Fire rescue boats are the guardians of coastal security, ready to respond to emergencies. And fire rescue boat builders are at the forefront of maritime safety. They produce specialized vessels with unique features. And these cater to rescue organizations, fire departments, and other military entities on the water.
Canada’s private and government organizations are on the lookout to update fireboat technology. And, a trusted builder like Hike Metal is equipped for that. It manufactures vessels for rapid deployment and multi-purpose missions. These include rescue operations in protected waters, including shallow waters.
Understanding a manufacturer’s build process and services are crucial. It helps them determine the level of expertise and dedication of the manufacturer. So, let’s find out what defines a top-tier fire rescue boat builder in Ontario.
What are Fire Rescue Boats?
Vessels specially engineered for firefighting on water are called fire rescue boats. They are designed for emergency response and victim recovery. Fireboats need special features not seen in regular boats. These include pressure pumps, firefighting tools, navigation systems, etc.
Fireboat manufacturers customize the design of fireboats with different sets of features. The vessels may also differ in length, going up to 65 feet. That’s because these boats cater to various missions and purposes. Some are multi-mission boats.
Entities that require the services of fire rescue boat builders are as follows –
- Coastal, riverine, and port authorities and harbour patrol teams
- Fire departments specializing in water body emergencies
- Naval forces handling defense or disaster management
- Oil and gas companies operating in offshore fields
- Search and rescue organizations operating in maritime environments
- Security firms focused on safeguarding maritime assets
- Government agencies tackling environmental and public protection
- Private owners and operators like luxury resorts, private marinas, etc.
How Fire Boat Builders Manufacture Vessels for Various Purposes
While designing fireboats, a builder must consider their purposes and tasks. The tasks of these vessels are as follows:
Marine Fire Fighting
The primary job of a fire boat is extinguishing fires in water bodies. For this purpose, they use water, propelling it from specialized pumps. They rarely use other extinguishing agents.
Search and Rescue Missions
Fire boats rescue people and animals from fires, floods, and catastrophes on watersides or water to land. They save passengers on other vessels or in places reachable only by waterways.
Emergency Medical Services
These vessels transport doctors, paramedics, and other personnel to a site of emergency. Firefighters and crew members are also trained to perform emergency medical care on the boat.
Pollution Control
Fireboats place security and naval barriers around the spillage in case of an oil spillage from rigs or tanker ships. They prevent it from spreading, clean the water body, and eliminate pollutants.
Other Activities
Fire rescue boats also perform the following:
- Tow stranded vessels in distress to safety.
- Cut through the ice to make way for other vessels.
- Supply water to the fire department for coastal emergencies.
- Escort important vessels and dignitaries traveling by the water to the coast.
Features and Equipment on Fire Boats
Fire rescue boats can be built to cater to different entities and their missions. They can also be multiple-mission boats. Their designs and features vary accordingly, like this H178 Christopher Wheatley Fire Boat Project.
However, based on the essential purposes of these boats, certain features are a must. They are as follows
Propulsion System
The boat’s propulsion system is responsible for its movement. Fireboat propulsion systems may be run by diesel, gas, or water jet. They have outboard/inboard engines. It affects the boat’s speed and range.
High-Pressure Water Pump
Fire boats need a pump to project water onto a target area for quick and efficient fire fighting. Pumps of 500 GPM or above are the best at distributing water from a distance without causing danger to the boat.
Firefighting Equipment
A fire boat must carry elementary firefighting tools. A water cannon for precise operations is a must. So is a pump to draw water from beneath the boat. It may also have a defense system to protect itself.
Navigation and Communication Systems
Every fire boat must be built with advanced navigation systems to reach its destination quickly. It should also have a communication system to stay in touch with port authorities, the site of emergency, etc.
Wheelhouse
Large fireboats for long-distance missions need a place for the crew and firefighters. A wheelhouse in the aft or mid-boat section offers a safe space for them in all weather conditions.
Other Safety and Medical Care Equipment
Fireboats should be able to carry a range of safety and medical care tools like –
- Lifeboats
- Life jackets
- Fireproof suits
- Smoke hoods
- Life rings
- Electrical emergency kits
- Stretchers and beds
- Resuscitator kits
- External defibrillators, etc.
What to Look for in a Fire Emergency Boat Builder
While choosing a fire emergency boat builder, consider if the company does the following:
- Provides proof of inspections and tests carried out at waterfront facilities.
- Meets all required quality standards and certification requirements.
- Equips boats to handle quick loading and unloading of personnel and equipment.
- Should be able to install fire pumps of 1500 GPM or higher capacity.
- Provide unique customization features like a center console, multi-engine configurations, etc.
- Offers repair, refurbishment, inspection, and other services.
Contact Hike Metal for the Best Fire Rescue Boat Manufacturer
Hike Metal takes immense pride in its ability to produce customized vessels. It is one of the world’s most trusted fire rescue boat builders. From manufacturing high-quality boats to providing all-round service – we take care of everything.
So contact us today and get your quote!
