USA – NTSB Urges Better Training for Firefighters Responding to Vessel Fires

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a safety alert warning of the heightened risks faced by municipal firefighters when responding to shipboard fires in local ports.

Why the Alert Was Issued
The agency’s action follows several investigations where land-based firefighters were killed or injured while tackling blazes aboard vessels. The NTSB found that many municipal departments lack the specialized training needed to fight marine fires. Crews are often unfamiliar with vessel layouts, fire protection systems, and the unique hazards of shipboard environments, making them more vulnerable during emergencies.

Key Recommendations
To improve preparedness, the NTSB advises fire departments serving ports to:

• Develop training that covers shipboard firefighting strategies, communication with vessel crews, and navigation of vessel layouts.
• Incorporate NFPA 1405 and NFPA 1010 guidelines into training and operational procedures.
• Coordinate with local ports for vessel tours, joint drills, and emergency preparedness exercises.
• Work with the U.S. Coast Guard to align response protocols.
• Review past shipboard fire incidents to refine contingency planning.

Case Study: Grande Costa D’Avorio Fire
The alert highlights several past tragedies, including the fatal July 5, 2023 fire aboard the Grande Costa D’Avorio in Newark, New Jersey. While the ship was docked, a shoreside vehicle used for loading cars caught fire inside a garage deck.

During the response, two Newark firefighters became disoriented in heavy smoke and were unable to escape, leading to their deaths. Investigators found that firefighters had been ordered to engage the blaze in a section where the ship’s carbon dioxide suppression system had already discharged. This decision inadvertently intensified the fire by allowing more oxygen into the space.

NTSB’s Conclusion
The Board determined that the Newark Fire Division’s lack of marine firefighting training not only led to an ineffective response but also contributed directly to the fatalities and the escalation of the blaze.

Photo credit: ABC News. All rights reserved.