United States Fire Administration

Technical Report Series

Major Ship Fire Extinguished by CO2

Seattle, Washington

Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Data Center
 United States Fire Administration Fire Investigations Program

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For additional copies of this report write to the United States Fire Administration, National Fire
Data Center, 16825 South Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727.
Major Ship Fire Extinguished by Co2
Seattle, Washington
(September 16, 1991)

Investigated by: Philip Schaenman

This is Report 058 of the Major Fires Investigation Project conducted

by TriData Corporation under contract EMW-90-C-3338 to the United
States Fire Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Federal Emergency Management Agency

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Data Center
 Major Ship Fire
Extinguished by CO2
Seattle, Washington

Investigated by: Philip Schaenman

Local Contacts: Chief Claude Harris

Assistant Chief Steve Bailey
Fire Marshal B. L. Hansem
Seattle Fire Department
301 Second Avenue South
Seattle, Washington 98104
(206) 386-1400

OVERVIEW

On September 16, 1991 the Seattle Fire Department successfully

extinguished a major fire aboard a fish processing ship, the 324-foot
Omnisea, which was docked and undergoing refitting at Pier 91. (See Area
Map in Appendix A.) The fire started from a cutting and welding
operation. It burned undetected in the absence of a firewatch while the
crew took a coffee break.

Rather than fight the fire as a structure fire using water, the Seattle
Fire Department’s Marine Unit made the strategic decision to use carbon
dioxide as the prime extinguishing agent. Handlines and monitors were
used to cool hazardous materials stored on the deck, to cool the ship deck
and hulls and to keep the fire from spreading to the pier. An interior
defense was made of the aft third of the ship while the CO2 was being set
up. (See Appendix B for diagram of the Omnisea.)

Even though the Department had plans in place for CO2 supply, the
delivery of CO2 was delayed and did not arrive for over four hours after
the initial response. But the real delay in proceeding was caused by the
time it took to button up the ship. The carbon dioxide was injected after
five hours of effort to seal hatches and portholes to make the ship tight
enough to hold the CO2. It was pumped into five holes cut in the side of
the hull. This successfully extinguished the fire. Ten truckloads of CO2
were used because of the difficulty in making the ship airtight (less than
two truckloads were needed in theory). Seattle had plans for using CO2 in
ship fires and had exercised with CO2, but had never used it on a ship fire
before.

Page 1
 SUMMARY OF KEY ISSUES

Issues Comments

Fire Origin Cutting and welding in hold

Firewatch not used
Reporting Delayed by lack of firewatch and
crew’s attempt to extinguish fire.
Spread Extensive use of polyurethane foam
insulation.
Extinguishment CO2 used successfully after a 5-hour
effort to seal the ship enough to hold
the gas.
Permits Ship had appropriate permit. Seattle
Fire believes that more stringent
rules are needed, repairs above a
minor extent should be done in a
shipyard.
CO, Availability Despite prior training and
arrangements, CO, was slow in
arriving at the scene.
Multi-agency Coordination Done extremely well; used a bus as
focal point for meetings throughout
the fire. NOAA, EPA, Coast Guard
and State Ecology participated along
with several city departments.
Evacuation Plans Cameo computer model used to
predict movement of possible
ammonia plume as input to an ad
hoc evacuation plan. NOAA set up
portable weather station.
Hazardous Materials Large quantity of ammonia in tanks
and refrigeration piping posed an air
haz mat threat; ship fuel oil posed a
water pollution threat. Acetylene
and aviation gasoline also present in
drums.
Department Staffing Levels The incident used 75 percent of the
Fire Department’s on-duty suppres-
sion force; mutual aid used
extensively to fill-in.

Page 2
 The ship had about 12,000 pounds of ammonia in five tanks that fed
the refrigeration system used to store fish and fish products The largest of
the tanks, with 6,000 pounds of ammonia, was known to be directly in the
flames in the area of origin in the hold It was continually in danger of
exploding, which could have endangered an affluent community a quarter
of a mile away on the bluff overlooking the pier where the ship burned In
addition, the ship had just been filled with fuel oil and could have rolled
over from taking on too much firefighting water. Further, the ship had a
number of cylinders of acetylene on the deck and below decks, and over 10
drums of aviation gasoline and lubricants on deck The ship had no
automatic extinguishing system in the holds.

During the fire, the city prepared to cope with an ammonia cloud
release and coordinated a variety of federal, state and local agencies in an
exemplary disaster preparation effort. Fortunately it wasn’t needed.

The Fire Department extinguished the fire with the CO2 and saved
the entire superstructure and engine compartment in the aft third of the
ship. Damage was assessed at $7-10 million. There were no serious
injuries.

THE SHIP

The Omnisea is a 324-foot seafood processing ship that acts as the

mother ship to a fleet of 30 Alaskan fishing boats and was valued at about
$8 million. It was built in 1945 to haul military cargo. The ship is 50 feet
wide and has a tonnage of 4,948 tons gross. It normally operated in the
Alaskan waters but had returned early, on August 1, and had to be berthed
at Pier 91, one of the largest piers in the United States, jutting out from
Seattle into Elliot Bay. Overlooking this pier is an affluent residential
community, Magnolia Bluff.

The ship had had an additional deck installed over its original top
deck At the time of the fire it was undergoing extensive refitting, which
involved cutting and welding below decks The ship had some hatches
removed, leaving large vertical openings into the hold in addition to its
usual openings for dropping in fish and where stairs went down. Below
decks most of the holds were inter-connected horizontally with doors open
or non-existent.

The ship’s owner had obtained the appropriate permits for the
cutting and welding operations. About 35 workers were on-board at the
time of the fire. The ship was scheduled to leave on October 23 (about a
month after the fire occurred).

Page 3
 Several parts of the ship had built-in fire suppression systems using
CO2: the engine room, the electrical room and the paint lockers But the
holds did not have any automatic systems.

The original ship had been insulated with 6”-8” spray-on

polyurethane on virtually all walls and ceilings, and that provided the very
high fuel load in this fire. The insulation had been sprayed with a fire
retardant, but it was said to have worn off. Also, the insulation surfaces
were breached. In addition, there were many plywood partitions, pallets
and cabinets below decks. The new deck of the ship had rock wool
insulation, which did not bum readily.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

The ship had numerous types of hazardous materials on board at

the time of the fire:

Ammonia -- One tank on deck and four tanks below decks, totalling
about 12,000 pounds.

Aviation Gasoline -- Several 55-gallon drums in a rack on the deck,

for fueling helicopters.

Petroleum Products -- Several drums in a rack on deck (a total of 20

drums of various types).

Fuel oil -- 215,000 gallons of bunker fuel had been freshly loaded.

Acetylene tanks -- Several above and below decks, for the cutting
and welding operations in progress.

THE FIRE ORIGIN

About 9:30 a.m. on September 16, 1991 a work crew in the Number
3 tween (or middle) deck hold took a coffee break from cutting pipe with
an acetylene torch and doing some welding. This was two decks below the
main deck in an area used for flash freeze packaging. They did not have a
firewatch standing by as required by Seattle Fire Code. It requires
maintaining a firewatch during cutting and welding, and for at least half an
hour after cutting and welding terminates. This requirement was further
specified on the fire permit. (Failure to comply is a criminal violation.)
The workers involved were reported to have said their operation was too
small to use a firewatch.

Page 4
 About 7-10 minutes after the coffee break started, the first mate
who was just returning to the ship noticed smoke coming up from the
number 3 hold in the center of the ship and advised everyone in the galley
that there was a fire below decks. Crew members went to investigate and
saw a fire rolling up from the vicinity of large plastic disposal bags near the
wall. Apparently embers or sparks or the heat from the cutting/welding
operation had ignited either the bags or insulation or something else in the
vicinity. One person (the Vice President of the company that owned the
ship) went up several decks to call the Fire Department. A few others
attempted to fight the fire with carbon dioxide and water lines, but could
not extinguish the fire, which was starting to roll up the walls and produce
large quantities of smoke. The crew was equipped with oxygen masks for
shipboard firefighting, but quickly had to retreat as the fire raged out of
control. The crew was ordered off the ship by management, and the crew
ma& sure everyone not yet aware of the fire had left the ship.

SEATTLE’S MARITIME FIREFIGHTING BACKGROUND

The Seattle Fire Marshal (at the time of the fire), Bobby Lee
Hansen, was a nationally known expert on marine firefighting, and headed
a Seattle effort in the mid-1970s to train a contingent of 50 Seattle
firefighters for use as a regional marine response team. Each firefighter
received 250 hours of training. Equipment was cached in three locations in
the state. This project was funded by the United States Maritime
Administration (MARAD) and included pre-fire planning for about 60
ships that frequently visited Seattle. Pre-fire plan booklets were kept on
each ship and at each U.S. fire department where the ship frequently
called. The MARAD project was followed by a joint U.S. Fire
Administration/ MARAD project to decide on a national approach to
maritime fires in or near ports. Stanford Research Institute evaluated
various approaches and concluded that a modified Seattle approach was
the preferred choice.

Thus Seattle had made a major, nationally-recognized preparation

effort for marine fires and had kept up their preparations over the years.
They also had experience in fighting a similar ship fire with more
conventional techniques a few years earlier and had come away from that
feeling that a structure fire approach was not entirely satisfactory for ship
fires.

The Seattle Fire Department had trained to use CO2 for ship fires
and had actually discharged CO2, into a vessel in training. Their
preparations and experience served them well in this fire.

Page 5
THE INITIAL RESPONSE

The first call on the fire was received at 0939. Because the fire was
not immediately discovered and the call to the fire department was further
delayed by the initial firefighting by the crew, the fire was already of
significant size below decks

The Seattle Fire Department dispatched its full complement for a

ship fire, which included “Unit 99,” its marine unit. The marine unit
includes an engine company (E-36) with a complement of one officer and
four crew specially cross-trained for ship fires. They also have the Marine
Firefighting Van, E-4, a fireboat, Battalion 7 and Battalion 1 (Deputy Chief
of Operations). They had rehearsed extinguishment of large ship fires using
carbon dioxide but had never done so in practice. The marine unit is
dispatched for fires on ships over 50 feet long, pier fires, or when
requested.

The initial response included the normal response of four engines

and two ladders for the intersection nearest the ship plus the marine unit.
(See the timeline in Appendix G for the specific units included.)

As the first units approached the ship they saw a huge column of
smoke rising from midships and immediately called for a second alarm. It
eventually went to five alarms.

The first units arrived at 0944. They immediately laid lines and
began pumping water into the hold but could not get at the fire directly.
The ship’s first mate informed the firefighters of a small ammonia tank on
the deck and various drums of aviation gasoline, other petroleum products,
and acetylene bottles, but the full extent of the hazardous materials was
not known until an hour later. Monitors were set up to cool the drums and
the on-deck tanks. The water attack from the deck continued for about
30 minutes.

The marine unit arrived about 8-10 minutes after the first call to the
Fire Department. Arriving with them was the Battalion 1 Deputy Chief
and Acting Assistant Chief Dave Campbell who assumed the role of
Incident Commander throughout the fire. They considered three main
strategies: pushing the ship into the middle of the bay and letting it bum
itself out; putting firefighters aboard for a structure-like attack (the
approach used in the previous ship fire); or the CO2 approach. The fire
situation matched the requirements for a carbon dioxide attack, and the
decision was made to start preparation for it at once. The key decision
elements were that the fire was large but confined and was inaccessible to

Page 6
direct streams of water. (The Seattle Marine Firefighting Operations
orders, shown in Appendix D, specify that CO2 is to be used when there is
poor access, undue risk to firefighters, water damage is intolerable, and/or
on-board CO2 has been exhausted.) The CO2 would both smother and
cool the fire.

One of the first responding ladder companies (L-4) happened to be

videotaping a training session and the photographer went along; this led to
a visual record of the early conditions faced and the initial stages of the
firefighting.

The fireboat Chief Seattle arrived and nosed against the ship from
the starboard side. It sprayed water on the hull and deck virtually
throughout the fire.

Higher Alarms -- A second alarm was called at 0945 soon after the
first unit arrived.

Between 30 and 60 minutes into the fire, the ship started to list
from the water being poured on board from above. The ship was empty of
cargo and riding high in the water. Adding water to the top decks meant
that it didn’t take much water to cause the ship to list.

Approximately one hour into the fire, the first mate of the ship
informed the marine unit that there was an ammonia tank in the hold in
the vicinity of the fire with about 6,000 lbs. and one in another hold, in
addition to a small one on deck There actually were a total of four
ammonia tanks below decks. They were part of the system used to
refrigerate fish and fish products. The mate said there were approximately
8,000 - 10,000 pounds of ammonia on board.

The threat of an ammonia explosion plus the growing list of the ship
triggered a decision by the Incident Commander to pull all fire crews off
the ship and briefly stop the water flow. The crews on the pier then set up
unmanned monitors which were used along with the Seattle fireboat Chief
Seattle to pour water on the haz mat tanks on the deck to cool them. The
fireboat was also used as a platform from which to get onto the ship from
the water side.

As the fire progressed, it spread horizontally, both forward and aft,

and vertically, both upward and downward.

Page 7
 There were considerable flame and smoke showing from the hatches
on deck, plus sufficient radiant heat from the sides of the ship to ignite the
wooden pilings and side planks of the pier.

About 150 firefighters were used at the peak of the fire, about 75
percent of the 197 on-duty suppression staff. The off-duty shift was called
back. Mutual aid was used extensively to fill in for deployed units in
various places.

CO 2 OPERATIONS

Seattle had an agreement with a local CO2 manufacturing firm

(Liquid Carbonics) to provide CO2 by truck to a ship fire at any time
around the clock They had practiced with the company’s delivery truck
and had arrangements to quickly obtain a truckload and to order additional
truckloads if needed. Liquid Carbonics has a processing plant in Seattle
that repackages bulk quantities into small containers. The bulk plant is
109 miles away, near Bellingham.

As Murphy’s Law would have it, the only available CO2 truck driver
was not to be found for at least an hour, and the company could not
provide CO2 immediately. Further, local stores of CO2 were low and it was
estimated that it would take hours to obtain additional CO2.

Over a six-hour period the Seattle Fire Department proceeded to

prepare the ship for the CO2, after careful study of the ship’s plans which
were obtained from the bridge. There were two major preparation tasks:
sealing the many large openings from which the CO2 could leak, and
cutting holes to insert the CO2. As it turned out, the actions needed to
prepare to use the CO2 took longer than the &livery of the CO2.

