Overview

New York City now has a simulator that reproduces the unique conditions that can arise while fighting fires aboard ships. LiRo-Hill was Construction Manager for the project, located at the FDNY Training Facility on Randalls Island. “In a city with 520 miles of coastline, and highly active shipping and tourism industries, the possibility of shipboard fires is real and present – making this simulator an incredibly important training tool for our members and the entire region,” Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro stated.

About the Project

The four-story, 132 ft-long ship, formally named the Port Security, reproduces the challenges firefighters could face aboard vessels, including inadequate water supply, hazardous materials situations, close quarters on ships, and unique layouts determined by the specific type of vessel. Engine room fires, “galley” or kitchen fires and oil tanker emergencies will all be simulated to provide comprehensive firefighter training.

Outcome

The simulator was funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Port Security Grant Program. The facility is available for training use by other local, state, and federal emergency responders, including the Coast Guard and firefighting groups from other municipalities in the metropolitan New York area.