2020 ANNUAL - Maritime Fire & Safety Association
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2020 ANNUAL REPORT
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
It is my pleasure to present the 2020 Annual Report on • 2020 saw significant staff changes within the MFSA.
behalf of the Board of Directors of the Maritime Fire & Curtis Cannizzaro has been promoted to the General
Safety Association (MFSA). The MFSA relies on the support Manager of our close partner, Clean Rivers Cooperative,
of our members to carry out the mission of being a leading and Mason Sullivan was promoted to the role of
provider and advocate of safe, environmentally responsible Administrative Coordinator.
and cost-effective response services in the Columbia • A major update of the MFSA Plan to meet Washington
Willamette River Marine Transportation System. Ecology’s rule update was submitted to both Oregon
The Board of Directors and staff take the responsibility and Washington in November. We anticipate approval.
of managing this multifaceted organization very seriously. Staff worked with Clean Rivers and its contractors
Through careful oversight of the MFSA Vessel Response to meet these requirements without direct budget
Plan (the Plan), the Fire Protection Agencies Advisory impacts.
Council (FPAAC), the Oil Spill Response & Prevention As is true for all of our members and stakeholders, the
Committee (OSRPC) and the VHF Microwave Radio MFSA has made the necessary adjustments to hold and
Communication System we have maintained the response participate in virtual meetings, trainings and exercises.
levels expected of us by our members, the maritime
community and as required by state and federal regulations. We have many projects planned for 2021, including:
As we all know, 2020 has been an unprecedented year! • Completion of the Multi-Hazard Exercise. Originally
In spite of all the challenges, the MFSA has managed to scheduled for March of 2020, the Tabletop Exercise
continue to prioritize its mission. I am proud to detail just portion of the exercise, which tests a response involving
some of the highlights below. Further information on these both fire and oil spill, will be completed in 2021.
accomplishments can be found in the following pages of this • Continue work on the upgrade of the MFSA radio
report. system.
• Staff had been preparing for over two years to hold a • Pursue opportunities for FPAAC to collaborate
major Multi-Hazard Exercise. The hands-on technical with non-regional agencies on land-based shipboard
exercise held at the Port of Longview was a huge firefighting.
success. However, COVID-19 related restrictions The MFSA Board is committed to ensuring our organization
resulted in a cancellation of the tabletop portion only continues to meet its obligations to its members,
days before it was to be held. stakeholders and regulated community. The funding for these
• Following the 2017 completion of the Fire Plan Update programs comes from the fees collected from the ships and
which provided overall direction and targets, 2020 barges which call at our members’ terminals. Ship calls to
included completion of the Shipboard Firefighting the river have remained healthy in spite of all the challenges,
Operations Guide which gives tactical direction for and we will continue to operate within our budget for 2021
firefighting response. without the need for any increase in fees.
• The MFSA radio communications system will benefit As President of the MFSA Board of Directors, I’d like to
from federal funding to replace some aging critical thank all those who help maintain the high standards of our
components. These activities were delayed to some organization—individually and as a team. They provide a
extent due to COVID-19, but have resumed. tremendous support system to accomplish our vision and
mission.
2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mat Cusma
PRESIDENT
Mat Cusma, Schnitzer Steel 2020 President
VICE PRESIDENT MFSA Board of Directors
Kent Cash, Port of Vancouver
SECRETARY / TREASURER Schnitzer Steel
Geoff Owen, Port of Portland
Andrew Holbrook, Kinder Morgan
Gene Loffler, Louis Dreyfus Company
Bryon Fletcher, Centerline Logistics
Karen Hays, Alaska Tanker
2
2021 CALENDAR
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH
26 Annual Meeting 10 MFSA/Clean Rivers Coop. 2 Board of Directors Meeting
Joint Equipment Committee
Meeting
27 OSRPC Meeting 11 FPAAC Quarterly Meeting
24 OSRPC Meeting
APRIL MAY JUNE
6 Board of Directors Meeting 4 Board of Directors Meeting 10 FPAAC Quarterly Meeting
6 FPAAC Annual Summit 26 OSRPC Meeting 15 Board of Directors Meeting
(Elected Board Only)
JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER
28 OSRPC Meeting 3 Board of Directors Meeting 9 FPAAC Quarterly Meeting
11 MFSA/Clean Rivers Coop. 22 OSRPC Meeting
Joint Equipment Committee
Meeting
OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
5 Board of Directors Meeting 2 Board of Directors Meeting 7 Board of Directors Meeting
(Elected Board Only)
17 OSRPC Meeting 9 FPAAC Quarterly Meeting
MEETING DETAILS
All meetings will be held remotely while restrictions are in place. Once we are able to meet in person, meetings will be held at the following locations:
• Board of Directors Meetings and Oil Spill Response & Preparedness Committee (OSRPC) Meetings are held at the Conference Center at the Hilton
Hotel in Vancouver, Washington unless otherwise notified.
• Fire Protection Agencies Advisory Council (FPAAC) Quarterly Meetings are typically held at the Port of Kalama. Contact MFSA Administrative
Coordinator to confirm meeting location.
