April 5, 2002
File No. 101116

The first new fireboats the Port of Los Angeles has had in 35 years are taking shape in Seattle. The 39′ x 13′-6” vessels designed by Jensen Maritime Consultants, Inc. (JMC) are being constructed by Kvichak Marine Industries, Inc. LAFD firefighters worked closely with the designer and builder to create a vessel that supports all the functions assigned to a contemporary fire department.

The design incorporates such details as an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) area, a hose bed similar to that found in a fire truck and an aft steering & pump control station. The operator station is arranged for single or multiple operators in case simultaneous maneuvering and firefighting functions are required. The interior arrangement provides sheltered space for firefighters to don SCBA or diving equipment while the aft control station allows the operator visual access to divers or victims in the water.

The aft boarding platform will aid divers and victims as they climb onto the low swim step. The firefighters have been closely involved in the design and the attention to detail is apparent: there are no sharp edges for hoses to chafe against, sight lines are clear, access for maintenance has been considered. “We are very excited to get these boats,” says Doug Moore, Project Engineer for LAFD. The new vessels will provide primary response within the Port of Los Angeles, which has 35 miles of perimeter shoreline. Offshore response will cover anchorage areas, which average 3 to 5 miles from the seawall.

The new fireboats are also fully capable of near coastal response up to 25 miles offshore.