Discovery (fireboat)

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.[4] 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.[5] 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. Archived from the original on 20 June 2014. Retrieved 20 June 2014.
  2. 1 2 "Vancouver's quick response boat". Vancouver, Washington. May 2014. Archived from the original on 2017-01-31. 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. ↑ Stephanie Rice (2012-12-02). "New fire boat coming to the rescue?". The Columbian. Retrieved 2018-03-03. The Coast Guard, after conducting a study of regional needs, supported the city’s application for a Department of Homeland Security grant.
  5. ↑ Michael E. Senchyna (February 2009). "Marine Response Vessel Use and Design Assessment" (PDF). Federal Emergency Management Agency. Retrieved February 2014. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
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