• MFSA and Clean Rivers Cooperative Joint Equipment Committee Meetings are held at the Clean Rivers Cooperative Operations Facility in Portland,
Oregon unless otherwise notified.
CONTENTS
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT 2 OIL PROGRAM ACTIVITIES 7
2021 CALENDAR 3 CLEAN RIVERS COOPERATIVE UPDATE 9
AGREEMENTS, PLANS & GUIDELINES 4 SHIPBOARD FIREFIGHTING 10
2019 MFSA PARTNERSHIP AWARDS 5 HISTORY OF MFSA 14
OIL SPILL RESPONSE 6 MFSA FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE REPORT 15
3
AGREEMENTS, PLANS & GUIDELINES
GENERAL: OIL:
MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT The MFSA Vessel Response Plan - Umbrella Oil Spill
Contingency Plan - Columbia and Willamette Rivers
An agreement between MFSA and the Merchants Exchange
wherein the Exchange provides full program management The Plan was developed to address Oregon and Washington
to MFSA including an Executive Director, General Manager, States regulations for oil spill response for self-propelled
communications, administrative and financial support vessels over 300 gross tons transiting the Lower Columbia
services. and Willamette Rivers. The MFSA Plan can be found in full
online at www.mfsa.com. A couple of key components of
FIRE: the Plan include:
LOWER COLUMBIA MARITIME FIRE SAFETY PLAN • Field Guide – required to be on board vessels prior to
A plan designed to address shipboard firefighting on entering the MFSA Area of Responsibility. Summarizes
the Lower Columbia and Willamette Rivers, including emergency procedures for vessels in the event of a spill
agency roles, State and Federal regulations and equipment or threat of spill.
requirements. • Response Action Checklist – Found in Chapter 4 of
the Plan, this is a guide for responders in evaluating and
MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT managing spill response.
Agreement among individual FPAAC fire agencies, INTERIM SPILL RESPONSE COORDINATOR -
supported by MFSA, providing mutual aid to fire protection
agencies participating in the MFSA program.
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT
The MFSA Interim Spill Response Coordinators (ISRCs)
SHIPBOARD FIRE OPERATIONS GUIDE are an integral part of the Plan. They act as Incident
A guide for FPAAC member agencies to respond to a Commanders in the important early stages of a spill
shipboard fire incident. The guide contains initial assessment response while the Responsible Party is mobilizing their own
information and checklists, notification procedures, team. These key contractors make the umbrella plan concept
instructions for mutual aid requests, communications, marine successful.
fire incident command system protocol, and response MFSA / CLEAN RIVERS MEMORANDUM
resources.
OF AGREEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE HANDBOOK Dating back to 1992, there has been a “sharing” agreement
The collection of policies and procedures adopted by in place between MFSA and Clean Rivers that commits to
FPAAC to help meet its responsibilities as listed in its working together to own, maintain and operate the response
agreement with MFSA. equipment resident on the river system. This co-owned
equipment is crucial in the response plans of not only
MFSA but also the facility members of the Clean Rivers
Cooperative.
THE MARITIME FIRE & SAFETY ASSOCIATION
The MFSA is an association of public ports and private facilities throughout the 110 mile shipping channel on the Lower
Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Our members are committed to ensuring safe, environmentally responsible and successful
commerce along the river, which includes working with two states, seven counties, fourteen cities and seven port districts. In
addition to MFSA’s mission statement and bylaws, these agreements, plans and guidelines provide us with the framework
and direction on our program work.
4
2019 MFSA Partnership Awards
2019 Partnership Award Winners, as announced at the Annual Meeting on 1/28/2020.
The membership of MFSA includes a wide range of organizations with varying individual organizational goals and
objectives. To have all of these members come together for a common goal, to be “the leading provider and advocate of safe,
environmentally responsible, and cost-effective response services to commercial vessels in the Columbia Willamette River
Marine Transportation System,” requires a very high level of collaboration. To honor these valuable relationships, the MFSA
awarded its 5th Annual Partnership Awards.
VESSEL: VESSELS OF OPPORTUNITY
The Vessels of Opportunity (VOO) are a designated fleet of
local commercial or recreational vessels whose owners have
volunteered to be part of the MFSA’s Vessel Response Plan’s
available resources. These experienced local vessel operators
receive training on various aspects of oil spill response
including proper collection and recovery strategies, basics of
the incident command system and safe operations.
These vessel owners support MFSA’s response capabilities
and regularly train with our commercial response contractors.
• Bruce Jolma • Bob Hyke
• Roger Jolma • John Kullunki
• Greg Mustola • Gary Olson
• Merrick Johnson • Ronny Cox Dale Raymond from U.S. Ecology accepting Vessel Partnership
• Darren Crookshanks • John Tarabochia Award on behalf of MFSA VOO operators.
• Greg Johnson • Randy Wall
Dale Raymond, Project Manager with NRCES, manages and
oversees this program for the MFSA and accepted the award
on behalf of the VOO operators.
