The Canadian Coast Guard

The Client

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) is tasked with marine Search and Rescue (SAR), Communication, Navigation and Transportation issues in Canadian waters. It currently operates 119 vessels and 22 helicopters, in conjunction with a variety of smaller craft. CCG’s responsibility covers a 202,080-kilometer long coastline, the longest of any other nation in the world. Under its renewal mandate the CCG is required to build and protect its next generation of vessels and lifeboats stationed across Canada to provide key Search & Rescue (SAR) capabilities.

Risks & Consequences

Each of the 19 meter long (63 ft.) lifeboats can carry up to 10 persons on-board. The vessels will be stationed across Canada providing key Search & Rescue (SAR) services including marine distress response calls as well as assistance to disabled vessels. The requirement to protect personnel from fire along with the vessels’ operational capabilities is critical. Fire risks in Marine applications are unforgiving and may result from electrical faults, battery compartment ignitions, fuel leaks accidents and also from human error. Even a small fire can escalate rapidly and have catastrophic consequences for the ship and people on board. It is thus vital that the fire suppression system is effective against different classes of fire and can operate in adverse conditions.

The Task

Design, supply and install a bespoke engine room fire protection system for 20 “Bay”-class high-endurance self-righting Search & Rescue lifeboats. The primary concerns regarding any system at sea are performance, reliability and effectiveness. Moreover, these fire protection systems are required to be compact, durable and have low maintenance requirements. These considerations must preferably be met while choosing technologies that remain friendly to the environment. The fire suppression system needs to be designed according to local and internationally recognized standards and regulations.

Why FirePro?

FirePro pre-engineered systems are compact and minimize weight and space burden on vessels. Therefore, the precious space available on vessels can be fully utilized for other requirements. Furthermore, they are of proven exceptional reliability and require very little maintenance when compared to other systems, over their 15-year certified lifetime. The modularity, simplicity, and green aspects of the system were additional decisive factors in the selection process.

Results of Implementation

FirePro systems were expertly designed and installed in the engine rooms of the Search & Rescue vessels, to protect the engines and other critical equipment. The technology is approved by several IACS members based on IMO requirements, the Transport Canada and ULC. FirePro currently protects these vessels and their personnel allowing them to safely carry out life saving missions across Canada.