Ayrton Oneill
Working on a fire boat is a skilled marine job that requires piloting a diesel engine fireboat in fire fighting and other emergency operations. The work involves regular exposure to uncontrolled and unpredictable conditions, and requires light physical effort. Fire boat pilots are responsible for the movement and positioning of fireboats, as well as the maintenance of the pilothouse and deck equipment. They also need to know how to administer first aid to the fireboat crew when necessary. Fire boat pilots must be familiar with the rules and regulations of the United States Coast Guard, as well as the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (COLREGs).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work environment | Exposure to uncontrolled and/or unpredictable conditions |
| Physical effort required | Light physical effort |
| Work performed under | General supervision of a fire officer |
| Work involves | Participation in fire fighting activities, maintenance of the pilothouse and deck equipment, training of firefighters, instructing firefighters in crew responsibilities, movement and positioning of fireboats, administering first aid to fireboat crew, maintaining daily station log of operations and maintaining ship's log of all assigned vessels |
| Qualifications | Knowledge of regulations, principles, and practices applicable to piloting of intermediate-sized vessels on federally regulated waters, knowledge of rules and regulations of the United States Coast Guard as they apply to pilot operations, knowledge of rules and regulations pertaining to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (COLREGs) as they apply to vessels operating within the inland waterways of the U.S., knowledge of tidal conditions, currents, and the location of channels, shoals, reefs, rocks, floating bells, lights, landmarks, and signals in the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers |
| Fire safety | Develop a fire-safety plan and ensure everyone on board knows what to do in the event of a fire |
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What You'll Learn
How to use a boat fire extinguisher
Working on a fire boat requires skilled marine work, piloting a diesel engine fireboat in firefighting and other emergency operations. It involves regular exposure to uncontrolled and/or unpredictable conditions and requires light physical effort.
Using a boat fire extinguisher is simple, but it's important to remember to stay calm during a fire. Assess the size and source of the fire and prioritise getting everyone to safety and contacting emergency services for large or out-of-control fires.
A boat fire extinguisher is typically Class B and used for flammable liquids such as gasoline. If you have a large boat or are using it commercially, you may need more than one extinguisher or be required to carry other types. Every extinguisher on your boat should be easily accessible and placed where it can be found and used quickly and efficiently. It's a good idea to check on them regularly and ensure they aren't obstructed.
To use a boat fire extinguisher correctly, use the PASS technique:
- Pull the pin: This breaks the tamper-resistant seal and allows you to use the extinguisher.
- Aim low: Point the nozzle toward the fire's base.
- Squeeze the handle: This will release the extinguishing agent.
- Sweep from side to side: Move the nozzle from side to side until the fire is out.
Remember, fire extinguishers are small, quick fixes. If you can't put out the fire with one extinguisher (two at the most), get out. Develop a fire-safety plan and make sure everyone on board knows what to do in the event of a fire. Conduct regular drills with your friends, family, or crew members who regularly use your boat to ensure everyone knows how to use the extinguisher properly.
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Piloting a fireboat
Fireboat pilots must be familiar with the regulations, principles, and practices applicable to piloting intermediate-sized vessels on federally regulated waters. This includes knowledge of the rules and regulations of the United States Coast Guard, as well as the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (COLREGs) as they apply to vessels operating within the inland waterways of the U.S.
In addition, fireboat pilots must be aware of tidal conditions, currents, and the location of channels, shoals, reefs, rocks, floating bells, lights, landmarks, and signals in the nearby waterways. They also work under the general supervision of a fire officer and are responsible for training firefighters to qualify as Fire Boat Engineer/Co-Pilots or Fire Boat Pilots.
Fireboat pilots also administer first aid to the fireboat crew when necessary and maintain a daily station log of operations, as well as a ship's log of all assigned vessels.
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![Marine fire prevention, firefighting, and fire safety / Maritime Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. 1979 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81nNKsF6dYL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Fire safety plans
Firstly, it is crucial to understand the unique challenges posed by fires on boats. Unlike fires on land, boat fires can be more challenging to evacuate from, as jumping into the water may not always be a safe option. Additionally, fires on boats can spread quickly due to the presence of fuel and other flammable materials. Therefore, early detection and swift action are critical.
