Discovery (fireboat)

For other uses, see Discovery.

History
United States
Name: Discovery
Operator: Vancouver Fire Department
Builder: Munson Marine
Cost: $1,597,000
Completed: April 2015
Commissioned: 16 May 2014
General characteristics
Type: Fireboat
Length: 46 feet (14 m)
Speed: 35 miles per hour (56 km/h)
Capacity:

Water Pumping Capacity

3,000 US gal (11,360 L; 2,498 imp gal) per minute

Complement: 4
Crew: 4

The Discovery is a fireboat launched on the Columbia River in 2014.[1][2][3] The new vessel will be operated by the Vancouver Fire Department. The vessel's water cannons can pump 3,000 US gal/min (11,000 L/min) and is the city's first dedicated fireboat.

She was purchased through a port security grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.[3] The $2.7 million grant was shared with the Fire Department of nearby Astoria, Oregon, and Clark County Fire & Rescue.

In 2002 the Washington Survey and Review Bureau published a report that stated that Vancouver maritime commerce was well above the size where the city needed a dedicated fireboat.[4] The publication of the report triggered an increase local insurance rates. The FEMA report Marine Response Vessel Use and Design Assessment recommended that Vancouver's fireboat should have a minimum pumping capacity of at least 5,000 US gal/min (19,000 L/min).

In addition to her fire-fighting capability the vessel is equipped with infrared sensors to support search and rescue missions.[2] She is equipped with facilities to contain oil and other hazardous material spills. She was designed to be of use in the event of natural or man-made disasters, like earthquakes, or terrorist attacks. In her cabin there is decontamination station and facilities for providing frontline medical care.

References

  1. "Vancouver Fire Boat Dedication Event". Vancouver, Washington. 16 May 2014. Retrieved 20 June 2014.
  2. 1 2 "Vancouver's quick response boat". Vancouver, Washington. May 2014. Retrieved 20 June 2014.
  3. 1 2 Lauren Dake (22 April 2014). "New Vancouver fireboat to be named Discovery". The Columbian. Archived from the original on 20 June 2014.
  4. Michael E. Senchyna (February 2009). "Marine Response Vessel Use and Design Assessment" (PDF). Federal Emergency Management Agency. Retrieved February 2014. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
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