FALL 2001 SEMINAR
"Lifesaving Appliances and Fire Fighting Equipment"
Attended by Captain E. M. Scott, President - The Nautical Institute HQ, London.
SATURDAY 20th OCTOBER, 2001
at the PACIFIC MARINE TRAINING CAMPUS (BCIT)
265 W. ESPLANADE, NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C., CANADA
The local branch of the Nautical Institute, hosted this seminar on LSA & FFE. This subject matter affects all mariners, whether seagoing or shorebased. Most of the equipment requires large capital expenditures, but hopefully is never used for its intended purpose. It must however, perform flawlessly when required.
Recent advances in technology restrict crews from conducting drills with the equipment, and frequent regulatory changes make it difficult to stay current with the requirements for various classes of vessel.
The Branch wishes to thank the sponsors for their support:
- B.C. Ferries, Ship Safety & Maintenance Department
- The Port of Vancouver
Opening Address was conducted by the Chairman, Captain B. Johnston FNI indicating the need to fully understand the importance of safety equipment. The need to ensure it is adequate, not just because the regulations require it; and through good maintenance, ensuring that it is ready for immediate use.
Mr. Brian Kenefick & Mr. Ross Cowell of Transport Canada Marine Safety followed with a presentation on Regulatory Issues - focusing on the present regulations and possible changes in the future.
Ms. Kate Armstrong, Naval Architect of the BC Ferry Corporation then gave a very valuable insight into Fire Loading Determination & Materials Selection, Based on Fire Protection Systems Fitted in a Space. The presentation explained the special calculations that are required to assess fuel load, based on the available fire protection. This impacts directly on the materials of construction ie. the furnishings and carpeting, etc. within a space.
After coffee Victor Gameiro - Marioff Hi-Fog System gave an informative explanation of modern high pressure, fixed fire extinguishing systems. Systems using minimal quantities of fresh water for rapid fire knockdown.
This was followed by a presentation from Captain John Swann on the Evac U8 Smoke Helmet. Captain Swann demonstrate the equipment's capability by trying to set the unit's hood alight while he was wearing in! Obviously 100% confident with this product that he has developed.
Lunch followed with a humorous address for the NI President Captain E. M. Scott
Mr. Gary Darling of DBC Air Sea Safety Systems then followed with a presentation concerning a very much neglected and misunderstood aspect of servicing extinguishers, fixed systems & liferaft cylinders, including hydro requirements based on construction material with the inclusion of NFPA requirements.
Mr. Mark Hansen of DBC Marine Systems then gave a presentation in the Advances in Marine Evacuation Systems. 10 years ago lifesaving appliances consisted of lifeboats and 25-person liferafts, now 100-150 person liferafts are being fitted. Liferafts used to be either throw-over or davit launched, whereas now we have the option of high capacity slides, or chutes. Can lifecycle and crew costs be reduced with this new technology? This presentation allowed and insight into the requirements needed to make an assessment of what is required in making this determination.
Mr. Paul Higginbotham of Mustang Survival followed with a presentation in the Advances in Personal Survival Equipment. The marine industry tends to follow the trends of the airline industry, so in addition to the latest products, an insight into the latest developments for the military and airline industry was given. Paul provided an interesting look into designs the have produced and tested for the air force. There is special relevance for vessels operating in our cold and sometimes frozen waters.
After Coffee Mr. Paul Christianson & Mr. Bill Hyde of the Triton Marine Group gave a very interesting presentation on the Electronics and Their Uses in LSA and Recent Advances in the Field. In this presentation he discussed the availability and advances in electronic products incorporated in lifesaving appliances, including SART, EPIRB, AIS, etc.
International Institute of Marine Surveyors – North American Branch Launch - Who are they? ended the day with a presentation on this fledgling organisation. The Secretary, Captain Ian Wilkins and the Assistant Secretary, Ms Nicki Smith had flown out from their headquarters in the UK to provide an sight into the work of the International Institute of Marine Surveyors (IIMS). Captain Bowles introduced Captain Wilkins who proceeded to inform the members of what the IIMS was all about. He indicated that many contracting organisations such as P&I Clubs, Law firms and ship Owners are frustrated with the lack of good and comprehensive reporting. This is seen as a direct result of many, so called surveyors, not being properly qualified to undertake the work of a marine surveyor. The thrust is in education and at present, the IIMS has a Marine Surveying Diploma programme, which a number of NI members have already taken and a Masters in Marine Surveying in the works. Captain Bowles closed the presentation and wished that those interested would participate in the new Branch he is heading up.
Closing remarks were then made by Captain Brian Johnston thanking all for attending. Another Branch Seminar cam to a successful close.