Hidden dangers of marine vessel fires revealed in new NTSB alert
Iain Hoey
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NTSB issues safety alert on marine vessel fires in the United States
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a safety alert on marine vessel fires, urging fire departments to strengthen training for land-based firefighters.
According to the NTSB, the alert follows investigations into several incidents in which land-based firefighters were injured or killed while responding to fires aboard commercial vessels in United States ports.
The NTSB reported that many land-based firefighters lack familiarity with vessel layouts and fire protection systems, leaving them unprepared to use the built-in features designed for shipboard fire containment.
The board explained that inexperience with these systems can increase the risks for responders and worsen fire conditions once firefighting efforts begin.
The safety alert calls for coordinated training, vessel familiarisation tours, and operational planning with port authorities and the US Coast Guard.
Lessons from previous vessel fires
The NTSB highlighted three investigations in which firefighter injuries occurred due to insufficient training in marine firefighting techniques.
One case was the 2023 fire on the roll-on/roll-off vessel Grande Costa D’Avorio at Port Newark, New Jersey.
The NTSB found that Newark Fire Division firefighters were directed to engage the fire in a zone where the ship’s carbon dioxide extinguishing system had already been activated.
The board stated that this decision allowed more oxygen into the space, increasing the fire’s intensity.
Two firefighters were unable to escape from the smoke-filled garage deck and died during the incident.
The NTSB said the division’s lack of vessel firefighting training led to an ineffective response and contributed to the casualties.
Structural differences in marine firefighting
The NTSB explained that marine vessel fires differ from structural fires on land because the focus is on containment rather than extinguishment.
It reported that water applied to a vessel fire can accumulate inside the ship and affect stability.
The board noted that vessel construction using steel can also reflect radio waves, limiting the use of portable radios.
According to the NTSB, many vessels are equipped with fire-resistant bulkheads and decks that slow fire spread and create zones which can be sealed to cut off oxygen.
Fixed gas suppression systems, such as carbon dioxide, are also common and require sealed environments to be effective.
The board stated that entering these spaces too soon can reintroduce oxygen and trigger a dangerous reflash of the fire.
Recommended steps for fire departments
The NTSB advised fire departments serving ports to create training plans that prepare firefighters for the unique conditions of shipboard fires.
The board recommended that training should cover tactics, strategies, communication methods, and vessel layouts.
It said departments should also work with local ports to arrange vessel tours and coordinate preparedness drills.
The NTSB urged coordination with the US Coast Guard on operating procedures during emergencies.
The board also encouraged departments to study past vessel fire incidents to strengthen contingency planning.
NFPA standards and guidance
The NTSB directed fire departments to make use of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publications when designing training and operational procedures.
It recommended referencing NFPA 1405, the Guide for Land-Based Fire Departments that Respond to Marine Vessel Fires.
The board also advised using NFPA 1010, the Standard on Professional Qualifications for Firefighters, which updates the earlier NFPA 1005 covering marine firefighting qualifications.
According to the NTSB, applying these standards will help ensure firefighters are trained to operate safely in shipboard environments.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The NTSB’s safety alert highlights risks that arise when land-based firefighters respond to incidents in ports without marine-specific training.
For fire and safety professionals, the alert underscores the importance of preparing crews to operate in environments with structural fire protection zones and fixed gas suppression systems.
It also stresses the role of inter-agency cooperation, with port authorities and the US Coast Guard, in building effective emergency procedures.
Departments that serve ports can review their training programmes against NFPA standards to reduce risks to firefighters and improve outcomes in future vessel incidents.
NTSB issues safety alert on marine vessel fires in the United States: Summary
The National Transportation Safety Board issued a safety alert on marine vessel fires.
The board urged fire departments to improve training for land-based firefighters serving ports.
The alert followed investigations into several vessel fires where firefighters were injured or killed.
The NTSB reported that many land-based firefighters lack training in shipboard layouts and fire protection systems.
It cited the 2023 fire on the Grande Costa D’Avorio in Newark, New Jersey, where two firefighters died.
The board said the Newark Fire Division lacked marine firefighting training, leading to an ineffective response.
The NTSB explained that vessel firefighting differs from land-based firefighting because water can destabilise ships and radio use can be limited.
The board noted that vessels use structural fire protection and fixed gas suppression systems that require sealed spaces.
The NTSB recommended creating training plans, conducting vessel tours, and coordinating with the US Coast Guard.
It also advised using NFPA 1405 and NFPA 1010 as training references.
The board encouraged departments to review past vessel fire incidents to improve contingency planning.
It stated that following these steps will improve firefighter safety in ports.
