Press Release

MFI goes International in Conducting Tugboat Firefighting and LNG Familiarization

Marine Firefighting Inc. (MFI) has been working with Moran Towing Corp. and Mc Allister Towing to provide familiarization on the new Fi Fi Class 1 Firefighting equipment installed on their new boats. The first session was conducted in January 2004 in Norfolk, Virginia and has been ongoing. These companies are providing LNG vessel assist into the Dominion Cove Point, Maryland LNG facility.

As of 2006 we have also been training the tug boat crews of Crescent Towing and Moran Towing in Savannah, GA. They are both engaged in vessel assist for the ships offloading at the Elba Island Southern Natural Gas LNG facility located there.

In 2007 we also started providing the same familiarization training for G & H Towing, Bay Houston Towing and Sudderman & Young Towing in Galveston, Texas. Each of these tug boat companies have purchased these new Fi Fi Class 1 boats and will be providing LNG vessel escort service for the Freeport, Texas LNG facility which began operation in January 2008.

Also in 2008 Marine Firefighting Inc. is expanding its LNG program internationally by providing training to the Servicios Marítimos de Baja California, S. de R.L de C.V. marine towing company in Mexico. This new company is a joint venture between Moran Towing Corporation and Compañía Marítima del Pacifico S.A. de C.V. to provide tugs and other marine vessels to assist LNG vessels calling at the Energía Costa Azul LNG Import Terminal. The terminal is being constructed at a site located approximately fifteen (15) nautical miles WNW of the port of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. .

The new boats, each with two massive fire monitors capable of a combined output of over 10, 000 gallons per minute (40+ tons), make these boats capable of extinguishing, and/or controlling, most marine fire incidents.

The remotely controlled monitors are able to project a straight water stream 400 feet or convert to a misted stream to cover larger deck areas with cooling water.

The familiarization is being provided so that the crews are familiar with the operation of these monitors and other new Firefighting equipment such as a water deluge system.

The deluge system is a configuration of fixed pipes and nozzles which can cover the entire bridge and deck area with a misted spray of protective water.

It can be used in conjunction with the monitors or by itself to protect crew members and the tug from radiant heat while operating on a fire.

During familiarization we discuss one of the problems which may be encountered because of the effectiveness of the deluge.

Visibility can be greatly reduced and crews were made aware that they might have to rely on radar.

The system will allow the tug to either closely approach a fire or protect the boat and crew if they must withdraw in an emergency.

These boats also come with 4 sets of protective clothing and 4 complete sets of Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) with spare air bottles. There is also the capability of refilling the SCBA air bottles onboard.

After the classroom session all crews boarded their boat under the supervision of the vessel's master to put the monitors through its paces.

The waterfronts in Norfolk, Savannah, and Galveston were presented with quite a display as both monitors were maneuvered into all positions and the water stream was converted from a thin straight stream into a wide dispersed stream.

The crews realized that these monitors are no toys and must be handled with care.

The volume of water delivered necessitated caution and continuous training with realistic fire drill scenarios. By the end of the morning session everyone had a new found respect for these excellent and powerful new tools.

The second part of the Marine Firefighting Inc. sessions for Moran, Mc Allister, Crescent, Bay Houston, Sudderman & Young, and G & H towing involved familiarization with the properties of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and also familiarization with existing Firefighting tactics used at an LNG incident.

This familiarization is prompted by the tug company's recent contracts to provide ship-assist services to LNG tankers into the Cove Point LNG facility in the Chesapeake Bay, Elba Island in Savannah, GA, Freeport LNG terminal in Freeport, TX., and in the port of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico

The excellent safety record in the LNG shipping industry will continue to be maintained by Moran, Mc Allister, Crescent, Bay Houston, Sudderman & Young, G & H's, and now Servicios Marítimos de Baja Californianew boats as well as their crew's commitment to safety and training. If your company is engaged in the LNG delivery and/or receiving industry then perhaps this training could benifit your employees also. We also provide on-going firefighting training aboard any work boat or ship.

Whether you are a private commercial marine company or a municipal Fire Department, Marine Firefighting Inc. will be able to provide the familiarization, consulting, or informational seminars that your employees need to perform their jobs safely. All aspects of Marine Firefighting can be covered. Whether your hazard represents a small boat and marina fire or a fire aboard the largest tanker or cruise ship afloat we have the expertise to handle your training and seminar needs.

The President of The Marine Firefighting Institute, Tom Guldner is a retired 33-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department. Tom spent the last 10-years of his Firefighting career as the officer of FDNY's only full time fire/rescue boat and as the training officer of FDNY's Marine Division.

He also held a USCG 100 ton Master's License and is a nationally certified instructor. Tom has addressed both Firefighter and Mariner Conventions on all aspects of Marine Firefighting. In March of 2003 he addressed the Lloyds of London Conference "Fire on Ships". Tom is currently a participating member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) Fishing Vessel Operations and Safety panel and also their Small Working Vessel Operations and Safety panel. He is also a Principal Member of the NFPA Technical Committee on Merchant Vessels. His articles on Marine Firefighting have been published both nationally and internationally.

Tom has addressed the "Work Boat Show in New Orleans, Louisiana on many occaisions. In 2002 Tom addressed the Work Boat Show and Professional Mariner Magazine's "MarCas Expo" in Baltimore, Maryland with a seminar entitled, "What To Do When Land-Based Firefighters Must Board Your Vessel" and another presentation recognizing the great job performed on September 11, 2001 by all the work boats in New York harbor. His seminars have also been delivered to Fire Departments, marinas, and commercial marine companies all over the USA. To see a list click here.

If you have any questions for Marine Firefighting Inc., or if you would like to schedule this training seminar for your company or Fire Department you can e-mail Tom Guldner at MarineFires@aol.com