The first CO2 arrived by a tanker truck at about 1400 hours, an hour
after it was expected. However, pumping of the CO2 into the ship did not
start until about 1600 hours.

Some steel hatch covers on the ship were missing because the ship
was undergoing repairs, and some aluminum hatches had burned through.
Some portholes had been broken by the initial firefighting and others were
blown out by the fire. All of these openings plus many others had to be
sealed.

Fortunately, the pier had a number of steel plates handy and a large
mobile crane on treads that could be used to position the plates over the
holes. It was also fortunate that it was daylight and the weather was good.

Page 8
The steel plates had to be cut roughly to fit over the holes; this was done
by a combination of city Water Department workers and skilled workers
found on the pier. The plates were just laid over the large openings, not
welded. Firefighters had to reboard the vessel, protected by hosestreams
from others, to guide the plates into position. This was highly hazardous
the deck was hot enough to melt the treads of their boots, and a firefighter
who knelt down had his knee pad melted. Also there was the danger of an
ammonia explosion, though a strong smell of ammonia in the air suggested
that it was venting at least to some extent.

Small steel plates also were cut and welded in place over broken
portholes. Other portholes and small vents were covered or stuffed with
tarpaulins and other handy materials.

The portholes on the water side were sealed by workers from a

rented tugboat. The portholes on the pier side were sealed using ladders
from the pier.

Late in the sealing operation just prior to starting the discharge of

CO2, it was discovered that a large, about 6’ x 8’, vertical hole had not
been sealed. It had been missed in a survey of openings made early in the
incident. To put a steel plate over it required cutting away sections of two
catwalks, each about 10 feet long, that blocked the crane from lowering the
plate in place. Firefighters barely able to stand the heat and protected by
streams from others, succeeded in cutting away the catwalks, but only a
poor rough fit of the plate was possible.

While the sealing operation was underway, small round holes were
cut into the hull of the ship in six places using cutting torches. One of the
lower holes was cut into the ship by two men on a narrow skiff that had to
be moved into place in the slot between the ship and the pier -- a
dangerous operation. Fittings to receive the CO2 tubing were welded in
place in the holes. The holes were made on the pier side only. Three of
the holes were placed at about 40-foot intervals on the level of the tween
decks of holds #2 and #3, as spotted by the first mate; the other two holes
were placed below them on a lower level, though not as low as the first
mate desired. (The sixth hole was not used.) The multiple holes were
intended to allow insertion of CO2 into at least two tween decks holds
where the fire started and into two lower holds. Although CO2 is a gas
and would spread out, there was concern that use of only one hole might
inadvertently pump it into a closet or area from which it would not
distribute. There also was a need to experiment to see where the best
results could be obtained (in the hold of fire origin, the next hold, or holds
not yet reached). In fact all were tried; the CO2, was pumped intermittently

Page 9
into three upper and two lower holds. If the ship had been loaded it would
have ridden lower in the water, and it would not have been possible to
inject CO2 into the lower holds.

A test discharge was made at the start of the CO2 pumping

operation to determine what effect the CO2 would have on the products of
combustion inside the vessel. They did not want the CO2 to force smoke
and heat into areas where firefighters were protecting exposures.

On either side of three of the CO2 holes, another pair of small holes
were cut to insert thermocouples. These were used to determine whether
the CO2 was making a difference by reading their trends over time, and
observing them at times when the CO2 was shut off to see whether the
temperature stayed down or whether it rose. In one instance the
temperature registered l00ºF but climbed to 800°F when the CO2 was
stopped; it was then resumed. The thermocouples were inserted about one
and a half to two feet into the ship. Of course they partly measured the
temperatures of the CO2 being pumped in near them and not the
temperature further into the hold. But their readings were still highly
useful.

At the outset, a rough estimate was made as to how much CO2

would be needed to create a 60 percent CO2 atmosphere. The estimate
was 24 tons, based on a rule of thumb that one pound of CO2 produced
nine cubic feet of vapor. The volume of the Omnisea to be flooded was
433,000 cubic feet. Additional calculations estimated that 37 tons were
needed to achieve a 80 percent CO2 atmosphere (or allow for some
leakage). Less than two truckloads were estimated to suffice. In fact, 10
trucks with 165 tons (330,000 pounds) of CO2 were used. Most of the CO2
escaped through a variety of leaks, even though CO2 is heavier than air and
might (erroneously) be thought to settle down.

It was positively determined that the CO2 extinguished the fire and
that the fire did not bum itself out. There was much more fuel available
to bum in the holds than burned.

A concern during the fire was whether the CO2 might accidentally
be injected directly on the ammonia tank in the tween deck Number 3 hold
and whether that would cause the tank to crack or lose strength and fail
catastrophically. It turned out that they missed it by about five feet. The
tank survived with its structure intact and was not deformed. The pressure
relief valve apparently proved adequate for this size tank, though there also
may have been ammonia leakage from piping damage during the fire; there
was considerable fire damage to the piping, gaskets and valve.

Page 10
AFT FIREFIGHTING

While the CO2 attack was being made, the Incident Commander
decided to attempt to save the aft third of the ship, which included the
4-story superstructure above and the engine compartment below, this was
the most valuable part of the ship.

Two 3-person land companies were put on each of the four levels of
the superstructure, one down each of the two corridors leading forward.
They were to try to hold the fire at a vertical bulkhead running top to
bottom through the ship at that point, penetrated by sealable hatches
leading to the forward two-thirds of the ship. The crews were able to do
this successfully, though one company advanced further than ordered, more
than halfway down the ship through a corridor over the burning hold, and
then up to the deck The interior crews had to wet each other down to
keep cool.

OTHER ASPECTS OF FIREFIGHTING

The fire started in the number 3 lower hold and spread to three
lower level and three higher level holds. After the fire was thought to be
extinguished, firefighters used infrared detectors to find any remaining
smoldering embers. The fire crews also had to blow away toxic and
explosive gases from each compartment.

One and three-quarter inch hoselines were used by the land

companies to cool the areas where other firefighters were sealing fire
doors, covering openings, and securing hazardous materials on deck The
water turned to steam; the deck was too hot to kneel on.

The Incident Command System was used successfully. Major sectors

were: operations; planning (the attack); financial; logistics The acting
Assistant Chief for Operations was the Incident Commander.

During the fire the commandeered crane used to lift steel plates on
board was also used to lift the ammonia tank off the deck and to take off
the acetylene bottles.

FIREFIGHTER SAFETY

Shipboard firefighting poses one of the most dangerous

environments imaginable, especially when one is unfamiliar with the ship
and there are all sorts of work equipment, unfinished repairs and
hazardous materials present. It has been likened to working a fire in a

Page 11
steel basement three or four levels below ground. Seattle went to great
lengths to monitor the safety of their firefighters, but there was still great
hazard in the face of high temperatures and hazardous materials. The
deck was so hot that hoses caught fire if kept in one place too long.

The Seattle Fire Department firefighter accountability/passport

system was used to keep track of all personnel working on the fireground.
A Department safety officer was on the scene throughout the incident.

The State Department of Labor and Industry sent occupational

safety specialists to the scene to monitor the safety of the workers at the
fire. They required that workers on ladders be given harnesses or use a
cherry picker, and that welders taken on board wear bunker gear.

Engine 22 is assigned to operate the Department’s communications

van. It went to this fire as it does to all major fires, monitored radio
communications for calls for help or missed messages, and acted as a
communications bridge if the intended recipients did not hear messages
sent to them. On board the ship, crews protected each other with fog
streams. Rescue crews were positioned in the aft section to assist the
defensive crews on each level if that became necessary.

The engine companies and command post on the pier were

relocated once the below deck ammonia threat was known.

Firefighting crews were rotated through a rehabilitation staging

area; metro buses were used to provide seats and heaters

Only about three companies were allowed on deck at one time.

Firefighters were not allowed to go into the holds because of fear of
getting trapped, especially if the ship started to capsize.

There were only minor injuries to firefighters. None were

hospitalized. This was partly good fortune to those going in harm’s way,
but also a tribute to the safety practices and safety concerns from the rank-
and-file firefighters up through the officer ranks, who take safety very
seriously in light of past experiences in Seattle.

INVOLVEMENT OF LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL AGENCIES

Early in the fire the Department called for assistance from a

number of local, state, and federal agencies. Some contacted others in
turn. The City’s Department of Emergency Management was responsible

Page 12
for contacting them. It took about an hour for all to arrive. The agencies
involved and their roles were as follows:

Early in the fire the Coast Guard was asked to monitor the tilt of
the ship and to advise well in advance of any peril of tipover. Because the
ship was unloaded, there was continual concern that it might roll over and
that it might do so rapidly. The maximum list that occurred was five
degrees, reached at about 30 minutes into the firefighting. It was thought
that the ship could safely go to 15 degrees (26-30 degrees was considered
the point it could capsize). The Fire Department checked the ship’s
inclinometer while the Coast Guard monitored inclination from the dock
and the sea. If necessary, the ship’s power could have been used for
emergency off-loading of the water, but it was preferred not to power the
ship.

Once the Fire Department was told about the ammonia tanks below
decks, they called the State’s Department of Ecology to set up a plume
model using the CAMEO hazmat computer model, which Seattle had
helped develop. The concern was where the ammonia cloud would go if
the tank exploded. The model showed that if low winds blew inshore, the
plume would drift intact over the nearby Magnolia Bluff section of Seattle.
The Fire Department would have about a half hour before the cloud
reached the residential area.

Interestingly, because the ship fire was a quarter mile away from the
nearest residential area, a strong wind would have broken up and diluted
the plume, and a still atmosphere would have allowed it to disperse slowly.
But a gentle wind back toward shore could have kept the plume intact
enough to be a hazard to the nearby residential community, causing people
to pass out. Preparations were made to evacuate any area of the city
threatened by the plume.

The Department of Ecology, besides operating the CAMEO model,

sent a spill response team to monitor any spill of the 215,000 gallons of
bunker fuel should the ship capsize. This Department was also asked to
monitor particulate matter coming from the ship but was not equipped to
do so. Consequently, they called in the (federal) Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) which ha d a regional office in Seattle. EPA set up a
particulate monitoring system as requested.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOM) was

called in to set up a portable weather station near the ship to monitor the
wind and feed that important information to the CAMEO model. They

Page 13
were able to show that the winds would not blow the cloud toward the City
for most of the duration of the incident.

The Port of Seattle Police and Seattle City Police were used to
evacuate about 600 workers from Pier 91 and the adjacent Piers 89-90.
Three ships were asked to get underway and leave the piers to protect
themselves should the Omnisea explode or the pier catch fire.

The Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) was asked by the Fire

Department to declare the airspace around the fire a prohibited flying zone
to keep news helicopters away.

And as previously noted, the city’s Water Department helped drill

holes in the side of the ship for the CO,.

Evacuation Plans -- Once the ammonia tanks were discovered,

plans were prepared to evacuate thousands from the Magnolia Bluff
residential area. The police had the prime responsibility for developing
and executing the plans, though other agencies participated. The details of
the evacuation plan varied depending on which way the ammonia cloud
might drift. City buses were brought to the Magnolia Bluff area, and five
companies of firefighters were stationed in the area to assist the evacuation
and be ready to extinguish fires if an explosion started spot fires. Seattle’s
Police and Office of Emergency Services staff also prepared to make
announcements in the neighborhood and go door-to-door. Police were
positioned around the perimeter of the area.

One extraordinary preparation by the City’s Office of Emergency

Services and the Fire Department’s Public Information Officer (PIO) was
to record a tape to be broadcast by the Emergency Broadcast System on
radio and TV to alert the areas threatened. They were concerned that
because of its rare use the citizens might overreact to the EBS or not heed
it at all. The Office of Emergency Services feels that the EBS should be
used more frequently for major weather problems and other events, enough
to familiarize the citizens with it.

The potential EBS message would have told people to evacuate and
would have provided public education on preparing to care for yourself for
three days if you had to be evacuated and the condition in which you
should leave your home (what to shut off, lock, etc.) prior to evacuation. If
you could not escape you were to go to the highest level in the house and
not go to the basement where the fumes would settle. You were to seal
doors and windows of the refuge area of your house using wet towels. The
message was prepared and ready to be transmitted by the King County

Page 14
Emergency Communications Center, which has responsibility for the EBS
in the Seattle area.

The Red Cross and other private disaster relief agencies had been
contacted about the possible ammonia explosion and had already identified
a local high school as a first level shelter and other places for shelters if
the danger was more widespread. Fortunately these plans did not have to
be used.

Coordination of Multiple Agencies -- The Incident Commander

worked out a simple, highly effective method of keeping local, state and
federal agencies coordinated. A large city bus was brought to the scene
and meetings were held on the bus of all agencies present. These meetings
were scheduled at 30 to 60 minute intervals and assured that all parties
touched base at least that often. A battalion chief was used as the liaison
and coordinator. He encouraged the agencies to keep representatives on
or near the bus, and not wander off. Each agency was asked for various
resources -- information, expertise, equipment -- either to provide
immediately or to get lined up in case it was needed. All cooperated well.

The bus offers a warm, sheltered, well-lit, reasonably pleasant place

to meet and wait. It also has large glass windows so those on the bus can
see what is going on without having to wander around the scene on their
own.

Water Containment -- A private company on the pier was contacted

to provide a barge with pumping capability to off-load the firefighting
water from the ship and prevent the chemical- and oil-contaminated water
from being dumped into the harbor. That was accomplished successfully
after the fire.

LOSSES

The cost of repairing damage to the ship was estimated at $7-10

million. (The exact loss assessment was pending relined reconstruction
estimates versus costs of a new ship.)

There were eight minor injuries to civilians.

Two of the decks of the ship had severe damage in the holds and
crew quarters. Both decks were buckled in a number of places.

The ship owner was billed for the cost of the CO2 and some other
equipment costs. The fire still cost the Fire Department thousands of

Page 15
dollars for overtime and purchase or rental of special equipment, e.g., the
crane.

LESSONS LEARNED

1. Using CO2 to extinguish a large ship fire is practical, but many

preparations are needed to do it in a timely manner.

Supplies of CO2 in truckload quantity need to be arranged for as

part of pre-fire planning. Ideally a truckload would be stored at the port.

The fire department needs to plan how to use the CO2 and to
practice the skills to hook it up. Ship plans needed to be found and
understood quickly, and an inspection made to determine how best to seal
the ship. Preparation to seal the ship may take longer than expected (as
was the case here). It should be started at once and not delayed until
arrival of the CO2.