FACILITY: PORT OF KALAMA
The Port of Kalama has been very involved with a number
of MFSA activities over the years. Their consistent
availability for quarterly FPAAC meetings and classroom
training has provided a centrally located facility for
firefighters to come together. Additionally, presentations
at trainings, such as the one delivered by Liz Newman
at FPAAC’s fourth quarter training, have increased the
awareness of port facilities, aiding in advanced preparation
for response to a shipboard fire.
Commissioner Randy Sweet from Port of Kalama accepting the Facility
Partnership award.
5
BLANKET COVERAGE
OIL SPILL RESPONSE
AGENTS:
ACGI Shipping Summary: Calendar Year 2020 saw the In the event of a spill or
Blue Water Shipping Company MFSA Umbrella Vessel Response Plan substantial threat of a spill
activated only three times, each time for afrom the covered vessel, the
Cascade Marine Agencies potential threat of a spill. vessel is to notify MFSA as
Fujitrans U.S.A. Inc. soon as possible. MFSA will
OCTOBER immediately assign an Incident
GSB Marine Services, LLC Commander, activate nearby
In the early morning on October 1,
General Steamship Corp. LTD 2020 a covered vessel was outbound near response resources and manage
Skamokawa with a load of grain when it the response in conjunction
Inchcape Shipping Services experienced a loss of propulsion. This with the vessel, the USCG and
Intercruises caused a lack of steering resulting in the appropriate state agencies.
vessel grounding. Chad Thompson acted
Interport PNW on behalf of MFSA as Incident Commander and the OSRV Mark O. Hatfield
was deployed. A visual inspection of the ship determined there was no apparent
North American Shipping Agencies damage to the hull and no pollution from the fuel on board. The Hatfield stood
Norton Lilly International by until the ship refloated shortly after 2 p.m. and provided escort until it was
determined there was no risk of pollution and no further action was needed.
SMS International Shore Operations
A loaded grain vessel was outbound near Longview on the afternoon of
Southport Agencies, Inc. October 7, 2020 when it experienced a loss of propulsion. This caused a lack
of steering resulting in the vessel grounding. MFSA Incident Commander Ric
Talon Marine Gerttula managed the response. OSRV Clean Rivers 1 was deployed to the site
Transmarine Navigation Corp. and observed no pollution but stood by during the night while efforts were
made to develop plans for removal. The
Transversal International ship floated free the following morning INTERIM SPILL RESPONSE
without incident.
Western Overseas Corporation COORDINATOR (ISRC)
On the morning of October 21, 2020, • George Birch
Wilhelmsen Ship Service, Inc. a bulk vessel with a load of grain
was outbound near Astoria when it • Randy Clark
experienced a loss of propulsion. The • Ric Gerttula
river pilot ordered the anchors to be • Jack Kyle
OPERATORS: dropped, resulting in a controlled
grounding near the south jetty. The • Chad Thompson
Alaska Tanker Company, LLC MFSA Plan was activated and George MFSA, as part of their state-approved
Birch took duty as the Incident Vessel Response Plan for the Columbia
Cook Inlet Tug & Barge (subsidiary of Commander. The FRV Columbia and Willamette rivers, maintains
Foss) Responder was deployed and site a list of experienced individuals
Crowley Maritime Corporation (Intrepid assessments up and downstream of the who are qualified to act as Incident
Ship Management, Inc.) grounded ship found no pollution. The Commanders in the immediate
ship was refloated by late afternoon response phase of an event that
Global Marine (Rainier Petroleum/ without incident and the response activates the Plan. These MFSA Interim
Maxum Petroleum) notified to stand down. Spill Response Coordinators (ISRCs),
Island Tug & Barge (subsidiary of are well-trained in oil spill response
Tidewater) practices and the Incident Command
System. They train and exercise with
K-Line America, Inc. MFSA and Clean Rivers staff and
our various contractors and local
Olympic Tug & Barge (Centerline regulatory agencies to ensure that they
Logistics) are prepared to effectively manage
Polar Tankers a response event. At any point in time
two ISRCs are on call and prepared to
Sause Bros. Inc. respond 24 hours a day.
6
OIL PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
MFSA DRILLS AND EXERCISES
TABLETOP MFSA MULTI-HAZARD EXERCISE 2020
MFSA was scheduled to hold its worst-case discharge exercise (a triennial requirement) on March 17 & 18 as part of a multi-
hazard exercise in conjunction with FPAAC. The exercise was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak and requirements to
avoid large group settings.
The tabletop will be rescheduled during 2021. In addition, MFSA will work with the state agencies on an alternative method
of meeting the triennial requirements.
DEPLOYMENT DRILLS 2020
06/10/2020 DEPLOYMENT DRILL
Flushing Channel
MFSA held the first of its two required deployment drills on
June 10, 2020 at the Flushing Channel of Vancouver Lake
on the Columbia River. MFSA’s contractors, Clean Rivers
and NRCES, deployed equipment following the Geographic
Response Plan (GRP) 100.8R. This involved deploying
1000 feet of oil containment boom with the OSRV Harold
Zarling, a shallow water storage barge and a workboat. The
boom was set so that oil is deflected to the mouth of the
flushing channel for collection, while preventing it from
moving up the channel into Vancouver Lake. During this
drill special attention was paid to responder safety according
to COVID-19 guidance.
