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 | list error: <br /> list (help) 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
- ^
"Vancouver Fire Boat Dedication Event". Vancouver, Washington. 16 May 2014. Retrieved 20 June 2014.
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"Vancouver's quick response boat". Vancouver, Washington. May 2014. Retrieved 20 June 2014.
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Lauren Dake (22 April 2014). "New Vancouver fireboat to be named Discovery". The Columbian. Archived from the original on 20 June 2014.
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Michael E. Senchyna (February 2009). "Marine Response Vessel Use and Design Assessment" (PDF). Federal Emergency Management Agency. Retrieved February 2014.
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