could hear lead instructor yell, you could have killed them....
Project Manager
10 个月Port of Houston Firefighters are all trained in Structural & Marine Firefighting. They are all Hazmat Technicians as well. As part of their Marine Firefighter training they board ships, learn how to read fire plans, how to identify and operate shipboard fire suppression systems etc. The larger issue is manning. There just is not enough of them on shift at any given time to respond to a large incident. That means they must rely on other organizations through MOU’s and other Fire Dept. mutual aid agreements for man power. The PHA Fire Dept. does offer training to their mutual aid partners in marine firefighting as well, and more training is always welcome in the Fire service. The pinch point is Fire Dept. funding and being short on personnel , with regards to the Port of Houston. From what I understand, the majority of other ports don’t have the advantage of their own dedicated Fire Dept., so you make very good points in that regard.