Developing a comprehensive fire safety plan involves several key steps. Firstly, ensure that all crew members are familiar with the location and operation of fire extinguishers on board. The PASS technique (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) is a widely recognised method for using fire extinguishers effectively. It is essential to practice and familiarise oneself with this technique to ensure quick and efficient response in an emergency.
Additionally, establish clear emergency protocols and ensure that all crew members are well-versed in their roles and responsibilities. This includes determining the location of alarms, signalling for assistance, and administering first aid if necessary. Regular drills and simulations can help reinforce these protocols and improve the crew's response during actual emergencies.
When dealing with fires on boats, it is crucial to consider the surrounding environment. Understand the regulations and practices applicable to piloting vessels on federally regulated waters, including the rules and regulations of the United States Coast Guard and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). Additionally, be mindful of tidal conditions, currents, and the location of channels, shoals, reefs, and other navigational hazards in the area.
Finally, it is essential to have a backup plan. In some cases, it may be safer to evacuate the boat and let professional firefighters handle the situation. Develop a clear evacuation plan and ensure that all crew members know the safest routes and procedures for leaving the boat in an emergency.
By following these guidelines and maintaining a vigilant mindset, those working on fire boats can effectively mitigate the risks associated with fires and improve the overall safety of their crew and vessel.
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Firefighting activities
Fire boat pilots work under the general supervision of a fire officer and are required to use evaluative thinking. They must also be familiar with standard marine practices and general work instructions. This includes knowledge of the regulations, principles, and practices applicable to piloting intermediate-sized vessels on federally regulated waters, as well as the rules and regulations of the United States Coast Guard and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (COLREGs).
In the event of a fire on a boat, it is important to have a fire-safety plan in place and ensure that everyone on board knows what to do. If the fire occurs while in a marina, it may be best to evacuate the boat, call for help, and let professional firefighters handle it. Fire extinguishers are small, quick fixes, and should only be used if the fire can be put out with one or two extinguishers at most.
To use a boat fire extinguisher correctly, follow the PASS technique: Pull the pin to break the tamper-resistant seal, Aim low and point the nozzle toward the fire's base, Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent, and Sweep from side to side until the fire is out.
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First aid
Fire boat pilots are responsible for administering first aid to the fireboat crew when necessary. It is important to be able to provide first aid in this role, as fire boat pilots are regularly exposed to uncontrolled and unpredictable conditions.
Fire boat pilots should be aware of how to use a boat fire extinguisher correctly. The PASS technique involves pulling the pin to break the tamper-resistant seal, aiming low and pointing the nozzle towards the base of the fire, squeezing the handle to release the extinguishing agent, and sweeping the nozzle from side to side until the fire is out.
It is also important to know when to evacuate the boat and call for professional help. If a fire occurs while in a marina, it may be best to evacuate, dial 911, and let firefighters handle it. Fire extinguishers are small, quick fixes, and if you cannot put out the fire with one or two extinguishers, you should get off the boat.
To prepare for a fire, fire boat pilots should develop a fire safety plan and ensure that everyone on board knows what to do in the event of a fire. This is especially important for fires away from the dock, as evacuation will be more difficult and assistance may take longer to arrive.
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Frequently asked questions
A fire boat pilot is responsible for piloting a diesel engine fireboat in fire fighting and other emergency operations. They also participate in fire fighting activities, maintain the pilothouse and deck equipment, and train firefighters to qualify as Fire Boat Engineer/Co-Pilots or Fire Boat Pilots.
Fire boat pilots are regularly exposed to uncontrolled and/or unpredictable conditions and the work requires light physical effort.
Fire boat pilots are responsible for the movement and positioning of fireboats. They also administer first aid to the fireboat crew when necessary and maintain a daily station log of operations.
To become a fire boat pilot, you must have knowledge of the regulations, principles, and practices applicable to piloting intermediate-sized vessels on federally regulated waters. This includes knowledge of the rules and regulations of the United States Coast Guard, as well as the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (COLREGs).
To use a fire extinguisher on a fire boat, follow the PASS technique: Pull the pin to break the tamper-resistant seal, Aim low by pointing the nozzle toward the fire's base, Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent, and Sweep from side to side until the fire is out.
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