2. Port facilities should be surveyed as to equipment. materials and

skills routinely available for use in extinguishing ship fires with CO2 (and
by other means).

Materials needed for CO2 operations go beyond the CO2. The

availability of equipment, materials, and skills needs to be identified for
weekend and night-time emergencies, not just during the normal work
week. It was great luck that in this fire an adequate size crane was
available, with an operator, that steel plates of adequate size were
available, and that enough cutters and welders could be found quickly.

3. Fire departments engaged in shipboard firefighting should have

standard operating procedures outlining the response and strategies for
different types of ship fires.

These are complex fires that require considerable planning and

training. They are dangerous to firefighters and need special safety
considerations. The Appendix includes an example of an SOP from
Seattle.

4. Interagency coordination was crucial both to give early warning of a

potential disaster and to plan steps to mitigate it.

Besides the threat of the fire itself, there was potential for an
airborne threat from an ammonia tank explosion and a water pollution
threat if the ship leaked fuel oil or capsized.

Page 16
 Although the State of Washington had responsibility for monitoring
air and water pollution, they could not bring their own weather station and
particulate monitoring systems to the site, and had to ask EPA and NOAA.
Fire departments need to know exactly where to go for such equipment
and how fast it can be brought to the scene in practice. It is not enough to
be told that an agency has the equipment. Find out where it is and how
they would get it to the scene in a timely fashion at any time of year or any
hour of the day.

5. Local agencies should consider more frequent testing and use of the
Emergency Broadcast System in medium- size disasters and not just
catastrophes.

The EBS is an effective means to quickly reach many people, but

needs instant credibility to be effective. Seattle’s Office of Emergency
Services was concerned as to whether the EBS would be effective because
they had not used it for a real incident. Exercising the system occasionally
will increase its familiarity to the citizens and will train those who operate
the system and those who need to trigger its use. An example of additional
use would be to broadcast messages during snowstorms to stay at home
and not to abandon cars in roadways But it must not be overused or
abused, lest it not be taken seriously when needed in an emergency.

6. Planning how to fight fires on various classes of ships that visit a

port, and even particular ships that visit frequently, should be undertaken,
as with other pre-fire suppression plans.

MARAD endorsed Seattle’s plans of the 1970s whereby 50-60 ships

that regularly visited the Seattle region had fire plans stored on the ship
and at each of the ports the ships visited regularly. That can save a great
deal of time in deciding on firefighting operations, having ship plans
available, and knowing what resources will be needed.

7. Some further research information is needed by marine firefighting.

Understanding whether flame impingement will cause ammonia (or

similar) tanks to blow or whether the venting is sufficient for different size
tanks would be useful. Also, would CO2 impingement on the heated tanks
of hazardous materials cause them to crack while being heated?

Page 17
8. Shipboard repair operations must take firewatches seriously; the
watches should be continuous.

The fire got a head start because there was no watch for the
required 30 minutes after welding had ceased. The smoldering insulation
would have been detected at a much earlier state if there had been a
firewatch.

9. Vessels often catch fire while undergoing repairs: special safeguards

are needed.

Since the fire, Seattle has proposed a much more stringent set of
rules regarding ship repairs. The idea is to require more repairs to be
done by experts in shipyards than at dockside by crews Vessels
undergoing repairs often have cutting and welding operations, hatches open
or missing, fire barriers breached and a skeleton crew -- all conditions
present in this fire. It is like a high-rise with holes between floors, all fire
doors open and the fire protection system closed down.

Seattle’s previous requirements were for trained safety experts to

oversee welding and other metal work while a ship was in port. But there
are not enough experts in the area for the large number of vessels seeking
permits for such work. Seattle has now proposed that three levels of
permits be considered. Level One would permit minor repairs with
minimum regulations. Level Two would require stricter precautions, and
Level Three must be done in a shipyard.

Level One welding and cutting is defined as work that does not
require more than one cutting torch or welding machine, does not involve
hazardous areas and is completed in 14 days.

Level Two is welding or cutting in hazardous areas, e.g.,

compartments with polyurethane insulation. It must be completed within
30 days. (This was the situation in this incident.)

Level Three is major repairs that require over 30 days or will place
the vessel’s fire protection systems out of service. The Appendix includes
the complete definition and precautions proposed by Seattle for each level.

10. Planning city evacuation routes for all situations is not entirely
feasible: the ability to plan the details in real time is needed.

In this incident, the choice of evacuation routes depended on where

the ammonia cloud might drift. There were too many options to consider

Page 18
to have plans for all possibilities. While Seattle had practiced for disasters,
the details of the plan had to be kept fluid as the estimated direction and
size of the ammonia cloud changed.

The real-time plans involved where to place shelters as well as

evacuation routes. Shelter locations preferably would be close to the
neighborhood involved but obviously not in the path of the ammonia cloud
-- which meant they could not be prespecified.

Page 19
 Appendices

A. Area Map

B. Ship Diagram

C. Fire Investigator’s Scene Report

D. Seattle Fire Department’s Marine Firefighting Operations SOP

E. Marine Unit Training Courses and Equipment List

F. Draft Regulations for Welding and Cutting on Marine Vessels

G. Ship Fire Timeline

H. Photographs
Appendix A

Area Map
Appendix B

Ship Diagram
 Appendix C

Fire Investigator’s Scene Report

 SEATTLE FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE INVESTIGATOR'S SCENE REPORT
Page 2

FIRE INVESTIGATOR'S SCENE REPORT CONT.

1) Scene Investigation 2) Area of Origin 3) Source of Ignition

4) Casualties 5) Evidence

1 EXTERIOR:
This fire occurred on board the M/V OMNISEA, official
Doc#247493 while moored at Pier 91 on the Seattle waterfront.
At the time the vessel was receiving electrical service from
shore side facilities. The M/V OMNISEA is described as
having a 323.9' length, 50.1' beam, displacing 4948 tons
gross weight and operating as a refrigerated seafood
processing ship. The vessel was moored port side to Pier 91
with the bow to Puget Sound.
This vessel was in port undergoing refitting related to
conversion from Salmon to Crab processing. Approx 30-40
persons were on board at the time of the fire.
From the Pier, fire damage is noticeable on the hull of the
ship in the midships area on both port and starboard sides.
This damage is in the form of blistered paint, warped and
deformed hull sections and metal discoloration from heat. The
aft 1/3 of the vessel appears to be undamaged externally while
the forward 2/3 shows the described hull damage. On the deck
surfaces, the same type of damage is reflected with the rear
l/3 undamaged. All water tight doors and portholes on the
forward exterior 2/3 of the ship showed smoke and heat damage.
Heavy black smoke staining is seen coming from all openings
and all deck areas have a mild to severe degree of warping and
heaving due to heat.
A line of demarkation on the hull is clearly seen at the 19'
draft mark with the fire damage above. This is noted on the
port side with the greatest amount of exterior hull damage at
a point approx 210' from the bow. Starboard side damage
mimics the port side but to a lesser intensity. Viewed from
the port side, the greatest degree of damage to the hull is
located amidships at a point approx 2 decks below the main
deck.
INTERIOR:
Internally, the damage to the vessel reflects that described
on the exterior hull. From the bow of the ship to a point at
approx the aft bulkhead of the butcher house which is frame
Page 3

FIRE INVESTIGATOR'S SCENE REPORT CONT.

1) Scene Investigation 2) Area of Origin 3) Source of Ignition

4) Casualties 5) Evidence

#72 forward #92 aft, all compartments have been gutted by

fire and show heat and smoke damage. This fire damage however
is an extension of a fire aft and not an area of original
fire.
A compartment known the "case up" room, or "upper 3" is
located at the point where the greatest degree of fire damage
is noted. The most severe exterior hull damage described
earlier locates this compartment within the ship. The "case
up" room is located 2 decks below the main deck amidships with
the hull serving as the port side of the compartment. This
compartment extends the width of the ship, is approx 50' in
length and 10' deck to overhead. All surfaces of this
compartment (other than the deck), as well as the surfaces in
most forward compartments, were coated with 6-9" of rigid
sprayed on polyurethane foam insulation with a fire resistant
coating. Blast freezers and cold storage are located in the
proximity of this compartment although one frame forward.
The forward bulkhead in the "case up" room has two openings in
it. The first is a service door through which fork lifts and
product pass moving forward to cold storage. This door is
approx 8-10' in width, 7-8' in height and was open at the
time of the fire. The second door is a watertight door
located on the port side near the hull. It also was open at
the time of the fire. To the rear of the compartment is a
large hatch cover which provides the main access to the holds
of the ship. This hatch cover is approx 20' long, 25' wide
and is hinged on the aft edge. Directly above the hatch cover
is another of the same size located at the main deck. These
are the main cargo hatches of the ship. The hatch in the
deck of "upper 3" was closed at the time of the fire while
the hatch in the main deck was open. A door similar to the
service door on the forward bulkhead is located in the center
of the aft bulkhead. Aft of the "case up" room, is a boiler
room. This room also suffered direct fire damage but less so
than the "case up" room.
Page 4

FIRE INVESTIGATOR'S SCENE REPORT CONT.

1) Scene Investigation 2) Area of Origin 3) Source of Ignition

4) Casualties 5) Evidence

Minor amounts of insulation remain on some of the aft sides of

the vertical ribs on the hull of the compartment. The
remaining insulation diminishes in the direction of the port
forward corner of the room. Here, there is no insulation
remaining and the greatest amount of warping and heaving in
the bulkheads and decks is seen. Metal discoloration is also
greatest in the port forward corner. It is in this area that
workmen were cutting and welding prior to the fire. On the
ceiling of the compartment, 2 equally spaced beams running
forward to aft, carry the upper deck. They are "L" shaped
beams approx 7/8" thick, 14' wide, and 20" high. The upper
deck is welded to the beams. At a point approx 10' aft of the
forward bulkhead on the port side of the "case up" room, this
beam is broken. It is pulled apart in a straight line running
perpendicular to its length and has a 3/4" - 1" gap between
pieces. The exposed metal is clean and not discolored as
surrounding metal, indicating breakage after the fire while in
the cooling process. It should be noted that this breakage is
very close to the point where the CO2 nipples were attached
and CO2 introduced into the ship for the purposes of
extinguishment.
An investigation of the port forward section of the "case up"
room showed the room to have been relatively clear. A machine
described as a "glazing machine" was located in this corner
but no other bulky items were noted. Several brackets and
pipe hangers (described to investigators as having been the
focus of work being performed in the room) were found lying on
the deck. Positions for these brackets were noted in the
overhead and the work being done in the area was clearly
recognizable. Approx 8" from the port hull and 12" from the
forward bulkhead, a welders acetylene cutting torch was found
lying in a position with the cutting tip facing away from the
bulkhead. The torch knobs were examined and found to be in
the " o f f " position.
Page 5

FIRE INVESTIGATOR'S SCENE REPORT CONT.

1) Scene Investigation 2) Area of Origin 3) Source of Ignition

4) Casualties 5) Evidence

2 Clearly the port forward corner of the "case up" room is the
area of greatest damage and area of origin. The damage to the
metal bulkheads and decks as well as the total absence of
insulation or any other non-metal clearly shows a pattern of
"greatest" damage. "Vee" burn patterns normally seen in
combustible structures are not seen here although a clear
"Vee" pattern can be seen in the insulation remnants on the
vertical surfaces and ribs as well as a "vee" pattern of metal
discoloration. These "vee" patterns have their base in the
port forward corner of "case up" room. A defined point of
origin is undetermined an area of origin can be defined. It
would include the area in the immeadiate vicinity of the found
cutting torch in the port forward corner of the "case up" room
and have its center approx 8' from the port hull and 12-14"
aft of the forward bulkhead.

3 The source of ignition in this fire is limited to two

possibilities. One: molten metal slag produced by a welders
cutting torch, or Two: residual or leaking flame from the same
torch.
*The position of the torch and its distance from the bulkhead
would exclude the possibility of a hot torch tip as a source
of ignition

INVESTIGATORS CONCLUSIONS:
Based on the noted facts and observations as well as the statements
of the workmen in the room prior to the fire, it is the opinion of
the investigators that this is an accidental fire. It was caused
by metal slag or open flame from a welders torch igniting the
polyurethane insulation present. A fire protective blanket was in
use by the workmen to protect machinery but not vertical surfaces.
No fire watch accompanied the workmen at the time of the fire.
 Appendix D

Seattle Fire Department’s

Marine Firefighting Operations SOP
 Section I 415
MARINE FIRE FIGHTING OPERATIONS / UNIT 99

1.0 REFERENCE:
1.1 Department Operating Instruction:
I 401 - F i r e O p e r a t i o n s / G e n e r a l R u l e s
I 403 - M u t u a l A i d / R e s p o n s e s O u t s i d e C i t y J u r i s d i c t i o n
I 404 - F i r e b o a t O p e r a t i o n s
I 408 - Hazardous Materials Operations/Unit 77
I 409 - Bulk CO 2
I 4 1 3 - Emergency Incident Management
1.2 U.S. Coast Guard Fire Fighting Response Plan.

2.0 POLICY:
2.1 *The Fire Alarm Center shall dispatch the following units to
p l e r f i r e s and marine incidents involving vessels larger
than 50’ t h a t a r e a c c e s s i b l e b y l a n d : E n g i n e 3 6 . E n g i n e 4 ,
Battalion 7, Battalion 1. Air Unit. a Medic Unit, the Marine
Emergency Response Van, a n d t h e a p p r o p r i a t e f i r e r e s p o n s e
l i s t e d o n t h e F . A . C . response c a r d f o r t h e incident
location.
2.2 The Fire Alarm Center shall dispatch the following units to
Station 5 for marine incidents Involving vessels larger than
50’ that are not accessible by land: Engine 38, Engine 4,
B a t t a l i o n 7 B a t t a l i o n 1 , Air Unit, a Medic Unit, the Marine
Emergency Response Van, a n d a 2 - 1 - 1 r e s p o n s e ( 2 E n g i n e s , 1
Ladder and 1 Battalion or Deputy Chief).
2.3 Incident Commanders at their discretion, may request a Unit
#99 response for marine incidents involving vessels smaller
than 50’ .
2.4 A t s i g n i f i c a n t m a r i n e i n c i d e n t s , t h e Incident Commander
shall dispatch a Chief Officer to the U.S. Coast Guard
“Operations Center” at Pier 36 to provide liaison with the
U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port.
2.6 The Fire Alarm Center shall notify the Coast Guard of any
marine or waterfront emergency incidents, including any fire
that threatens the safety of vessels, bridges, waterfront
facilities or navigable waterways. The Fire Alarm Center
shall notify the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port as
soon as possible by phone via the Coast Guard Duty O f f i c e r
(24-hour number: 442-7070).
2.6 Unit #99 Team Functions:
4. Assist Incident Commander in locating and reading vessel
plans/blueprints.
b. Assist Incident Commander with formulation of tactics.
c. Install/operate sound powered phone systems.
d. Provide and operate air sampling equipment.

