Posted:
July 5, 2011
American Maritime Officers members this month participated in the first activation drill for the Donjon-SMIT LLC Salvage Marine Fire Fighting Network, which was conducted in Rio Vista, Calif. PRONAV Offshore Services LLC manages this nationwide network of first responders for Donjon-SMIT.
Donjon-SMIT contracted with PRONAV to recruit and maintain a set of qualified mariners to assist with their casualty response operations. PRONAV has recruited AMO officers to serve as first responders in 41 U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port Zones in the continental U.S., non-contiguous states and U.S. territories.
The AMO first responders help fulfill an important mandate of new Coast Guard regulations, which require each tank vessel calling at a U.S. port to pre-designate a marine salvage company within its tank vessel response plan to ensure rapid response to any casualty involving damage to the vessel with the potential to spill oil.
The AMO administration secured a memorandum of understanding with PRONAV, allowing AMO officers to work as first responders in the Salvage Marine Fire Fighting Network through the PRONAV FLEX CREW (SM) program.
Under the MOU, AMO officers who live in or near one of the 41 COTP Zones were recruited to serve as marine first responders during their off-ship time, earning money for every activation or drill they participate in while providing this critical service.
The first drill to test the Donjon-SMIT first responder network took place June 7.
"We were able to gain a firm overview of the Donjon-SMIT marine casualty response operation and what exactly our roles are in the system," said AMO member Greg Mensching.
Company personnel participating in the drill provided answers to specific questions from first responders, discussed salvage and underwater survey procedures during an emergency and provided the AMO first responders with the opportunity to train as a team. Two containers of equipment were also provided on site.
"The equipment that they brought for the drill is very good," said AMO member Jordan Foss. "A lot of thought and planning went into creating those containers with all the firefighting gear that we will need in an emergency."
Following the drill, the first responders met in conference with Donjon-SMIT representatives, sharing suggestions and ideas for refining emergency response procedures, additional equipment and future drills.
"This was an invaluable experience, as the first responders were able to familiarize and practice with the actual gear that would be sent to an emergency," Mensching said. "We practiced with and set up the water distribution equipment and fire fighting monitors, bunker gear and self-contained breathing apparatuses. It is always worthwhile to train with one's equipment before an emergency happens. Although we as first responders may not actually enter a marine fire situation, we certainly could support the personnel who do with this equipment."
AMO members participate in Donjon-SMIT first responder drill
American Maritime Officers members this month participated in the first activation drill for the Donjon-SMIT LLC Salvage Marine Fire Fighting Network, which was conducted in Rio Vista, Calif. PRONAV Offshore Services LLC manages this nationwide network of first responders for Donjon-SMIT.
Donjon-SMIT contracted with PRONAV to recruit and maintain a set of qualified mariners to assist with their casualty response operations. PRONAV has recruited AMO officers to serve as first responders in 41 U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port Zones in the continental U.S., non-contiguous states and U.S. territories.
The AMO first responders help fulfill an important mandate of new Coast Guard regulations, which require each tank vessel calling at a U.S. port to pre-designate a marine salvage company within its tank vessel response plan to ensure rapid response to any casualty involving damage to the vessel with the potential to spill oil.
The AMO administration secured a memorandum of understanding with PRONAV, allowing AMO officers to work as first responders in the Salvage Marine Fire Fighting Network through the PRONAV FLEX CREW (SM) program.
Under the MOU, AMO officers who live in or near one of the 41 COTP Zones were recruited to serve as marine first responders during their off-ship time, earning money for every activation or drill they participate in while providing this critical service.
The first drill to test the Donjon-SMIT first responder network took place June 7.
"We were able to gain a firm overview of the Donjon-SMIT marine casualty response operation and what exactly our roles are in the system," said AMO member Greg Mensching.
Company personnel participating in the drill provided answers to specific questions from first responders, discussed salvage and underwater survey procedures during an emergency and provided the AMO first responders with the opportunity to train as a team. Two containers of equipment were also provided on site.
"The equipment that they brought for the drill is very good," said AMO member Jordan Foss. "A lot of thought and planning went into creating those containers with all the firefighting gear that we will need in an emergency."
Following the drill, the first responders met in conference with Donjon-SMIT representatives, sharing suggestions and ideas for refining emergency response procedures, additional equipment and future drills.
"This was an invaluable experience, as the first responders were able to familiarize and practice with the actual gear that would be sent to an emergency," Mensching said. "We practiced with and set up the water distribution equipment and fire fighting monitors, bunker gear and self-contained breathing apparatuses. It is always worthwhile to train with one's equipment before an emergency happens. Although we as first responders may not actually enter a marine fire situation, we certainly could support the personnel who do with this equipment."