Boom deployed across the mouth of the flushing channel prevents oil Clean Rivers’ vessel deploying collection boom on the Columbia River
from moving into Vancouver Lake during tidal fluctuations. near the Flushing Channel.
7
MFSA DRILLS AND EXERSICES
10/14/2020 DEPLOYMENT DRILL
Multnomah Channel
MFSA held its second deployment drill on October 14, 2020
in the Multnomah Channel just off the Willamette River,
near the Sauvie Island Bridge. Clean Rivers and NRCES
deployed equipment following the GRP MC1.5. Again,
special attention was paid to responder safety according to
COVID-19 guidance. The response strategy involved placing
oil collection boom across the channel just downstream of
the Sauvie Island Bridge to collect oil. The OSRV Zarling
was again used, along with two workboats to deploy the
boom and simulate collection of oil. Responders had the
added challenge of keeping an eye out for local recreational
river users during this drill.
All hands safety briefing before deploying equipment using appropriate Boom deployed across the width of the Multnomah Channel block from
physical distancing. spreading and providing a location for collections
2020 VESSEL COUNT
VESSELS COVERED BY THE MFSA VESSEL BUNKER
RESPONSE PLAN JOBS:
292
>> OIL BARGES: 125
>> OIL TANKERS: 53
DAYS OF
>> BULK, CONTAINER & AUTO VESSELS: 1269
DREDGING:
TOTAL ENROLLED VESSELS: 1447 68
8
CLEAN RIVERS COOPERATIVE UPDATE
MFSA’s Primary Response Contractor is Clean Rivers Cooperative, Inc. In the event of MFSA Oil Spill Contingency Plan activation,
Clean Rivers will arrive on-scene, assess the situation and begin the initial oil spill recovery response, calling out equipment and
contractors at the direction of the MFSA ISRC. Clean Rivers provides monthly trainings to its contractors, role-playing responses
and deploying equipment throughout the area of coverage, in order to ensure that responders are ready and equipment is efficiently
deployed in case of an actual event. Below is a list of Clean Rivers’ contractor training activities for 2020:
01/31/2020 NO-NOTICE CALLOUT 9/30/2020 NO-NOTICE CALLOUT
This No-Notice Callout was conducted to test response Flushing Channel Port of Vancouver, WA
contractors verifying their ability to meet the two‑hour
response requirement. This includes a response manager, This No-Notice Callout was conducted to test response
vessel operator and deck hand. They are given instructions contractors verifying their ability to meet the two‑hour
of which vessel to operate and the meeting point. response requirement. This includes a response manager,
Contractors participated in a safety briefing prior to the vessel operator and deck hand. They are given instructions
training and successfully accomplished the goals of the of which vessel to operate and meeting point. Contractors
training. participated in a safety briefing prior to the training and
successfully accomplished the goals of the training.
02/25/2020 CONTRACTOR TRAINING EXERCISE
10/07/2020 CONTRACTOR TRAINING ON TIDEWATER
Tidewater anchorage on the Columbia BARGE #2
Contractor training included a deployment to the Tidewater Port of Vancouver, WA
oil spill storage barge and operation of staged counter-vac
system and skimming equipment on the vessel. Training This contractor training covered topics of: familiarity with
objectives for the day were to achieve understanding of barge staging locations, safe access of the barge, setting
offloading recovered oil to the Tidewater barge from a up equipment staged on the barge and coordination with
smaller on-water storage barge and operating a large-volume Tidewater tanker men on how to safely load the barge
vacuum system. Contractors participated in a safety briefing with oily water in the event of an incident. Contractors
prior to the training and successfully accomplished the goals participated in a safety briefing prior to the training and
of the training. successfully accomplished the goals of the training.
02/26/2020 CONTRACTOR TRAINING W/ OSRV 11/11/2020 CONTRACTOR TRAINING EXERCISE
SKIMMING SYSTEM EXERCISE Columbia Pacific Bio-Refinery (CPBR), Clatskanie, OR
Willamette River Portland, OR
This contractor training covered topics of: how to access
This training involved contractors setting up skimming equipment staged at CPBR, identifying the location of
systems on Clean Rivers Oil Spill Recovery Vessel Zarling equipment staged throughout the facility, set-up and
and testing operations of the skimming systems. Contractors operation of various pieces of equipment and discussion
participated in a safety briefing prior to the training and of local GRP strategies. This included pumps, skimmers,
successfully accomplished the goals of the training. temporary storage and skiffs. Contractors participated
in a safety briefing prior to the training and successfully
07/29/2020 CONTRACTOR TRAINING EXERCISE accomplished the goals of the training.