-l- 1988
 Section I 415 Section I 415

e. Provide and operate temperature sensing equipment In b. Hazardous materials exposure.

concealed spaces.
c. Vessel stability.
f. Provide and operate CO2 application equipment (bulk CO2
may be requested by the Incident Commander). d. S t a t u s o f s h i p s f i r e fighting equipment such as CO 2
fire main, s p r i n k l e r s , e t c .
g. P r o v i d e and direct the placement of dewatering
equipment. e. Necessary shore side resources for control and
extinguishment.
h. Provide transportation for personnel and equipment to
emergencies away from shore based operations. 2.11 Ordering of Contractor Services

i . Operate ships ventilation and fire protection equipment. a. To avoid possible liability for contractor costs, the
following guidelines shall govern our lnteraction with
j . Assist in operation of ship’s Communications Systems. cleanup or disposal agencies or any contract service:

k. Assist in the use of ship’s damage control plan. b. The rosponsible party is to be informed that he/she is
financially responsible for the cost of the contractor
*1. Provide and direct the placement of underdock nozzles or cleanup or disposal of hazardous materials.
and equipment.
C. When it Is not possible to determine or contact the
*m. Provide and operate pneumatic breakers (jack hammers). r e s p o n s i b l e p a r t y t h e F i r e D e p a r t m e n t w i l l c o n t a c t one
of the following persons or agencies, who in turn w i l l
2.7 *The Seattle Fire Department is responsible for the make the arrangements for cleanup/disposal, or any other
extinguishment of waterfront fires including fire on contract service.
vessels, within the corporate limits of the City of Seattle,
e x c e p t a s p r o v i d e d b y the Memorandum of Understanding *(l) The Seattle Fire Department Emergency Services
identified in Appendix 6.11 of this Section. Officer.

2.8 Orders for coordination o f U . S . C o a s t G u a r d f i r e f i g h t i n g *(2) U.S. Coast Guard.

activities shall be directed from the Seattle Fire
Department Incident Commander to the on scene Coast Guard *(3) EPA.
coordinator. The U.S. Coast Guard shall:
*(4) Washington State Department of Emergency Services.
4. Alert Port Operations and the Puget Sound Vessel Traffic Duty Officer (Olympia).
Center.
d. In the event the absence of. or delay in contacting a
b. Provide fire fighting services as able. contract service will r e s u l t i n s i g n i f i c a n t additional
l i f e a n d / o r p r o p e r t y l o s s , the Incident Commander should
c. Control or restrict vessel traffic in the area. o r d e r c o n t r a c t s e r v i c e s d i r e c t l y and not u s e t h e the
above procedure.
d. Request v e s s e l a s s i s t a n c e from other civilian and
government v e s s e l s i n the vicinity f o r r e s c u e a n d 2.12 The Seattle Fire Department Policy is to extinguish a marine
movement of personnel and equipment to an incident site. f i r e w i t h t h e l e a s t d a m a g e t o t h e v e s s e l and its cargo.
while avoiding I n j u r y t o p e r s o n n e l . F u l l u t i l i z a t i o n o f
2.9 The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port, o r d e s i g n a t e , s h i p s f i r e p r o t e c t i o n s y s t e m s s h a l l b e I m p l e m e n t e d . Primary
shall be responsible to determine if a burning vessel can be consideration s h o u l d be given to b u l k C O smothering
moved or sunk. T h e C o a s t G u a r d w i l l c o n t a c t a l l a p p r o p r i a t e techniques in spaces equipped with or lend themselves to a
agencies and r e s o l v e all waterway t r a f f i c a n d p o l l u t i o n CO2 application system.
problems caused by any movement or sinking of a vessel.
3.0 DEFINITIONS:
2.10 The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port, or designate, will
contact and get permission from the Chief o f t h e S e a t t l e 3.1 Marine Fire Response Team: T h e g r o u p o f u n i t s t h a t c o m p r i s e
Fire Department before allowing any burning vessel to enter the Marine Fire Response team designated by “Unit 99” s h a l l
t h e c o r p o r a t e l i m i t s o f t h e C i t y o f S e a t t l e . When a l l o w i n g include Engine 4, Engine 36, B a t t a l i o n 7 , B a t t a l i o n 1 , Air
a burning vessel to enter port. the Chief or his designate U n i t , a M e d i c U n i t , and the Marine Emergency Response Van.
will approve a s u i t a b l e p i e r ( p r e f e r a b l y n o n - c o m b u s t i b l e ) ,
or a fire fighting anchorage. and whenever possible, an on 3.2 Staging: t h e s t o c k p i l i n g o f resources/equipment at a
vessel inspection/evaluation shall be accomplished by the location near fire fighting activities.
Fire Department and the Coast Guard. T h e e v a l u a t i o n team
shall determine: 3.3 C o r p o r a t e l i m i t s o f t h e C i t y o f S e a t t l e : The area defined
as extending westerly from the north and south City limits
4. Existing fire problem. to the mid-point of Puget Sound.

-2- 1980 -3- 1988

 Section I 415
Section I 415

3.4 Memorandum of Understanding: A letter of agreement between

the Chief of the Seattle Fire Department and the Commanding accessible by land, to coordinate activities of
Officer of United States Naval Vessels which outlines the arriving units as outlined In Marine Equipment List
policy of the Seattle Fire Department with regard to fire “A” and “B” (see Appendix, this section).
fighting operations aboard Naval vessels while under
construction, conversion, or repair In the City of Seattle. (2) When Engine 5 is out of quarters, in-service they
shall return to quarters code red.
3.5 Bulkhead: A term applied to the vertical partition walls
which subdivide the interior of a ship into compartments or ( 3 ) W h e n E n g i n e 5 i s “Out of Service,” the Officer of
rooms. Engine 4 shall coordinate the activities of
arriving units as outlined in Marine Equipment List
3.6 Casing: Bulkheads enclosing the engine and boiler rooms. “A” and “B”.

3.7 Free Liquid: Liquid that partially fills a compartment in a 5.2 Dispatching
ship. This liquid settles in the direction of list of a
ship, causing a further reduction in stability. a. I f a s e c o n d f i r e b o a t is required during a Unit #99
response, the Incident Commander shall direct the Fire
3.8 L i s t : A f i x e d a n g l e of inclination of a ship, c a u s e d b y an Alarm Center to initiate off-shift calling procedures as
off-center distribution of weight. outlined in Plan “G” of the Telephone Register.

3.9 Shaft Alley: A rater tight enclosure of the propeller b. When the second fireboat Is to be manned, the Fire Alarm
shafting, large enough to walk In, extending aft from the Center will dispatch one of the following companies to
engine room to provide access and protection to the the location where the second fireboat is berthed.
shafting. Engines 11,6,8 or 21 will be dispatched to provide a
crew for the boat.
3.10 later Tight Bulkhead: A transverse bulkhead extending from
the keel to A freeboard deck, either the second deck or the c. If a Unit #99 incident requires a multiple alarm
main deck, which lies well Above the waterline. Each water response, multiple alarm companies shall respond as
tight bulkhead is designed so there will be no opening in directed by the Fire Alarm Center.
the bulkhead, thereby preserving the water tight integrity
of a bulkhead. d. During significant marine incidents, the Fire Alarm
Center shall call Department members listed in Plan ”E”
*3.11 Fire Fighting Pier: A prearranged non-combustible pier of the Telephone Register.
where a transient burning vessel can be docked for fire
fighting. Pier 30 has been designated by the Port of e. For vessels underway or At anchor a full response and .
Seattle as the priority tire fighting pier for Elliott Bay. Unit 99 will be dispatched to Station 5 (Haz-Mat)
companies excluded unless indicated). The first line
4.0 RESPONSIBILITY: N/A fireboat will await arrival of the response and the
loading Of equipment on “Marine Equipment List A.”
5.0 PROCEDURE:
f. Second alarm companies shall respond to Station 5 or
5.1 Unit #99 Personnel Requirements: designated reserve area, possibly Pier 36 And secure
equipment on “Marine Equipment List B.”
a. Engine 36
*g. When dispatched to pier fires, E36 will request that the
(I) When dispatched on a Unit #99 response and Engine Water Department dispatch a truck And compressor to the
36 is In quarters, members of Engine 36 will incident site. At night or if the Water Department is
respond with Engine 36 and the Marine Emergency unable to rapidly dispatch a unit, E36 will travel to the
Response Van. Water Department Headquarters And pick up A truck and
compressor unit in the yard. Water Department equipment
(2) When Engine 36 is out of quarters, In-service, and will always respond code yellow.
dispatched to a Unit #99 response they shall return
to quarters code red and complete requirements In 5.3 Tactics
5.1 a. (1).
a. The first arriving Chief or Acting Chief Officer shall
(3) When Engine 36 is out of quarters and “Out of establish a command post, reserve Area, staging area,
Service," a fill in company shall be dispatched to and initiate steps outlined in the Marine Incident
their location. Once relieved and In-service, the commanders Checklist (see Appendix).
Incident Commander shall return Engine 36 personnel
as outlined in 5.1 a. (2) of this instruction. b. Primary Tactics/First Engine

b. Engine 5 (1) Position apparatus so as not to block additional

fire apparatus access.
(1) Engine 5 shall be placed “Out of Service” during a
Unit #99 response, involving Incidents not

1988
-5- 1989
 Section I 415
Section I 415
(2) Board vessel with masks, pump can, 200’ of 1 1/2"
or 1 3/4" hose and determine the exact location of area and for the segregation of full and empty air
the fire and extinguish incipient stage fires. b o t t l e s a n d k e e p i n g t h e S t a g i n g Arca Commander
informed of air status.
(3) Provide Incident Commander with a full report.
(3) Designate Equipment Coordinator and Area: An
(4) Determine the material burning. Officer/Fire Fighter responsible for establishing a
equipment area as identified in equipment lists “A”
(5) Evacuate the immediate Area. and “B”.
(6) Close doors and shut down ventilation systems for (4) Designate a First Aid Area: An Area used for the
confinement if applicable. emergency care of Fire Fighters leaving the f i r e
area. Paramedics dispatched on t h e i n i t i a l Unit
(7) Determine the status of ships fixed fire protection #99 response will normally report to this area.
systems.
(5) Designate a Rest Area: An Area to receive crews,
(8) Locate responsible ship’s representatives. rotated from the fire area.
(9) Locate the ship’s fire control and general (6) D e s i g n a t e A S t a n d b y A r e a : A n Area f o r c r e w s
arrangements plane (if available). waiting for assignment located near or at the f i r e
fighting Area to allow f o r q u i c k r e l i e f a t the
NOTE: Use caution when accessing areas subject to CO2 nozzle or work area.
flooding. Rapid reignition or dispersal of CO2 gas may
occur. (7) Designate a Sound Powered Phone Operator: A U n i t
#99 team member r e s p o n s i b l e f o r e s t a b l i s h i n g h a r d
c. Primary Tactics/Second Engine Company w i r e p h o n e communication between the Incident
Commander and Sector/Area Commanders.
(1) Place A manifold at the location designated by the
Incident Commander or near the boarding ramp and d. Company Officers Responsibilities Upon Arrival from
extend Supply/attack lines. Reserve Area to the Staging Area:
d. Primary Tactics/First Ladder Company (1) Report to the staging area and notify the
Director/Recorder of your unit designator and
(1) Ladder the vessel (if no boarding ramp) and take strength.
equipment aboard as directed by the Incident
Commander. (2) Deposit equipment/air cylinders in designated area.
e. The Fireboat Pilot/Officer will monitor the marine radio (3) Keep your unit together at all times unless
frequency and relay additional information to responding specifically ordered otherwise by the Sector/Area
units and standby as directed by the Incident Commander. Commander.
5.4 Staging e. Company Officers Responsibilities Upon Arrival from Fire
Area to Staging Area:
a. The Incident Commander shall assign a Staging Area
Commander and assign an adequate number o f c o m p a n i e s (1) Check status of individual company members for
to move equipment to and from the vessel. possible heat exhaustion, burns and injuries.
b. The Staging Area Commander is responsible to coordinate (2) Notify the Director/Recorder of your unit
a l l a c t i v i t i e s i n the staging area and for requesting designator.
additional resources from t h e I n c i d e n t C o m m a n d e r . The
S t a g i n g A r e a C o m m a n d e r s h a l l m a i n t a i n a m i n i m u m o f two (3) Replace air cylinders and report to rest area.
companies in reserve for each company fighting the fire.
(4) Keep your crew togother At all times unless
c. The Staging Area Commander shall establish the following specifically ordered otherwise by the Sector/Area
areas and functions: Commander.
(1) Designate a Director/Recorder: An O f f i c e r / F i r e 5.5 Off Shift Calling:
Fighter responsible f o r b r i e f i n g a n d d i r e c t i n g
companies to specific areas and recording times a. When necessary, selective off shift calling procedures
companies arrive at t h e s t a g i n g a r e a f r o m the shall be used to insure that supervisory personnel,
reserve Area. trained in marine problems, are avaiable when
requested. These supervisory personnel will include the
(2) Designate Air Supply Coordinator and Area: An Chief Officers of Battalion 7 And the Company Officers
Officer/Fire Fighter responsible for the air supply and Fire Fighters of Engine 4 and Engine 36.

-6- 1988
-7- 1988
 Section I 415
Section I 415
6.0 APPENDIX:
6.1 Communication at Ship Fires.
6.1 Communication at Ship Fires.
6.2 Vessel Construction Considerations. *a. F i r e D e p a r t m e n t R a d i o s : Ship fire response personnel shall
u s e F - 2 - B ; F - 2 w i l l b e r e s e r v e d f o r t h e I n c i d e n t commander.
6.3 Vessel Stability Considerations. In the event that portable radios are unable to receive or
t r a n s m i t e f f e c t i v e l y w i t h i n t h e s h i p , C o m p a n y O f f i c e r s must
6.4 Marine Fire Suppression and Protection Systems. be prepared to establish other methods of communication.

