Update: Here's a good video from Yahoo Australia News.
Melbourne Fire Brigade has today unveiled the newest member of its marine fleet – Fireboat 2 – a world-class, firefighting vessel that will protect Melbourne’s waterways and marinas.
Measuring 12 metres long, the water-jet powered craft, christened Prometheus, was purpose-built in Canada and can travel at speeds in excess of 32 knots.
At a cost of $1.4 million, CEO Jim Higgins said the investment is an example of the increasingly diverse skills needed by the modern fire brigade and recognises the growing importance of marine infrastructure in the development of Melbourne.
“The increase in boating activity, rise in waterside living and recreational activities and escalation in port traffic and cargo coupled with the nature of hazardous goods carried are all factors contributing to the likelihood of fire or emergency incidents in the bay,” he said.
“It is therefore vital to equip the brigade with better, faster and more capable marine assets that will be paramount in ensuring public safety and protection of property and the marine environment.”
MFB’s increasingly diverse capabilities in the complex urban environment of Melbourne include emergency medical response, high angle rescue, urban search and rescue, hazardous materials and scientific officers and fire investigation.
MFB has trained more than 100 firefighters in shipboard fire fighting, and currently has 40 firefighters trained as coxswains.
Features of Fireboat 2 include:
Read more: Fireboat 2 Technical Specifications.
Vessel Details:
Make | Firestorm 40 |
Length | 12metres |
Class | 2C |
Engines | Cummins QSM11 |
Beam | 4.39m |
Weight | 18.3tonnes |
Fuel Capacity | 312USG |
Fresh Water | 117L |
Sprint Speed | 33.0kts |
Service Speed | 27.0kts |
Built to Lloyds Registry Standard, the vessel is fully compliant with Australian Standards and has been certified by Transport Safety Victoria as a Class 2C vessel under the National Standards for Commercial Vessels (NSCV).
Operational Capability:
The vessel is capable of carrying a fire-fighting team of eight, at up to 33Kts. Fitted with four monitors and a foam generating system, the vessel can deliver approximately 16,000 Litres of water per minute.
Area of Operation:
The vessel is designed to respond to incidents in the Docklands precinct and throughout Port Philip Bay, by day/night in up to sea state five/force seven winds.
Manning:
Up to 12 personnel (including a crew of four)
Pump:
Pump Type: | Darley |
Pump Capacity: | 16,000 Litres / Minute |
Foam Tank Capacity: | 189 L |
Main Monitor: | 8,000 Litres / Minute |
Hose Lines: | 16,000 Litres / Minute |
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