Willow Grove Longview, WA 12/31/2020 NO- NOTICE CALLOUT
This contractor training focused on testing LCR-58.7 GRP, a Columbia Slough, OR
strategy focused on preventing oil from entering the slough
between Fisher Island and Hump Island. Implementation This No-Notice Callout was conducted to test response
of this strategy offered a training opportunity alongside new contractors verifying their ability to meet the two‑hour
personnel from US Ecology. Utilization of a drone was also response requirement. This includes a response manager,
implemented for documentation of the strategy, enabling vessel operator, and deck hand. They are given instructions
future in-house trainings to include real world examples of of which vessel to operate and meeting point. Contractors
strategy. Contractors participated in a safety briefing prior to participated in a safety briefing prior to the training and
the training and successfully accomplished the goals of the successfully accomplished the goals of the training.
training.
9
SHIPBOARD FIREFIGHTING
The Fire Protection Agencies Advisory Council (FPAAC) was founded after the Protector
Alpha fire in 1982 made it clear that the agencies in the region needed to establish a
cooperative response effort with specially trained shipboard firefighting personnel. For over
35 years, FPAAC has been fulfilling its mission to provide coordinated and effective inter-
disciplinary response to marine incidents on the Lower Columbia and Willamette Rivers.
The mission is met by managing a comprehensive system of partnerships, mutual aid,
training and resources among fire agencies in the MFSA service area.
FPAAC is made up of representatives from 13 public fire agencies in Oregon and
Southwest Washington who work to safeguard the public and the area facilities in the event
of a maritime fire.
Astoria Fire Department Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue
Clark County Fire District No. 6 Longview Fire Department
Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue Portland Fire & Rescue
Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District Port of Portland Airport Fire & Rescue
Columbia River Fire & Rescue Scappoose Rural Fire District
Cowlitz County Fire District No. 1 Vancouver Fire Department
Cowlitz County Fire District No. 5
FPAAC TRAINING PROGRAM:
There are many environmental conditions and hazards in marine firefighting which differ from structural firefighting.
Marine firefighters require specialized skills and knowledge to safely and efficiently combat marine fires. In 2020, the
FPAAC training workgroup, under the leadership of FPAAC Planning Chair Division Chief Tom O’Connor of Vancouver Fire
Department, and FPAAC Training Coordinator, Lieutenant Don Doyle of Longview Fire Department, built on past training
emphasis and provided an advanced area of training, Technician Level.
Awareness – The Awareness Level curriculum, covering basic information needed to operate safely in the shipboard
environment, was developed to be a two‑hour classroom-based lesson. All FPAAC Agencies have access to the curriculum
and trainers.
Operations – The Operations Level curriculum addresses more intermediate topics and tactical skills for shipboard
firefighting. It is a full-day course consisting of six classroom hours and a vessel tour.
Technician – FPAAC Technician Level training includes instruction and practice with equipment that is unique to ship fire
response and not used in structural firefighting. FPAAC has committed to support 42 personnel to receive and maintain
Technician Level training, which requires four full-day trainings each year and ensures consistent learning, practice and
reinforcement of hands-on marine firefighting techniques.
There are no other training programs in the Pacific Northwest providing the depth of tactical training for shipboard
response found in the FPAAC training program. Its development enables FPAAC agencies to receive local training providing
a regional asset of trained Technician Level marine firefighters, using tools and equipment available in our response system.
10FPAAC TRAINING
MV PEKIN PARTICIPATES IN MULTI HAZARD
EXERCISE IN US
On March 5, 2020 the Maritime Fire & Safety Association
(MFSA) held the practical portion of its Multi-Hazard Exercise,
the first of its kind at the Port of Longview. The exercise was
based on a scenario of a fire in the engine room, oil released into
the river and the rescue of two casualties from the engine room The drill successfully concluded in the early afternoon.
with shore assistance.
The fire response drill took place on MV Pekin in the morning. The scenario
depicted a fire in the engine room with a person trapped inside the smoke
and fire. The ship’s crew members joined the fire team and worked with the
onshore firemen on the rescue mission, navigating through the stairs and tight
area of the engine room. They were in full fire-fighting safety gear, which
added to the difficulty. MFSA General Manager Holly Robinson noted that
“The lessons learned in an actual hands-on situation cannot be replicated in
training or discussions, so we are very thankful to Swire Bulk for allowing us
to use their vessel for the exercise.”
Fire rescue boat arrives, putting out the fire on the
Francis Dale S Carias, 3rd Officer on MV Pekin, who participated in the exterior starboard side of MV Pekin
drill, said, “It was a great opportunity for us to observe and learn how the
professional firefighters take action and manage an emergency situation.
They have good offensive and defensive strategies and maintained great
communication with one another at all times. It was a memorable experience
for us; everyone did their part and took the drill seriously. I am sure that
we have gained much knowledge and learning that will benefit us if an
emergency ever happens on the vessel in the future.”