6.5 Typical Tanker Vessel Plan. b. P o r t a b l e S o u n d P o w e r e d Phone System: The Marine Response
Unit (Unit 99) carries a sound powered phone system for use
6.6 Typical Cargo Vessel Plan. at ship fire incidents. T h i s i s a p r i m a r y communication
system and should be used to establish and maintain contact
6.7 Marine Equipment List A and B. between the fire deck And the Command Post and/or Sector
Command Post.
6.8 Marine Incident Commanders Checklist.
c. S h i p s S o u n d P o w e r e d P h o n e System: This is an a l t e r n a t e
6.9 Marine Use of CO 2 . emergency communications system found on military v e s s e l s ,
and s o m e l a r g e r c o m m e r c i a l v e s s e l s . T h e p h o n e s a r e
6.10 Memorandum of Understanding. generally located throughout the ship.
d. Ships Portable Radios: Key crew members on most vessels
have their own portable radio system. This system can be
utilized AS required.

e. Ships Intercom: T h i s i s the most common communication

system aboard ships. Stations are located throughout the
v e s s e l . Electricity must be available on board to power the
system.
f. Marine Radio: L i m i t e d t o u n i t s w i t h m a r i n e r a d i o s , s u c h a s
fireboats and Coast Guard vessels.

-8- 1988
-9- 1986
 Section I 413
Section I 415
6.2 Vessel Construction Considerations.
0.3 Vessel Stability Considerations.
a. Fire fighting a b o a r d s h i p 1 6 v e r y d i f f i c u l t ; s h i p s a r e
d e s i g n e d w i t h v e r y n a r r o w p a s s a g e w a y s o r c o m p a n i o n w a y s , and A. S h i p s i n P o r t : T h e s t a b i l i t y o f a s h i p i n p o r t can be
access up or down 16 limited to steep stairs or ladders. c o m p r o m i s e d b y a v a r i e t y o f f a c t o r s , i n c l u d i n g b a l l a s t tank
Passage through bulkheads and decks are limited to hatches levels, access openings end unusual cargo loading. The
and doors which in some instances are only large enough f o r Incident Commander, i n c o n s u l t a t i o n w i t h t h e s h i p s O f f i c e r s ,
o n e p e r s o n t o p a s s t h r o u g h a t a t i m e . These conditions make must evaluate these conditions And take corrective action as
e q u i p m e n t a n d p e r s o n n e l movement through a s h i p e x t r e m e l y necessary.
difficult.
b. F i r e F i g h t i n g W a t e r : The i n t r o d u c t i o n o f l a r g e v o l u m e s o f
b. Ships are subdivided by water t i g h t b u l k h e a d s w i t h f e w , i f water can destabilize a ship, particularly if the water is
any, access openings through them. These water tight i n t r o d u c e d i n t o l a r g e c o m p a r t m e n t s h i g h o n the ship,
bulkheads can be used as fire and flooding bounderlee for compartments that run from s i d e t o s i d e a r e p a r t i c u l a r l y
confinement purposes. vulnerable. This “free surface water” must be pumped out of
the ship in a timely f a s h i o n , u s i n g t h e b e s t means
c. Openings in bulkheads on U.S.C.G. inspected vessel must be available.
p r o v i d e d w i t h a d o o r r a t e d f o r t h e A p p l i c a t i o n . Those doors
are listed as follows: c. List Determination/Correction: Prior to corrective action,
it is necessary to determine the cause of the list. If the
1. A Class " A " d o o r m u s t p r e v e n t t h e p a s s a g e o f s m o k e a n d list is casued primarily by free liquid settling to one
flame for 1 hour. s i d e , attempts to counterweight will cause an even greater
l i s t i n t h e o t h e r d i r e c t i o n , and could even cause the ship
2. A Class “B” door must prevent the passage of smoke and to capsize. L i s t c o r r e c t i o n s h a l l n o t b e i n i t i a t e d u n t i l
flame for 30 minutes. the Incident Commander has consulted with the ship’s Officer
or other qualified professional.
3. A Class “C” door must be non-combustible only and is not
r a t e d t o h o l d b a c k s m o k e And flames. A C l a s s “ C ” d o o r
may be used Anywhere that Class A or B bulkheads are not
required.
*d. M o s t s h i p s a r e C o n s t r u c t e d o f s t e e l o r o t h e r m e t a l s , which
conduct heat very r e a d i l y . In materials like aluminum or
other alloys, the metal can burn through or contribute to
the fire or cause early collapse. A fire in one compartment
can conduct enough heat through the overhead, deck or any of
the four bulkheads, to ignite combustibles on the other
side. Investigation and exposure protection should be
established as quickly as possible to prevent extension of
fire.
e. Air ducts, used for heating, ventilotion and air
conditioning, as well as wire rune, con allow heated gases
and fire to travel to other areas of the ship.
f. Ventilation of a fire must be well coordinated with the fire
attack. Areas of exposure must also be protected along the
ventilation route.

g. Radio communications can be negatively affected by the steel

construction of ships.
h. Deck and frame numbers can be used to locate ship
compartments. These numbers are uniform on a l l m i l i t a r y
vessels, with frame numbering starting from front to r e a r .
Decks are numbered from the main deck i n b o t h d i r e c t i o n s
with decks above the main deck being numbered 0-1, 0-2, 0-3,
e t c . Decks below the main deck Are numbered 1, 2, 3, e t c .
as they travel down from the main deck toward the bottom of
the vessel. O n c o m m e r c i a l v e s s e l s , t h e d e c k numbering
system will vary from military vessels and in many cases the
decks will b e n a m e r a t h e r t h a n numbered. The frame
n u m b e r i n g s y s t e m w i l l v a r y t o a l m o s t a n y c o n f i g u r a t i o n . The
s h i p s f i r e f i g h t i n g p l a n w i l l b e helpful in understanding
how the vessel is numbered.

-10- 1988
-11- 1988
 Section I 415
Section I 415

6.4 Marine Fire Suppression and Protection Systems.

a. CO 2 Systems: T h e m o s t c o m m o n t y p e o f f i r e p r o t e c t i o n s y s t e m
found on ships. These systems Are primarily used in engine
rooms, s p e c i a l h a z a r d a r e a s a n d t h e m a i n c a r g o h o l d s . Unit
9 9 h a s t h e e q u i p m e n t t o t i e i n t o on board s y s t e m s t o
supplement extinguishing agent in areas when the main system
is empty.
*b. Halon Systems: Used in l i e u o f C O 2 on many new s h i p s .
Those s y s t e m s m a y b e f o u n d i n e n g i n e r o o m s and computer
rooms ; at this time halon is not used in large areas such as
cargo holds due to its high cost.

c. Foam Systems: U s e d p r i m a r i l y f o r f l a m m a b l e l i q u i d s , foam

systems are available in a wide range of configurations.
Manual stations are usually found near engine rooms,
helicopter hangers and landing pads, and on the main decks
o f p e t r o l e u m t a n k e r s . Since each ship will be different, it
is important to access the foam system drawings found in the
ship’s fire fighting plans. In some military vessels t h e
f o a m s y s t e m i s p a r t o f a d u a l a g e n t e x t i n g u i s h i n g system
where the foam is delivered to a nozzle that also delivers a
dry chemical extinguishing agent. In the dual agent systems
the nozzle operator can choose to use dry chemical or
A.F.F.F. foam together or a s a s i n g l e agent to knock down
and secure A fire.
d. S p r i n k l e r S y s t e m : T h e s e a r e f o u n d o n p a s s e n g e r s h i p s and
ferries. Sprinkler systems may also be incorporated with
form systems to protect aircraft hangers and cargo bays used
to transport motor vehicles. In most cases sprinkler
systems are deluge type s y s t e m s t h a t a r e p a r t o f t h e f i r e
main system and must be manually started.

e. S h i p s F i r e M a i n : The f i r e m a i n p r o v i d e s w a t e r f o r f i r e
fighting handlines and special systems. In most cases, the
fire main utilizes a closed loop system with isolation
valves and cross piping. Hose stations will usually be
found every 1 0 0 f e e t i n a l l l i v i n g a r e a s . The main is
supplied by t h e s h i p ’ s f i r e p u m p a n d c a n b e e x t e r n a l l y
s u p p l i e d w i t h t h e u s e o f a s h i p - t o - s h o r e c o n n e c t i o n . Before
pumping the ship’s fire main, the ship’s engineering Officer
s h o u l d b e c o n s u l t e d t o assure that t h e r e a r e n o o p e n
valves/piping and that the proper pressures a r e u s e d . O n
U.S. Government v e s s e l s , the 2 1/2” h o s e c o n n e c t i o n i s
compatible with Fire Department hose. On 1 1/2"
connections, a special adaptor is needed. The 1 1/2"
adaptor is available on Engine 4 or Engine 36. On foreign
vessels S e a t t l e F i r e D e p a r t m e n t c o u p l i n g s m a y n o t b e
compatible with the couplings on the fire main.
f. International Shore Connection: Is a universal maritime
connector that can be used to supply a ship’s fire main from
Fire Department pumpers. A v a i l a b l e o n U n i t 9 9 c o m p a n i e s a n d
many waterfront companies.

g. Fire Alarm System: S i m i l a r t o on land alarm systems. The

components of a l a r m s y s t e m s may include s m o k e d e t e c t o r s ,
manual pull stations, and heat detectors, which are found
throughout living quarters And interior work areas. Heat
detectors may b e e s p e c i a l l y h e l p f u l t o the Incident
Commander in the determination of fire spread.

-12- 1988
Section I 415 Section I 415

6.7 Marine Equipment List A and B.

Equipment List A

First Two Engine Companies

1. SCBA and spare bottles for each member.

2. One 1 1/2” M a r a u d e r n o z z l e e a c h c o m p a n y .
3. 200’ 1 1/2” or 1 3/4” hose each company.
4. One foam eductor each company.
Ladder Company
1. SCBA and spare bottles for each member.
2. Lead in lines (two “Way-out 100’s).
3. One electric generator.
4. One electric fan.
5. All available fan socks.

8. One cord reel.

7. One gas fan.
8. 6 plastic tarps.
9. 6 canvas tarps.
Engine 36
1. SCBA and spare bottles for each member.
2. 5 hand lanterns.
Unit 99
1. Life vests.
2. A pre-fire of the vessel if available.
3. Instrument box.
4. Advisor kit.
5. Line gun.
6. 2 dewatering eductors.
7. Red Devil electric fan and socks.
Station 5

1. Hand truck.

2. Life jackets for all members.

-15- 1988
 Section I 415 section I 415

6.7 Marine Equipment List A and B. 6.8 Marine Incident Commanders Checklist.

Equipment List B 1. Request a Unit 99 response.

a. Utilize Unit 99 van with pre-fire books on most ships,

1. Survivair masks for all responders. Incident Commanders advisors kit which contains t e c h n i -
cal manuals, and worksheets for command post, fire
2. All spare air bottles on responding units. boundaries, dewatering, CO2 application, exposure
protection, etc.
3. Hose as requested.
2. All portables switch to F-2B.
4. One electric generator.
3. Designate command post location.
5. Light strings.
4. Initiate priority tactics.
6. Extension cords.
a. Determine location and type of fire.
7. Cord reel.
b. Initiate search and rescue.
8. Rescue saw.
c. Extinguish incipient stage fire.
9. Chain saw.
d. Establish fire boundaries.
10. Ten tarps.
e. Contact responsible Ships party.
11. One electric fan.
f. Locate ship plans.
12. One gas fan.
5. Initiate secondary tactics.
a. Determine in ititial fire boundaries.
b. Designate location of manifold.
c. Provide access to the main deck at two separate
locations.
d. Establish a reserve area.
e. Request multiple alarm if necessary.
f. Initiate confinement actions.

(1) Close all access to the Involved space, doors,

hatches, etc.

(2) Protect exposures on six sides.

g. Close all ventilation systems serving the space.

h. Set up sound powered phone system for below deck
operations.
i. Establish a staging area and appoint a Staging Area
Commander

*j. Notify U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port, and

r e q u e s t C o a s t G u a r d o n scene Coordinating Office.
k. Monitor dewatering prior to noticeable list.

-16- 1988 -17- 1988

 Section I 415 Section I 415

6.8 Marine Incident Commanders Check list. (continued) 6.9 Marine Use of CO 2 .
l. Determine location of hazardous materials.
1. When to use CO2
m. Determine t y p e s , q u a n t i t i e s a n d l o c a t i o n s o f f u e l o n
vessel, a. Poor access
b. Undue risk to Fire Fighters
n. Request the services of a marine chemist. c. Water damage intolerable
d. On-board CO2 has been exhausted
o. Obtain predictions of weather and tidal actions,
2. Do not use CO 2 on
p. Establish a first aid area.
a . Oxidizers
q. Protect environment as needed. b. Nitrates
c. Sulphates
r. Order bulk carbon dioxide, after consultation with d . Explosives
vessel owner or agent to confirm their financial
responsibility. 3. Ordering CO 2
s. Order additional foam as needed. a. Obtain permission from ship’s agent or other responsible
party.
t. O r d e r v i a v e s s e l o w n e r o r a g e n t o r a p p r o p r i a t e agency
any specialized services such as translators, tugs, b. Confer with chemist and verify private payment of
barges, cranes, etc. material used.
u. Review the Marine Information Checklist and Memorandum c. Only the Incident Commander will authorize CO2
of Understanding for U.S. Navy vessels, both carried on
the Unit 99 van. d. F o r l o c a l s u p p l y , notify Liquid Carbonic, Mike Johnson
at 631-3763 or 955-2085.
v. Obtain additional data on s h i p ; i . e . , s h i p ’ s m a n i f e s t ,
vessel pre-fire plans, etc. 4. CO2 Application
w. Notify appropriate agencies such as Metro, Port of a. Amount (Area - L e n g t h x W i d t h x H e i g h t )
Seattle Police, DOE EPA, e t c . cu. ft.
9 - Pounds of CO 2 f o r 6 0 % c o n c e n t r a t i o n
b. P r o v i d e e l e c t r i c a l g r o u n d l i n e s . Flow of CO2 will cause
a build-up of static electricity.
c. Plastic tarps can be used to seal off air leaks to
confine CO2 to problem area.
d. Monitor and protect adjacent spaces for fire extension.
e. Monitor CO2 concentration and temperature change. Use
CO2 monitoring worksheet in Advisors Kit.

