FPAAC 1Q Technician Level Training – March 26th, 2024

FPAAC held its first Technician Level Training of the year onboard SS Curtiss, which is currently moored at Port of Vancouver Berth 17. This exercise saw a larger than anticipated turnout with nearly fifty total participants, but a headcount such as this is no surprise when personnel are given nearly full run of a ship.

To begin, participants were divided into companies and assigned to an Incident Commander (IC) who, with the help of an aide and fire control plan, assign crews to find a location and report back via radio so that can receive their next assignment. By starting with this activity, personnel were split into nearly a dozen companies and were able to familiarize themselves with the unique layout and hazards onboard the SS CURTISS before moving to the scenario-based portion of the training. As an added layer of complexity, we specifically asked the crew of Curtiss not to provide any assistance to FPAAC personnel navigating the vessel.

Our final component of the day focused on an engine room fire scenario included a missing crewmember. FPAAC personnel swiftly and effectively assessed the situation, made contact with the vessel representative, and determined the appropriate course of actions.

MFSA and FPAAC would like to extend its most sincere gratitude to the crew of SS Curtiss, as well as the Port of Vancouver for helping us coordinate this incredible training opportunity.