More than 60 people participated and observed the event, not including
vessel crew. Over and above the real-life drill on the vessel, it was also an
opportunity for the participating agencies to test multiple facets of ‘’an all
hazards’’ response. These included testing the systems from dispatch of fire
agencies to a call for assistance to a shipboard fire, regional travel times to Firemen board MV Pekin to put out the fire in the
respond to an incident, the evolving command structure in real time to meet engine room
the needs of the response, as well as coordination of various local agencies to
effectively deal with the developing situation.
Representatives from multiple agencies along the Columbia River, including
MFSA and Port of Longview, began planning the training in early 2019. Larry
Landgraver, Manager of Marine Terminals/Facility Security Officer at Port
of Longview, said, “Words cannot describe how thankful we are to Swire
Bulk and the crew of MV Pekin for supporting us in this exercise. It is having
such great partners like you that makes all the difference in this maritime
community. Through this exercise, we hope that your crew understands who
and what facilities you can rely on in case of an emergency. The local fire/
rescue departments now have a better understanding of a vessel’s structure Captain Lucic, together with Curtis Cannizzaro
and what they may expect from the vessel and her crew during an actual (right) (the training organizer and person responsible
incident so they can ensure they have the right equipment to help extinguish for the Fire Protection Agencies Advisory Council
fires and save lives.” (FPAAC) program) and Chief Steve Sharek
(fire chief for Clatskanie Fire Department and
the current chair for the FPAAC). He received the
plaque on behalf of MV Pekin and Swire Bulk,
for participating in the exercise.
11FPAAC TRAINING (CONTINUED)
3Q TECHNICIAN TRAINING | OCTOBER 1
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, FPAAC’s Third Quarter
Technician Training was divided between a video-recorded
hands-on training which occurred prior to the training
date and was presented during a remote video training
for all other participating agencies. When this training
was conducted, visitors were not allowed to observe or
participate with other outside agencies.
Participants during the remote training reviewed materials
covering cutting, boring holes and setting up the portable
CO2 extinguishing system in a webinar format with
DC Sammy Brown Cowlitz 5 and LT Don Doyle of
Longview Fire as hosts. Portland Fire & Rescue provided
video presentations of the new Slice Tools MFSA has
received that replaced older outdated equipment. Portland
also presented the portable CO2 equipment with a
professionally done video created by the bureau’s video
recording department. LT Don Doyle presented the Fein
Magnetic Drill press with pictures and a short video of its
operation. All sessions were followed by a question and
answer period. FPAAC TECHNICIAN TRAINING | OCT 26
The Fein Automatic Magnetic Drill
press allows firefighters to bore a FPAAC was granted the opportunity to conduct an extensive
hole through the ship’s steel structure fire drill on board the USS McCampbell at a regional repair
without the use of fire. This facility. Due to COVID‑19 restrictions, this training had
could be used to look for trapped to be smaller than usual and planning details were led by
crewmembers that may be low on the U.S. Navy and Portland Fire & Rescue Captain Brian
breathing air. Cummings.
The BROCO Slice Tool is the This quarter’s Technician Level exercise involved participants
newest addition purchased by from Portland Fire & Rescue, Vancouver Fire, Longview Fire,
MFSA. The two units are located at Cowlitz County Fire District No. 5 and Clatskanie Rural Fire
Portland Fire & Rescue Station 24 Protection District.
and Longview Fire Station 81. It is
The U.S. Navy requires that a ship in a repair facility must
capable of cutting through thick steel
undergo fire drills designed to protect the ship while in dry
quickly and efficiently. The BROCO replaces our older Aircar Slice
dock. Portland Fire & Rescue Station 24 is located close to this
Tools that we have had since the early 1990s and that had become too
site and is responsible for responding “first-in” to this facility.
expensive to maintain. The BROCO is easy to start and easy to use.
12FPAAC TRAINING (CONTINUED)
Curtis and Mason provided technical oversight to ensure
delivery of the content to remote participants. DC Brown
delivered a presentation of the MFSA foam caches along
with the equipment included in the caches. He also assisted
the Training Coordinator in facilitating the presentation and
discussion.
MARINE FIRE COMMAND EXERCISE | NOV 10
This year’s Marine Fire Command Exercise occurred
on November 10, 2020 via webinar from the Merchants
Exchange. Training Coordinator, Lieutenant Don Doyle;
Lieutenant Dave Wyman, Longview Fire; Fire Chief Steve
Sharek, and Division Chief Gabe Wiggins of Clatskanie
Rural Fire Protection District attended in person.
The scenario included a fire in the laundry compartment Curtis Cannizzaro and Mason Sullivan coordinated the
three decks below the main deck. presentations and breakout rooms for remote participants
An alarm was struck at 1000 hours and the ship’s crew The focus of the year’s training was the Port Westward
responded to the fire. A simulated 911 call was initiated facilities 10 miles west of Clatskanie, Oregon. The scenario
by repair personnel, followed by the participating agencies involved a lightning strike that hit a vessel during the process
responding from outside the repair facility. On arrival, of loading methanol. The incident created a mass casualty
the fire agencies found the McCampbell in drydock with incident and required the participants to go through the
smoke showing from the fantail. Portland Fire extended an planning process of managing the injured and the fire
aerial ladder to the main deck while crews from Vancouver simultaneously.