-18- 1988 -19- 1988

 Section I 415

6.10 Memorandum of Understanding.

Between the
Seattle Fire Department
and
Commanding Officer, U.S.S.
Date
This memorandum of understanding outlines the policy of the Seattle
Fire Department with regard to fire fighting operations aboard Naval
Vessels while under construction, conversion, or repair in the City of
Seattle.
1. All accidental or hostile fires should be immediately reported to
the Fire Department by dialing 911. This procedure should be
followed regardless of the size of the fire, and whether or not
the fire has bean extinguished. Failure to report such fires is a
violation of Section 11.301 of the Uniform Fire Code.
2. The Seattle Fire Department fully recognizes that Naval Vessels
are Federal property and that the Commanding Officer is respon-
sible for what takes place on his ship and has authority to
c a r r y o u t t h a t r e s p o n s i b i l i t y . Additionally, the Fire Department
will not board the vessel against the wishes of the Commanding
Officer or his designated representative (Command Duty Officer).
3. 11, in the opinion of the Seattle Fire Department Officer in
Charge and the Naval Officer in Charge, it is necessary to commit
Fire Department manpower and equipment, such manpower and equip-
ment shall. remain under the command of Seattle Fire Department
O f f i c e r s . Members of the U.S. Navy shall be under the command of
their own Officers.
4. If the Fire Department’s assistance is necessary, the first
arriving Fire Officer should immediately be briefed concerning
Location and status of the fire and will request to be escorted to
the fire location to make an assessment of the amount of equipment
and manpower that should be committed to combat the fire.
5. The Fire Department shall work in a spirit of cooperation with the
c r e w o f t h e v e s s e l i n o r d e r t o e x t i n g u i s h t h e f i r e . However,
should a disagreement regarding fire fighting operations occur
between the Fire Officer in Charge and the Naval Officer in
Charge, and such disagreement cannot be immediately resolved, the
Seattle Fire Officer in Charge shall withdraw Fire Department
personnel and equipment to the pier, and prevent extension of fire
from the vessel.

Claude Harris Commanding Officer,

Chief of Fire Department U.S.S.
Enclosure (1)

-20- 1988
 Appendix E

Marine Unit Training Courses

and Equipment List
 COURSES

INTRODUCTION TO MARINE FIRE PROTECTION

This session introduces the student to the subject of marine fire

protection and describes the course of training to be given. It
includes a general discussion of existing problems and provides a
limited amount of statistical data regarding marine fires. This data
includes which types of vessels have the most fires, where the fires
generally start aboard ship, and subjects of a similar nature.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS OF MARINE FIRES

During a fire aboard ship, the authority and responsibility of the

various agencies involved may differ substantially from those
incidents involving shoreside fires. In addition, personnel from
several agencies may be required to work cooperatively to extinguish
the fire.

This class outlines the responsibility of various agencies that may

become involved with a ship fire in port. It discusses the principles
of comparative negligence, outlines problems which have been
encountered at past fires, and suggest ways to avoid similar problems
in the future. The primary objective is to familiarize the student
with the responsibility and authority of those agencies that may be
involved in marine fire fighting operations. (The information
presented is based on U.S. Law and Regulations.)

MARINE DRAWINGS

It is rare for emergency response personnel to be intimately familiar

with the particular vessel on fire. It is important for the Fire
Fighter to be able to quickly and correctly read basic marine
drawings. While merchant seamen will be generally familiar with
several classes of vessels, most will not have worked extensively with
marine drawings.

This segment of training provides the basic skills needed to read

general arrangement booklets, fire control plans, and similar
documents. The skill to read such drawings is valuable during fire
fighting operations in order to improve understanding of the spaces
which may have to be entered, and to better explain the general
arrangement to shoreside personnel who may not be familiar with the
vessel.

FOAM OPERATIONS

This is a more advanced class limited to the discussion of fire

fighting foam. The objective of this session is to acquaint the
student with types of fire fighting foams available, and those in
common use aboard ship. Students are trained in the characteristics
of each foam, their compatibility with each other, and the equipment
available for its application. Students will be shown how to
calculate application rates for various size fires involving different
flammable liquids.
Courses
Page Two

VESSEL CONSTRUCTION AND ARRANGEMENT

This session discussses the major components of breakbulk cargo

vessels, their construction and arrangement. The class begins the
process of making the student familiar with the shipboard environment,
and prepares him/her for additional training to come.

EMERGENCY MOORING

This session is designed to familiarize students with typical mooring

and anchoring system components in use aboard ship. The primary
objective is to discuss emergency procedures which can be used to move
a vessel under fire conditions.

VESSEL STABILITY IN FIRE FIGHTING

Failure to have a proper appreciation for the vessel's stability has

brought several fire fighting efforts to an unsuccessful conclusion.
The objective of this segment is to acquaint the student with the
basic principles of vessel stability. It discusses the forces which
affect stability and how fire fighting can cause those forces to
change. The class discusses basic terms, and presents steps which can
be taken to improve the stability of a vessel under emergency
conditions.

INTRODUCTION TO DAMAGE CONTROL

Not all of the incidents requiring emergency response personnel are

the result of fire. In some cases, emergencies may involve
uncontrolled flooding of the vessel due to equipment failure or
structural damage. In other cases, uncontrolled flooding may be a
part of the fire problem. This class introduces the student to
procedures for the control of progressive flooding, and dewatering of
vessels.

MARINE FIRE PROTECTION COURSES

There are numerous examples of ship fires where a major problem was
the failure to use the fire protection systems built into the vessel.
One reason for this has been the lack of knowledge on the part of Fire
Fighters and crew members of the system's capabilities and correct
operating procedures. In many cases, this has made fire fighting much
more difficult and dangerous that it needed to be.

This session provides the student with information on several types of

systems commonly found aboard ship. The segment discusses alarm,
detection, confinement, and extinguishing systems. Emphasis is placed
on the general operating procedures, and the advantages and
limitations of each system discussed.
Courses
Page Three

MARINE FIRE TACTICS

This session on Marine Fire Tactics includes training on how to size

up the fire, gather data, and identify resources needed for successful
extinguishment. This class discusses the establishment of fire
boundaries and methods of direct and indirect extinguishment. Various
methods of hoseline extinguishment are discussed along with the
advantages and disadvantages of each. The class also discusses when
to use the vessel's built-in fire protection systems, as well as when
to supplement them.

COMMAND POST OPERATIONS

For a ship fire to be fought successfully, there must be a combined

and coordinated effort, often involving several agencies. This
session presents the students with information on the purpose of a
Command Post. How and where to establish one aboard the vessel, who
should be in the Command Post, and what jobs they should accomplish.
The class also presents information on which documents should be in
the Command Post, and communications and record keeping procedures.

PORT EMERGENCY PLANNING

This segment of training presents the student with information

relating to preparation of port emergency plans. It discusses the
roles of various agencies involved, locating needed equipment, and
other factors to consider in the preparation of such plans. The
objective is to encourage students to develop emergency plans for
their own port.

INSTRUMENT OPERATIONS

Students are introduced to the operation of various instruments

available to assist in the extinguishment of ship fires. The course
discusses the operating features of various instruments, their
advantages, and disadvantages. Students are taught basic techniques
which can be used to obtain readings and how to interpret the
readings.

TACTICAL WORKSHOP

In this classroom segment, the students are divided into groups of

five to eight persons. Each group is made up of representatives from
each category attending the training (port authority, fire service,
ships crew, Coast Guard). Each group is given a separate fire problem
to solve using the information presented in the class to date.
Students are provided with various documents to assist in completing
the exercise. Each group chooses a spokesperson who presents the
group's solution to the rest of the class. The class as a whole is
asked to critique each group's solution.
Courses
Page Four

BULK CO2 APPLICATION

This session compliments the session on instruments, and prepares the

student for the field application of CO 2 aboard a training vessel.
The class discusses procedures to follow when applying the CO2 in bulk
from tank trucks, including predischarge preparation, grounding,
sealing, ventilation, and testing readings.

BULK CO2 DRILL

This session constitutes the field application portion of the previous

segments of instrument operation, and bulk CO 2 application. The
session requires the use of a vessel available for training, and
involves the use of a bulk CO 2 tank truck. Students are required to
extinguish a simulated Class A fire in the cargo hold by actually
applying CO 2 . Students will set up for application, apply the CO 2 ,
obtain test readings, vent the CO2, and assure the compartment is safe
for personnel. Final testing must be conducted under the supervision
of a certified Marine Chemist.
 MARINE RESPONSE EQUIPMENT LIST
CO2 EQUIPMENT

a. Drãger Multi-gas Detector Instrument

Measures the concentration of CO2 from 5% to 60%

b. 2, CO2 nozzles (3’) (4’)

Attached at end of CO2 hose

c. 2, "C" clamps
For securing nozzles

d. 2 safety chains
Securing nozzles where clamps won’t work

e. 300’ CO2 hose

To connect bulk supply to vessel

f. 1, CO2 MANIFOLD
To connect CO2 hose to bulk tanker truck

g. 1 box assorted threaded pipe fittings

Used in connecting various-sized fittings

h. Assorted opened-end wrenches

Connecting CO2 hose

i. 1 large safety cable

safety feature where CO2, hose connects to bulk tanker truck

j. 6 small safety cables

Safety feature for CO2 hose connection to each other

1. 1 groundinq wire
For grounding CO2, nozzle

a. 4 rolls teflon tape

To seal threads at CO2 hose connections

MESURING AND MONIITOROING

a. Drager Multi-gas Detector Instrument

To measure levels of CO2, flammable and toxic gases

b. Assorted sampling tubes

Used with the Drager Instrument as noted above

c. 1 Explosimeter
To measure flammable vapor levels
d. 1 Pyrometer
Taking temperature readings

e. Assorted lengths of thermocouple wires

Used with Pyrometer to take readings at remote sites

f. 3 heavy-duty magnets
For securing thermocouple wires

g. 1 GasTechtor
Used to measure content of oxygen and flammable vapors

h. 50’ GasTechtor sanpling lines

To take remote readings

COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT

a. 4 sound power head phones

For telephone system that operate without electricity

b. 1 amplifier for sound power phones

c. 1 junction box

d. 3, 200’ wire reels and 2, 500’ wire reels

For sound power phone communications at remote locations

e. 1 portable radio

f. 1 bull horn
Alternate communication method

DEWATERING EQUIPMENT

a. 1 gasoline portable trash pump (360 g-pm)

For dewatering operations

b. 1, 240 volt Prosser Pump (300 gpm)

For dewatering operations

c. 4 eductors with 3 l/2” male couplings

For dewatering operations

d. 1 dewatering syphon
For dewatering operations
TOOLS

a. Tool box with: hacksaw, diagonal cutters, vise grips, channel locks, tinsnips, metal and wood chisels,
screwdrivers, sparkplug wrench, tape measure, acetylene cutting tip, open-end wenches

b. 1, 36” pipe wrench

For ship piping, etc.

c. 1, SCBA powered impact wrench

For ship hatches, etc.

d. 1 Slice portable oxygen cutting torch

For cutting holes in steel bulkhead and decks.

VENTILATION EQUIPMENT

a. 2 "Coppus" Vano fans with 200’ of electrical extension cord

used to provide ventilation aboard vessels

b. 220’ flexible exhaust tubing

Used with fans for smoke removal or providing fresh air

BREATHING EQUIPMENT

a. 4 MSA Hip-Air Masks

For confine space enter and rescue

b. 900’ of supply air hose

To supply the Hip-Air Masks

c. 1 regular manifold
To control air pressure and supply to Hip-Air Masks.

ADVISORS KIT

a. 1 camera for pictures

b. 2 calculators

c. 1 tide book

d. Spare batteries and film

e. List of contact people and telephone numbers used during emergency operation

f. 1 hazardous materials guidebook

g. 2 pocket tape recorders

 h. Incident Command Packets, includes check-off lists for: bulk CO2 operations, CO2 guidelines, temperature
readings form CO2 charts and tables, command post, fire boundary check list, exposure check list,
dewatering check list, miscellaneous NFPA booklets.

MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT

a. 3 cargo nets to haul aboard equipment

b. 10 assorted sizes wood plugs for plugging small fuel leaks, etc.

c. 1 gas can with fuel for portable trash pump

d. 1 line gun for providing lines from one vessel to another

e. Assorted size tie ropes for securing equipment, etc.

f. 6 boxes duct seal for securing small fuel leaks, etc.

g. 5 fog applicators

h. 1 City and State map

i. 1 ship to shore connection for supplying water from shore to ship’s system

j. 8 bulldozers for pier protection

k. 100’ air line hose for pneumatic jack hammer operations at pier fires

1. 1 first aid kit

m. Assorted pre-fire books: shows layout of various types of vessels and ship extinguishing systems, etc.

n. 6 utility straps for securing hose and equipment

o. 6 life vests for safety (manufactured especially for fire fighters)

p. 2 rolls plastic for sealing ship prior to CO, application

q. 2, 6” x 6” wood blocks for propping open watertight doors when hose lines pass through

r. 1 penetrating nozzle used to extinguish fires in baled cargo, etc.

s. Low Expansion Foam Nozzle (9 to 1)

t. Medium Expansion Foam Nozzle (65 to 1)

u. 4, head lamps (miner type) with chargers

v. 1 hand truck
 Appendix F

Draft Regulations for Welding

and Cutting on Marine Vessels
SEATTLE FIRE DEPARTMENT

INSPECTION GUIDELINE NO. 49.101.1

SUBJECT: WELDING AND CUTTING ON MARINE VESSELS

FIRE CODE REFERENCE: SFC ARTICLE 49

ADDITIONAL REFERENCE: NFPA 306

A. PERMITS:

SCOPE: These regulations shall become effective on May 1, 1992. The regulations apply to operations

involving the use of oxygen/fuel gas mixtures or electric arc welding on marine vessels within

the Corporate Limits of the City of Seattle. The regulations apply regardless of the size of the

vessel and regardless of whether or not the vessel is at anchor, moored, in drydock, or ashore.

GENERAL DEFINITIONS:

For the purpose of these regulations, the following words have the meanings set forth below.

Adjacent Spaces - Those spaces in all directions from the subject space, including all points

of contact, corners, diagonals, decks, tank tops, and bulkheads.

Confined Space - Any compartment of small size and limited access such as double bottom

tank, cofferdam, or similar space which by virtue of its small size and

confined nature can create or aggravate a hazardous condition.

Class 1 Designated Facility - A pier, designated by the Chief, which by virtue of its construction,

location, fire protection and fire hydrant availability, is suitable to permit

certain repairs to vessels which are over 200 feet in length.

