doing it. That is a massive amount of energy in motion. However, it is far more difficult to get that high a flow rate on land based operations. In a fireboat, you have to account better for the reaction force on a free floating vessel as opposed to a truck with outriggers firmly planted on the ground. “Different hull shapes inherently


Container terminal at Port of Halifax.


have different characteristics in han- dling, they may even have entirely different propulsion systems. Some propulsion systems are easier than others for an operator to learn and use. This is typically a factor of the amount of money spent on the ves- sel. For example a 28-footer with twin outboards with a converted trash pump is far more difficult to


drive than a 70-foot quad diesel water jet with all electronic controls ($300,000 vs. $3 million). “There is no doubt that operat-


ing a fireboat requires knowledge and understanding, no matter what you are operating near. However, this applies to any boat regardless of the purpose of that boat. Each boat is different, and has different


Photo: Ron Samson 17


September 2013


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