b'SAFETY MATTERSSAFETYThe Importance ofFire Prevention and TrainingERIC CHRISTENSEN // PVA DIRECTOR OF REGULATORY AFFAIRS & RISK MANAGEMENTAfire on a PVA member vesselto a commercial shipyard in Norfolk so theer starts. Prevention efforts start when a vessel recent illustrates the need for constant vigi- U.S.CoastGuardandNationalTranspor- is built. The use of wood as a hull material has lance in the form of prevention mea- tation Safety Board (NTSB) could continuedeclined over the past 20 years and composite sures and effective crew training as we enter thetheir investigation. construction such as fiberglass is required to busy operating season for many companies. be fire retardant. Larger domestic passenger The Coast Guard declared this a major ma- vessels are designed and built to strict fire safe-RECENT FIRE rine casualty due to damage likely to exceedty standards. Structural fire protection, such According to open-source media accounts a$500,000andinitiatedaone-personformalas fire-rated bulkheads, fire doors, and damp-fire broke out in the machinery space of theinvestigation.TheNTSBisassistingintheers are an integral part of modern passenger M/VSpiritofNorfolkwhileunderwayoninvestigation but is not the lead for the inves- vessel construction. June 7, 2022. The vessel had over 100 passen- tigation.Thereisnoinvolvementfromthe gers and crew on board including a group ofDepartmentofJustice,sotheinvestigationCompany emphasis should be placed on fire elementaryschoolchildren.Crewmembersshould move quickly.prevention and good housekeeping on board responded by sealing off the machinery spacethe vessel. The crew needs to be empowered and securing the fuel oil shutoff valves. AllTheM/VSpiritofNorfolkisasteel-hulledand encouraged to report issues of concern. passengers were safely mustered and efficientlyvessel and was certificated prior to 1996, so, forAre combustible materials being stowed next evacuated from the vessel to a non-PVA mem- the purpose of regulations, she is considered anto hot surfaces? Are small exhaust or oil leaks ber passenger vessel.existing vessel. As such, there was no require- impactinglagginginmachineryspaces?Is ment for a fixed fire suppression system in thethereaprocesstoverifypropermachinery The vessel was towed to the nearest navy dockmachinery space and none was installed. operation following maintenance either by the inNorfolk,Va.,wherefirefightingeffortscrew or the vendor hire to the work? How are continuedfortwomoredays.ThefirewasPREVENTION lithium-ion batteries stowed and charged? extinguishedandthankfullythevesseldidThe PVA Basic Firefighting Manual states not sink in the process. The vessel was towedthe easiest fire to extinguish is the one that nev- In a recent Coast Guard report presented to senior PVA leadership at the May 10, 2022, Quality Partnership meeting, fire-safety defi-ciencies ranked fourth in number of deficien-cies issued by Coast Guard marine inspectors during annual vessel inspections. The top areas where deficiencies were noted include: Firefighting equipment and appliancesFixed fire extinguishing installation DIGITAL SHIPBUILDERSFire pumps and its pipes DESIGN. BUILD. CONSULT.incatcrowther.comMaintenance of fire protection systemsVentilation It is important that all fire safety equipment and systems work as intended. Periodic testing and maintenance must be performed as per the manufacturers and Coast Guard require-ments. PVA has available to members under Regulatory Compliance Tools in the Member Resource section of the PVA website the in-spection forms and checklists, often referred to as 840 Books that detail the requirements SEASTREAK COMMODORE, SEASTREAK COURAGEOUS the Coast Guard marine inspectors will verify 2 x 45m Catamaran Ro-Pax Ferries during an inspection. PVA members should FOGHORN 26'