Class 2 Designated Facility - A pier, designated by the Chief, which by virtue of its construction,

location, fire protection and fire hydrant availability, is suitable to permit

certain repairs to vessels which are up to 200 feet in length.

Designated Facilities - Those piers, designated by the Chief, and by virtue of their construction,

location, fire protection and fire hydrant availability, are suitable to permit

certain repairs to vessels.

Enclosed Space - Any space, other than a confined space, which is enclosed by a bulkhead

and overhead. The term includes cargo holds, tanks, quarters, and

machinery spaces.

Fire Watch - A person designated by the supervisor of the welding operation to watch

for signs of fire. Such persons shall be familiar with Fire Department

Permit Conditions, the area where the welding and cutting is to take place,

and procedures for sounding an alarm in the event of fire.

Gangway - A ramp-like or stair-like means of access provided to enable personnel to

board or leave a vessel including accommodation ladders, gangplanks, and

brows. A gangway shall have a walking surface not less than 20 inches

wide, be of adequate strength, maintained in good repair and safely

secured. Each side of a gangway, and turntable if used, shall have a railing

with a minimum height of 33 inches, with a mid-rail. Rails constructed of

rope or chain shall be kept taught at all times.

Intervening Barrier - Means a barrier which is an integral part of the vessel’s structure, which

when closed, will not permit the passage of flammable liquids or vapors.

Length of Vessel - The length of the vessel as measured along the centerline.

Major Conversion - Means a conversion that -

2
 1. Substantially changes the dimensions or carrying capacity of the

vessel;

2. Changes the type of the vessel;

3. Substantially prolongs the life of the vessel; or

4. Otherwise so changes the vessel that it is essentially a new vessel as

determined by the Chief. In making such determinations, the Chief

may consult with the U.S. Coast Guard Officer in Charge of Marine

Inspection, Puget Sound.

Marine Chemist - The holder of a valid Certificate issued by the National Fire Protection

Association in accordance with the “Rules for the Certification of Marine

Chemists.”

Powder Actuated Device - Means a tool or machine which drives a stud, pin, bolt, or other type of

fastener by means of an explosive charge.

Ship Repair - Means any repair of a vessel including, but not limited to alterations,

modification, conversion, installations, cleaning, painting, and maintenance

work and includes ship building and ship breaking.

Vessel - Includes every description of watercraft or other artificial contrivance used

as a means of transportation on water, including special purpose floating

structures not primarily designed for or used as a means of transportation

on water.

Shipyard Competent Person - Is an individual, registered with OSHA meeting one or more of the

following requirements:

3
 1. The holder of a valid Certificate issued by the National Fire

Protection Association attesting that the holder has successfully

completed a course of training as a Shipyard Competent Person.

2. The holder of a Certificate from the Seattle Fire Department

attesting that the holder has successfully passed the Seattle Fire

Department’s Certification Examination for Shipyard Competent

Person.

3. The holder of a Certificate attesting that the holder has successfully

passed a course of instruction in Shipyard Competent Person training

which is accepted by the Chief.

PERMlT CONDITIONS:

Permit Classifications:

Fire Department Permits for Welding and Cutting on Marine Vessels shall be divided into three categories.

Level I- Those permits for welding and cutting operations which are minor in nature. (See below for

further definition)

Level II- Those permits for welding and cutting operations which exceed the limits of a Level I permit

but do not involve a major conversion of the vessel. (See below for further definition)

Level III- Those ‘permits for welding and cutting which involve a major conversion of the vessel. (See

below for further definition)

GENERAL CONDITIONS RELATING TO ALL WELDING AND CUTTING ABOARD VESSEIS:

Permits Required:

A permit shall be obtained from the Fire Department prior to the commencement of any welding and

cutting operations aboard any marine vessel.

A copy of the Fire Department Permit shall be displayed at the foot of the gangway or in such other location

where it is readily visible from the pier or dock. The permit shall be displayed in such a manner as to be

protected from the effects of weather.

Violation of Permit Conditions:

Violation of permit conditions shall be cause for immediate revocation of the Fire Department Welding and

Cutting Permit. Permits which are revoked shall only be re-issued in accordance with the following schedule:

First Revocation: Permits shall not be re-issued for a period of 24 hours and shall require the payment

of a new permit fee.

Second Revocation: Permits shall not be re-issued for a period of 5 working days and shall require the

payment of a new permit fee.

Third Revocation: Permits shall not be re-issued for a period of 30 days and shall require the payment

of a new permit fee.

Notification of the Fire Department:

A means shall be provided to rapidly contact the Fire Department in the event of an emergency. Such

means shall be available within 200 feet of the work site.

Preparations for Closure of the Vessel:

Prior to the commencement of repairs, arrangements shall be made to close the vessel as soon as possible

in the event of fire. Closure time shall not exceed 30 minutes. Such arrangements shall not require the use

of ship’s power to make the closures. Such closures shall be sufficient to ensure the efficient use of carbon

5
dioxide (C02) to extinguish the fire.

If it is not possible to prepare the vessel to be closed within 30 minutes, the person applying for the permit

shall have cranes and crane operators available within 60 minutes whenever work is being performed. Such

cranes must be capable of lifting not less than 10,000 pounds with a boom of sufficient length to reach the

outboard side of the largest vessel at the pier.

EXCEPTION: During the construction of new vessels, when no combustible materials are present.

Gangways Required:

Gangways shall be provided for access to vessels in accordance with the following schedule:

1. Vessels less than 200 feet in length - One (1) gangway.

2. Vessels 200 feet or more in length - Two (2) gangways.

EXCEPTION: Gangways are not required for vessels whose size or design permit boarders to

step directly aboard from the dock and where the vessel is moored in such a

way to prevent falling between the vessel and the dock during periods of poor

visibility.

Prohibited Activity:

The following activities are prohibited during welding and cutting operations:

Fuel transfer operations aboard the vessel on which the welding is to take place or aboard any

6
other vessel located within 100 feet in any direction.

Transfer, loading or unloading of hazardous materials shall take place in accordance with the

following requirements:

1. Welding and cutting shall not occur within 200 feet of a transfer of flammable liquids or

gases by means of a hoseline.

2. Welding and cutting shall not occur within 100 feet of a transfer of combustible liquids by

means of a hoseline.

EXCEPTION: Welding and cutting shall not take place within 50 feet of the transfer of

Class IIIB Combustible liquids by means of a hoseline.

3. Other transfers shall not occur within 50 feet of welding and cutting operations unless an

intervening barrier exists and is fully closed during the welding and cutting operation.

4 . Other
. transfers shall not occur within 100 feet of welding and cutting operations when no

intervening barrier exists or if an existing barrier cannot be fully closed.

Spray painting or the application of other flammable compounds unless sufficient ventilation

is provided to maintain the atmosphere at not more than 10 percent of the lower explosive limit
 for the particular material being applied as determined by a marine chemist or shipyard

competent person. Monitoring of such areas shall be carried out by a shipyard competent

person.

Fire Watches:

Whenever welding and cutting operations are taking place above or within ten (10) feet of combustible

material, a responsible individual shall be appointed as fire watch and shall be on duty continuously during

such operations. If during any hot work operation there will be a transmission of heat through a bulkhead,

or above or below a deck where any such work is being done, a fire watch shall be maintained on both sides

of the deck or bulkhead.

Such persons shall have no other duties other than to watch for fire. Fire watches shall remain on duty for

not less than 30 minutes after welding and cutting operations are completed.

Welders and cutters may not serve as their own fire watch.

Persons appointed as fire watch may be a member of the vessel’s crew or other person designated by the

individual in charge of the work.

Persons appointed as fire watch shall read and sign a copy of the Fire Department permit conditions

indicating that he or she understands them.

Fire Extinguishing Devices Required:

One or more fire extinguishers with a rating of not less than 2-A 40-BC shall be kept at the location where
welding and cutting is being done. Extinguishers aboard the vessel which are protecting hazardous areas

(such as galleys and engine rooms) may not be used for this purpose.

A Fire hose of not less than 3/4 inch diameter shall be laid out and charged in the vicinity of welding and

cutting operations. Such hose shall be of sufficient length to reach all areas within the compartment or

space being worked on.

Additional 1-½ inch fire hoses shall be available in the immediate area. Such hoses are not required to be

charged. See below for special requirements involving combustible insulation.

Special Safeguards Relating to Combustible Insulation:

When it is necessary to cut or weld on an area which is covered with combustible insulation, such insulation

shall be removed in accordance with the following requirements:

1. Remove foam 36 inches in all directions, and clean all foam bits and pieces from the area prior

to starting welding and cutting. The remainder of exposed combustible insulation to be wet

down or covered with wet tarps or other suitable materials for a distance of not less than five

(5) feet past the most distant point where sparks or slag will fly or fall.

Alternate: Remove foam 12 inches in all directions and coat exposed edges with No Char or

equivalent substance. Clean all bits and pieces of foam from the area prior to start of welding

or cutting. The remainder of exposed combustible insulation to be wet down or covered with

wet tarps or other suitable materials for a distance of not less than five (5) feet past the most

distant point where sparks or slag will fly or fall.

9
2. An l½ inch fire hose shall be immediately available in areas where welding and cutting is being

done on combustible insulation other than polyurethane foam insulation.

3. When welding and cutting is being performed in areas where poly-urethane foam insulation is

present, one fire hose not less than 1-½ inch in diameter shall be laid out and charged in the

vicinity of welding and cutting operations. One other uncharged 1-½ inch hose line shall be

immediately available. Such hose shall be of sufficient length to reach all areas within the

compartment or space being worked on and/or into immediately adjacent spaces.

4. Fire watch to remain 30 minutes past completion of welding and cutting.

5. Any sign of fire will result in an immediate call to the Fire Department 911 number.

6. When welding on an area that has combustible insulation sprayed on the other side it will be

permitted to leave the insulation in place if the following conditions are met:

a. Use a shipyard competent person as a fire watch and maintain the fire watch one hour

past work completion.

b. One charged 1-½ inch hose line shall be available in the area of the combustible

insulation. One uncharged line shall be immediately available. Such hose shall be of

sufficient length to reach all areas within the compartment or space being worked on

and/or into immediately adjacent spaces.

10
 C. The weld will be made in small sections, cooled with water, and then another small section

welded, cooled, etc.

d Any
. oil contaminated foam will either be removed completely or removed back to clean

foam prior to welding.

e. Any sign of fire will result in an immediate call to the Fire Department 911 number.

Removal and/or Relocation of Materials:

The following materials must be removed from or relocated within the vessel if welding and cutting

operations are to be performed at any location where the risk of rapid fire spread is high and the materials

are so arranged that they cannot be adequately cooled by Fire Department hoselines in the event of a

serious fire without entering the hull or superstructure. Areas where the risk of fire is deemed to be high

include, but are not limited to:

1. Compartments insulated with poly-urethane foam.

2. Compartments which contain highly combustible interior finishes.

The following materials must be removed from the vessel prior to welding and cutting operations in high

risk areas:

1. Compressed gas cylinders except those needed for welding and cutting.

2. Drums of flammable and combustible liquids.

3. Explosives.

11
The following materials must be relocated within the vessel prior to welding or cutting in high risk areas.

1. Flammable refrigerant gases shall be pumped back into the main receiver(s) of the system.

Ventilation:

Forced draft exhaust ventilation of adequate capacity to remove welding and cutting vapors and any

accumulation of flammable vapor shall be installed prior to performing any work in an enclosed or confined

space.

Fuel Cylinders and Hoses:

All cylinders or containers used for the storage of compressed gases shall be constructed, charged and

marked in accordance with nationally recognized safe practices. [1988 SFC 49.101(b)]

Cylinders shall be stored in locations where they are not subject to excessive rise in temperature, mechanical

injury, or tampering. All cylinders (including empty ones) shall have their caps in place and all valves tightly

closed. [1988 SFC 49.104(b)]

Oxygen cylinders in storage shall be separated from fuel gas cylinders or combustible materials (especially

oil and grease) by not less than 20 feet.

Cylinders, valves, regulators, hose and other apparatus and fittings shall be kept free of oil or grease of any

type. Such device&hall not be handled with greasy or oily hands, gloves or other greasy/oily materials.

All compressed gas cylinders, including those in use, shall be adequately secured to prevent falling or being

knocked over. [1988 SFC 49.104(c)]

12
Hose lines shall be inspected frequently for leaks, burns, torn or worn areas, loose connections or other

defects which may render the hose unfit for service. Defective lengths of hose shall be discarded. [1988 SFC

49.106(e)]

Oxygen and fuel gas cylinders shall be placed far enough away from the welding or cutting operation to

ensure that they will not be unduly heated by radiation from heated materials, sparks or slag, or by

misdirection of the torch flame.

All torches and hose shall be disconnected from the cylinders at the end of work and shall not be left below

deck or in confined spaces.

Fuel gas cylinders shall not be placed below the main deck, in confined spaces, or under overhanging decks

where flammable which are lighter than air may accumulate.

Fuel Gas Manifolds:

Shall bear the name of the substance they contain in letters at least 1 inch high which shall be either painted

on the manifold or located on a sign attached to the manifold.

Shall be placed in a safe and accessible location in the open air. They shall not be located within enclosed

or confined spaces.

13
Shall have hose connections, including both ends of the supply hose that leads to the manifold, of a type that

will prevent the hose from being interchanged between the fuel gas and oxygen manifold and supply header

connections. Hose connections shall be kept free of grease and oil.

When not in use, manifold and header hose connections shall be capped.

Nothing shall be placed on top of a manifold, when in use, which will damage the manifold or interfere with

the quick closing of the valves.

Other Precautions Against Fire:

Flammable or combustible liquids may not be stored within 50 feet of welding and cutting operations.

Combustible materials shall not be located within 25 feet of welding and cutting operations. (Including the

opposite side of surfaces on which welding or cutting is being performed.)

Welding and cutting shall not be done in or near compartments or spaces where flammable liquids or vapors,

lint, or loose combustible stocks are so located or arranged that sparks or hot metal from the welding or

cutting operation may cause ignition or explosion of such materials.

When welding or cutting must be done above or within 10 feet of combustible construction or material, or

above a place where workers are employed, or where persons are likely to pass, non-combustible shields

shall be interposed to protect such materials or persons from sparks and hot metal or oxide.