Fire, Longview Fire, Cowlitz Fire Department No. 5 and Before the scenario started, Lieutenant Don Doyle, FPAAC
Clatskanie RFPD packed 500 feet of 2.5‑inch and 1.75‑inch Training Coordinator, discussed with the participants
hose combined to the main deck. The connection was the inerting systems of a tanker vessel’s cargo holds and
made at the tip of the aerial ladder and the hose lines were firefighting equipment requirements. Chief Steve Sharek
extended to the laundry compartment. This opportunity discussed processes of loading the product that comes in by
to train on board a vessel with crewmembers provided rail onto a vessel docked at the facility.
an excellent opportunity to simulate the actions and
considerations which would be necessary to mitigate an All participants were part of a main virtual room for
actual incident. presentations and scenario explanation. They were then
divided up into smaller workgroups and met in virtual
OPERATIONS LEVEL TRAINING | NOV 5 breakout rooms allowing for more focused discussion of
tactics and priorities. The groups then reconvened in the
FPAAC conducted its regional Operations Level training on main meeting rooms and discussed their planned actions
November 5, 2020 via webinar from the training room at collectively, comparing actions for analysis.
the Merchants Exchange Portland office. Operations Level
training is designed as an eight‑hour class with a ship tour
that usually lasts about two hours. Unfortunately, due to
the COVID-19 pandemic, a vessel tour and in person class
were not possible. Future classes will provide in-person ship
tours and a professionally produced video of a ship tour for
participants to review.
Training Coordinator Lieutenant Don Doyle, Deputy Chief
Sammy Brown, Cowlitz County Fire District No. 5; Curtis
Cannizzaro, Assistant Manager of MFSA; and Mason
Sullivan, Administrative Coordinator at the Maritime Fire
and Safety Association participated in person.
13HISTORY OF MFSA
Following the foundation of the MFSA, a series of events
brought the MFSA to what it is today.
In 1984 the Lower Columbia Maritime Fire Safety Plan was
developed, followed by the formation of the Fire Protection
Agencies Advisory Council (FPAAC) in 1986.
FPAAC was formed to set forth a comprehensive system
to ensure effective response to shipboard fires in the
Lower Columbia Willamette River Marine Transportation
System (MTS). MFSA then purchased and delivered the
first specialized equipment to participating fire agencies for
The Vessel Response Plan covers the Columbia River from
fighting shipboard fires. FPAAC is currently comprised of
its mouth (at River Mile 0) extending three miles into the
13 fire agencies located throughout the MTS. These agencies
Pacific Ocean to the Glenn Jackson Bridge at I-205 (River
voluntarily contribute both staff time and equipment costs
Mile 113) and the Willamette River from its confluence with
for participation in meetings, drills and other training
the Columbia River up to Willamette Falls.
exercises. Realizing the importance of maintaining a stable
funding source, MFSA Membership approved a per-vessel When the Plan was developed for vessels transiting the
assessment, which is collected from all ocean-going vessels Columbia and Willamette Rivers, the Columbia River
that call at a member’s dock. This funding goes toward the Steamship Operators Association (CRSOA) Membership
purchase of specialized marine firefighting equipment and agreed to pay a per-vessel assessment to MFSA from vessels
provides for the ongoing training and education of member calling on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, to be covered
fire agencies in the response to vessel emergencies. In 1991 by this Plan. These funds go toward the purchase of the oil
the Lower Columbia Maritime Fire Safety Plan was revised spill response equipment, training of personnel, payment
to include oil spill response and prevention, which brought of dedicated spill response contractors, and program
the development of MFSA Umbrella Oil Spill Contingency administration.
Plan (now the MFSA Vessel Response Plan or “the Plan”) in
the beginning of 1991. Individually, each association serves its own distinct
purpose, yet together the MFSA, CRSOA and Clean
In 1992, MFSA and Clean Rivers Cooperative, Inc. signed Rivers Cooperative provide for enhanced response and
a memorandum of agreement allowing MFSA to designate preparedness efforts that exceed regulatory expectations
Clean Rivers Cooperative response equipment and resources along the MTS. These associations are managed through the
in the Plan. Clean Rivers Cooperative serves as the state- Merchants Exchange with staff, accounting services, office
approved Primary Response Contractor (PRC) to MFSA and space, etc., provided through multi-year service agreements.
provides oil spill coverage for its own membership’s Facility This partnership among industry associations in combination
Response Plans in addition to the vessels MFSA covers. The with State and Federal agencies ensures a comprehensive
MFSA Contingency Plan received approval from Oregon regional response.
Department of Environmental Quality and the Washington
Office of Marine Safety in 1993.
ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT
Executive Director, Elizabeth Wainwright Assistant Manager, Curtis Cannizzaro
(503)220-2091 | wainwright@pdxmex.com (503)220-2087 | cannizzaro@pdxmex.com
General Manager, Holly Robinson Administrative Coordinator, Mason Sullivan
(503)220-2099 | robinson@pdxmex.com (503)220-2084 | sullivan@pdxmex.com
14MFSA FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE REPORT
PETER FRIEDMANN, RAY BUCHEGER, SPENCER YOUNG
LINDSAY HART LLP - FBB FEDERAL RELATIONS
MFSA was not spared the uncertainty that has permeated the topsy-turvy world of Washington DC, in which we seek to
advance national, regional and Columbia River maritime, environmental and emergency response objectives. We pursued
legislative solutions impacting MFSA (and Clean Rivers) all year through subcommittees and full committees, bills and
amendments. By November it appeared success was within reach. The provisions we sought were included in the giant
“Omnibus” spending bill, appropriating funds for all Federal agencies and programs. The Senate and House finally negotiated
a compromise just days before Christmas. Then the president threatened to veto the entire bill, objecting to insufficient
COVID relief funding. Three days after Christmas he agreed to sign the bill, thus enacting the provisions we sought for
MFSA. This Annual Report summarizes those three provisions gained this year.
WRDA
The Water Resources Development Act of 2020 was taken up and passed by Congress this week, as part of a 5,593‑page end-
of-year legislative package which also included COVID relief, a full-year spending bill and dozens of other items. Among other
things, WRDA contains mechanisms to ensure full use of previous years’ Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) revenue and allows
for the expenditure of the approximately $10 billion of HMT revenue that was diverted to other uses over the years. This
will result in more money being available every year for dredging and jetty maintenance, which result in more money being
available completion of Columbia River navigation projects.
The WRDA bill almost didn’t make it into the final package. A number of last-minute objections came forth less than
12 hours before Congressional leaders came to a final agreement on the overall legislative package and about 36 hours before
the final vote. WRDA was ultimately saved when FBB joined PNWA, AAPA and other port stakeholders in a frantic effort
throughout the day on Sunday to overcome the objections and ensure WRDA will be signed into law.
A lot of credit is owed to Representatives Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Jamie Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Senator Jeff Merkley
(D‑OR), all of whom actively worked the phones all day on Sunday, putting pressure on their Congressional colleagues.
SEEKING LEGISLATION TO PROTECT CLEAN RIVERS FROM LITIGATION RISK UNDER COAST GUARD BOA
In cases where an oil spill occurs but a “responsible party” is not identified, the Coast Guard leads the spill response and hires
an OSRO to respond to the spill under a Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA), which is a pre-negotiated contract the Coast
Guard has in place with an OSRO. In 2014, the Coast Guard eliminated a limited indemnity provision that had previously
protected OSROs from certain types of liability, resulting in substantial litigation risk for the OSROs.
We worked for much of 2020 to pass legislation that would require the Coast Guard to reinstate such a limited indemnity
provision in the BOA, thereby allowing Clean Rivers to contract with the Coast Guard to respond to certain oil spills on the
Columbia-Snake River System. While we were successful in including such a provision in the House-passed Coast Guard bill,
we ran into an issue with the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analysis when the Coast Guard bill was integrated into the
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The end result was that the BOA provision was removed from the NDAA, and
the Chairmen of the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Senate Commerce Committees agreed to work with us to
resolve the issue in the 117th Congress.
FEMA GRANTS
The end-of-year legislative package includes funding for the following FEMA preparedness grant programs that are of interest
to MFSA:
• $100,000,000 for Port Security Grants
• $720,000,000 to remain available until September 2022, of which $360,000,000 shall be for Assistance to Firefighter
Grants and $360,000,000 shall be for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants
We stand ready to gain letters of support from each Congressional office within the Columbia River Delegation. Staff
from each of these offices have expressed their continued support for the MFSA and its efforts, including its FEMA grant
application.
Peter Friedmann, Ray Bucheger, Spencer Young
MFSA Federal Counsel
15MEMBERSHIP CHEVRON USA COLUMBIA GRAIN, INC. COLUMBIA PACIFIC / GLOBAL PARTNERS COLUMBIA RIVER STEAMSHIP OPERATORS ASSOCIATION EGT, LLC EMERALD KALAMA CHEMICAL KALAMA EXPORT KINDER MORGAN ENERGY PARTNERS, L.P. LONGVIEW FIBRE/ WESTROCK LD COMMODITIES MCCALL OIL & CHEMICAL CORPORATION MILLENNIUM BULK TERMINALS, LLC NIPPON DYNAWAVE PACKAGING COMPANY NUSTAR ENERGY PORT OF ASTORIA PORT OF KALAMA PORT OF LONGVIEW PORT OF PORTLAND PORT OF COLUMBIA COUNTY PORT OF VANCOUVER, USA MARITIME FIRE & SAFETY ASSOCIATION SCHNITZER STEEL / INT’L 200 SW MARKET STREET, SUITE 190 TERMINALS PORTLAND, OR 97201 TEMCO, LLC UNITED GRAIN 24-HOUR (503) 220-2055 CORPORATION FAX (503) 295-3660 VIGOR INDUSTRIAL WWW.MFSA.COM WEYERHAEUSER
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