Inspection Required (Applies to Level II and Level III Welding and Cutting):

For Level II and Level III welding and cutting, regular inspections shall be made by a Shipyard Competent

14
Person during the entire repair period to note and eliminate fire hazards and to implement work procedures

to keep such hazards to a minimum.

The types and amounts of fuel oils and other flammable or combustible liquids in all cargo, bunker, deep,

settler and double bottom tanks shall be determined. Such determination shall include associated piping

systems.

The information obtained from such inspections shall be distributed to the department or individual

responsible for fire safety of vessels while under repair. Such information shall be readily available to the

Fire Department in the event of a fire.

Prior to the commencement of welding and cutting operations, an inspection shall be made of the area in

which the work is to occur to assure that:

1. The work to be performed is not prohibited for Level II welding and cutting.

2. Prohibited activity is not taking place elsewhere on the vessel. (See the section entitled

Prohibited Activity.)

3. The area is safe for the welding and cutting to take place and Fire Department Permit

Conditions are being complied with.

Such inspection shall be made by the shipyard competent person or a certified marine chemist. Such

inspections shall include the opposite sides of bulkheads or decks on which welding or cutting operations

are to be performed.

15
Tests for Flammable Vapors and Gases (Applies to Level II and Level III Welding and Cutting):

The permissible level of concentration of flammable vapors or gases shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of

the lower explosive limit in all parts of the spaces in which welding and cutting is to be performed.

Pipe lines which may convey hazardous substances into the spaces which have been certified as “Safe For

Men - Safe For Fire” shall be disconnected or blanked off, or other positive means shall be taken to prevent

the discharge of hazardous substances from entering the space.

Manholes and other closures which were secured at the time of tests shall remain secured. If it is necessary

to open secured spaces or to manipulate any valves which may tend to alter conditions, welding and cutting

operations shall stop and not resume until further tests have certified the space is “Safe for Men - Safe for

Fire.”

SPECIAL CONDITIONS RELATING TO LEVEL I WELDING AND CUTTING:

Definition:

Level I welding and cutting is work which involves repairs or modifications which are minor in nature and

which do not involve any cutting or welding on or near hazardous areas of the vessel.

Level I Permit Application and Renewal:

Permits for Level I: welding and cutting shall be issued for a period not to exceed fourteen (14) calendar

days. At the time of application the person applying for the permit may indicate their intent to apply for an

extension of the permit at the end of that period.

Permits for which an extension will be requested shall be placed on a special inspection schedule by the Fire

Marshal’s Office. Such inspections shall be random and unannounced.

16
Extensions may be granted only to those applicants who are found to be in full compliance with the

conditions of their permit during the special inspection. Permit fees for extension of existing permits shall

be 50% of the fee for a new permit.

Level I Limitations:

Level I welding and cutting must not require the use of more than one cutting torch or one welding machine.

Level I welding and cutting must not involve work on hazardous areas or compartments of the vessel. Such

hazardous areas include, but are not limited to:

1. Fuel systems (including tanks and piping and compartments adjacent to such tanks and piping).

2. Compartments which are insulated with combustible or flammable insulation, including

insulation which has a fire resistive barrier installed over the surface.

3. Engine rooms.

4. Cargo or storage areas which contain or have contained hazardous materials (including

flammable liquids and gases or combustible liquids).

5. Work on surfaces directly adjacent to those compartments listed above (ie. The opposite side

of an insulated space which might expose the insulation to heat).

Examples of Level I welding and cutting include work on:

1. Standing rigging

2. Replacement of cleats and pad eyes

3. Work involving deck machinery

4. Similar repairs or modifications

17
Authorized Locations:

Level I welding and cutting may be performed at the vessel’s normal berth.

EXCEPTION: Level I welding and cutting shall not be performed at fuel terminals, passenger terminals,

or terminals or piers at which the use is primarily residential or recreational in nature.

Vessel’s Fire Protection Systems:

During welding and cutting operations all of the vessel’s fire protection systems shall remain in service.

Inspection Required:

Prior to the commencement of welding and cutting operations, an inspection shall be made of the area in

which the work is to occur. Such inspection shall be made by the person in charge of the repairs or

modifications and shall assure that:

1. The work to be performed does not involve an area of the vessel prohibited for Level I welding

and cutting.

2. Prohibited activity is not taking place elsewhere on the vessel.

3. The area is safe for the welding and cutting to take place.

Such inspections shall include the opposite sides of bulkheads, overheads or decks on which welding or

cutting operations are to be performed.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS RELATING TO LEVEL II WELDING AND CUTTING:

Definition:

Level II welding and cutting includes that work which exceeds the limits of Level I welding and cutting but

18
is less than a major conversion of the vessel or that work which involves welding or cutting on or near areas

of the vessel which are hazardous in nature.

Such hazardous areas include:

1. Fuel systems (including tanks and piping and compartments adjacent to such tanks and piping).

2. Compartments which are insulated with combustible or flammable insulation.

3. Engine rooms.

4. Cargo or storage areas which contain or have contained hazardous materials (including

flammable liquids and gases or combustible liquids).

5. Work on surfaces directly adjacent to those compartments listed above (ie. The opposite side

of an insulated space which might expose the insulation to heat).

Level II Permit Application and Renewal:

Permits for Level II welding and cutting shall be issued for a period not to exceed 30 calendar days. At the

time of application, the person applying for the permit may indicate their intent to apply for an extension

of the permit at the end of that period. Permits for which an extension will be requested shall be placed

on a special inspection schedule by the Fire Marshal’s Office. Such inspections shall be random and

unannounced.

Extensions may be granted only to those applicants who are found to be in full compliance with the

conditions of their permit during the special inspection. Permit fees for extension of existing permits shall

be 50% of the fee for a new permit.

Authorized Locations:

Level II welding and cutting may only be performed at designated marine facilities.

19
Designated facilities shall be divided into classes and shall comply with the following requirements:

Class I Facilities:

1. Repairs, other than major conversions, may be performed on vessels of any length.

2. Such facilities must have a valid facility permit from the Fire Department for welding and

cutting operations to take place.

3. Shall have not less than two (2) fire hydrants one of which is located within 500’ of the vessel

under repair, each capable of delivering not less than 2,000 gallons per minute. Additional

hydrants capable of delivering 2,000 gallons per minute shall be required for each 100 feet of

vessel length for vessels over 300 feet in length up to a maximum of 5 hydrants. Such hydrants

shall be so located that two-company hose lays by the Fire Department are not required to

reach them in the event of fire.

4. Be equipped with fire lanes not less than 20 feet wide and shall be capable of supporting a

50,000 pound vehicle or 30,000 pounds per axle. Such fire lanes shall be so located to provide

vehicle access to within 75 feet of the vessel.

EXCEPTION: This requirement may be waived where the facility is so arranged that the Fire

Department will not be delayed in the deployment of equipment.

Class II Facilities:

1. Repairs, other than major conversions, may be performed on vessels less than 200 feet in

length.

2. Such facilities must have a valid facility permit from the Fire Department for welding and

cutting operations to take place.

20
3. Shall have not less than two (2) fire hydrants one of which is located within 500’ of the vessel

under repair, each capable of delivering not less than 2,000 gallons per minute.

Prohibited Locations:

Level II welding and cutting permits shall not be issued for the following piers and terminals:

1. Combustible piers which are not equipped with automatic sprinklers.

2. Combustible piers which are not equipped with firefighting standpipes or hydrants.

3. Fuel Terminals.

4. Passenger Terminals

5. Piers where use is primarily residential or recreational in nature.

6. Piers of any type where a welding and cutting facility permit was not issued from the Fire

Department.

Vessel’s Fire Protection Systems:

During welding and cutting operations, all of the vessel’s fire protection systems shall remain in service.

Special Personnel Required:

Depending on the exact nature of the work, Level II welding and cutting must be performed under the

supervision of an NFPA Certified Marine Chemist or a full-time employee with responsibility for safety, or

both. Full-time safety persons shall meet the requirements for Shipyard Competent Person.

Examples of Level II welding and cutting include:

Removal or replacement of major components of the vessel’s propulsion system.

Replacement of deck houses or other large structural components.

Replacement of hull or deck plating.

21
SPECIAL CONDITIONS RELATING TO LEVEL III WELDING AND CUTTING:

Definition:

Level III welding and cutting is that work which involves a major conversion or work which will place a

major portion of one or more of the vessel’s fire protection systems out of service.

Authorized Locations:

Level III repairs may only be performed in a shipyard.

Vessel’s Fire Protection Systems:

Whenever welding and cutting operations are to occur, the vessel’s fire protection systems shall remain in

service or other steps shall be taken to provide a level of fire protection equivalent to the protection

provided by the vessel’s systems. Such alternate measures shall meet the approval of the Chief.

Special Personnel Required:

Level III welding and cutting must be performed under the supervision of an NFPA Certified Marine

Chemist or a full-time employee with responsibility for safety. Full-time safety persons shall meet the

requirements for Shipyard Competent Person.

CONDITIONS RELATING TO BOTH LEVEL I AND LEVEL II WELDING AND CUTTING:

Duties of Shipyard Competent Persons (Applies to Level II and Level III Welding and Cutting):

For Level II and Level III welding and cutting operations Shipyard Competent Persons shall:

1. Be continuously on duty at the job site during the time work is being performed.

22
2. Personally make such inspections and tests as are necessary to assure that the area in which the

work is to be performed is safe for welding and cutting. Such inspections and tests shall be

performed prior to the commencement of welding and cutting operations.

3. Make frequent inspections of those areas in which welding and cutting operations are being

performed to assure that hazardous conditions have not developed.

4. Personally make an additional inspection at the end of each work shift or upon completion of

the work, whichever comes first, in order to assure that conditions are safe and no fire will start

in the area.

5. Ensure that the conditions contained in any Fire Department Permit are being complied with

by those individuals performing welding and cutting operations.

6. Ensure that any conditions contained in a Marine Chemist Certificate are being complied with

by those individuals performing welding and cutting operations.

7. Ensure that required ventilation is in place and operating correctly.

8. Stop the repair work if permit conditions are not complied with, or if unsafe conditions are

discovered or develop during the repair job. Such repair work shall not resume until unsafe

conditions have been eliminated.

Marine Chemist Certificate Required (Applies to Level II and Level III Welding and Cutting):

No person shall engage in hot work or the use of powder actuated fastening tools in or on the spaces listed

below until a certificate setting forth that such work can be done safely is issued. Such certificates shall be

valid only if they are issued by a Marine Chemist certified by the National Fire Protection Association

(NFPA).

A Marine Chemist Certificate shall be required prior to welding and cutting operations on any vessel:

23
 1. Within or on the boundaries of cargo tanks which have been used to carry combustible or

flammable liquids and/or gases, or within spaces adjacent to such cargo tanks.

2. Within or on the boundaries of fuel tanks.

3. On pipe lines, heating coils, pumps, fittings, or other appurtenances connected to cargo tanks,

fuel tanks or fuel systems.

4. Within the boundaries of engine rooms.

5. Within the boundary of any machinery compartment or space in which the machinery uses a

flammable or combustible liquid or flammable gas in its operation.

Marine Chemist Certificates shall be issued in strict accordance with the requirements of NFPA 306

Standard for the Control of Gas Hazards on Vessels.

B. CODE:

C. APPLICABILITY:

D. OCCUPANCY REQUIREMENTS:

N/A

E. Guidelines -- OPERATIONS:

24
 Appendix G

Ship Fire Timeline

 Appendix G

Ship Fire Timeline

September 16, 1991

[Link] Crew takes coffee break

[Link] Fire reported to fire department.

UNITS INITIALLY DISPATCHED

E-20, E-41, E-8, E-2, E-9, L-4, L-6, B-4,
B-l, U-99, Marine Response Team (E-36, E-4,
B-7), Medic 10, Medic 16, Air 9

[Link] First units on scene (E-20, E-41)

[Link] SECOND ALARM

E-18, E-S, E-10, L-8, L-l, B-2

[Link] Added: Air-26

[Link] Added: Aid-S

[Link] THIRD ALARM

E-21, E-16, E-6, E-22, L-3, L-10, B-5

[Link] Assistant Chief of Operations

[Link] Added: E-3 (Second Fireboat)

[Link] FOURTH ALARM

E-35, E-24, E-17, E-25, L-7, L-11

12:ll:00 Added: B-55 (Off-shift BC)

[Link] Added: B-3

[Link] Added: Aid 14

[Link] Added: E-38, E-30, E-34, E-13

[Link] Added: Aid 31

[Link] Added: Medic 1

[Link] Approximate time CO2 applied

[Link] Added: L-304

[Link] Added: E-32

[Link] Added: E-37

[Link] Added: E-31, E-29, E-11, E-28

[Link] Added: Foam 1, E-27

Units kept on scene two more days.

Appendix H

Photographs
 (Photo by Benjamin Benschneider/Seattle Times)
A tug and two fireboats alongside the Omnisea during the fire. Note at
least nine firefighters visible on board on the starboard side amidships.
 (Photo by Philip Schaenman)
The Omnisea tied up to the pier as it was during the fire.
 (Photo by Philip Schaenman)
Drums of aviation gasoline and other petroleum products.
 (Photo by Philip Schaenman)
View from superstructure looking aft. Fish receiving house on deck. Major
columns of fire and smoke came up from tween deck through square hole in
the center of the “house.” Another hatch and that hole had to be sealed.
 (Photo by Philip Schaenman)
Looking across center of ship to nearby residential community.
 (Photo by Philip Schaenman)
Closeup of hole used to insert CO2, with coupling welded into place.
 (Photo by Philip Schaenman)
Ammonia tank in hold near fire origin. Best available image
 (Photo by Philip Schaenman)
Port side - maximum discoloration near Hold #3; paint in good
condition toward bow; note that the hull did not buckle.
 (Photo by Philip Schaenman)
Steel plate welded over porthole as part of buttoning up the ship prior to CO2 insertion. Adjacent
portholes were stuffed with materials to seal them. Note buckling of deck and railing from heat.
 (Photo by Philip Schaenman)
Hatch opening to holds; it, too, had to be sealed.
 (Photo by Philip Schaenman)
Bow of Omnisea. Note amount of compartments and equipment on deck - a complex area for fire fighting.
 (Photo by Philip Schaenman)
Crane used to lift steel plates on board.
 (Photo by Philip Schaenman)
Aft third of the ship was saved, including ship controls, electronics, and engine room.
 (Photo by Philip Schaenman)
Bow end of ship.
 (Photo by Philip Schaenman)
Seattle harbor looking from pier where Omnisea was docked.