"BP FIREMA.STER" New Firefloat for Swansea Docks The firefloat "BP Firemaster" recently completed, by Messrs. R. S. Hayes (Pembroke Dock) Ltd., at the Dockyard, Pembroke Lock, South Wales, for the BP Tanker Company Ltd., is something quite new in fire-fighting craft. Designed by the Engineering Department of the BP Tanker Company Ltd., based on their experience of the use of sea-going tugs for fire-fighting purposes, the "BP Firemaster" has the combined advantages of mobility, fire-fighting potential, and ability to maintain her position alongside a burning vessel without the necessity of mooring. Propulsion of the firefloat is by two Harbormaster outboard propulsion units situated at the forward and after ends, and each operated by Dorman KUD 6-cylinder diesel engines of 140 BHP and fitted with Bryce Berger "Handraulic" starting. Both the above units can be started and operated from the wheelhouse, and as each propeller can be rotated through 360 degrees, movement in any direction can be obtained, and the firefloat held in any required position against the thrust of the monitor jets. The "BP Firemaster" comprises two pontoons, each 60ft. long, 14ft. wide and 7ft. 6ins. deep, which are joined at deck level and are also connected below water level by elliptical tubes, forming a "catamaran", the overall breadth being 36ft. Mounted on the catamaran is an open pyramid formed by four tubular steel supports at the apex of which is mounted the Control Cabin, from which the Fire­ master directs firefighting operations. Immediately below this cabin are two platforms 23ft. and 30ft. respectively, above the water-line, each giving access to monitors mounted at the forward and after ends, and port and starboard sides of the platforms. Above the Control Cabin there is one central monitor some 40ft. above the water-line, capable of operating in any direction. An unusual feature of the firefloat is the fitting of large pneumatic wheels at each extremity .of the pontoons, in order to facilitate lateral movement along the side of a burning vessel. The firefighting arrangement has been designed in conjunction with Messrs. Merrywoather and Sons Ltd. The pumping requirements are met by two Merryweather 2-stage turbine pumps, each driven by a 30 HP 6 QA Dorman diesel engine developing 215 BHP. The nine monitors are fed through a central rising main, the output being 3,100 gallons of water per minute at 100 p.s.i. and 12,500 gallons of foam. Each pontoon houses a spacious pumproom, at each end of which is a foam tank with buoyancy spaces beyond. From each main pump there is an 8" deck suction fitting which enables the pumps to be used for salvage purposes also, armoured suction hoses and foot-valves being supplied. In addition to the main pumping units each pumproom contains an 11.5 KW generator direct driven by a Lister-Blackstone FRBMA diesel engine developing 24 BHP, a belt-driven 3KW generator off the same units supplying power for charging 24/32 volt batteries. Also fitted in each pumproom is a motor-driven GiIkes, Gordon bilge pump and a motor-driven Hanworthy foam pump. A Marconi loud-hailer talk-back system is installed between the Control Cabin, each monitor station, wheelhouse and pumprooms. Instructions to pumprooms from the Control Cabin are also by means of an electrically operated telegraph. On the main deck between the pumproom skylights is the accommodation for the watch-keepers, consisting of a well fitted-out cabin with settees, tables and lockers. On the port side of this cabin there is a small galley, and to the starboard side, toilet accommodation. The cross alleyway at the after end gives access to port and starboard pumprooms. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF 'BP FIREMASTER1 Each year 3,000,000 tons of crude oil is imported by The British Petroleum Company at Queen's Dock, Swansea, for refining by BP Refinery (Llandarcy) Ltd. A whole range of products therefore, varying fromrotor spirit to fuel oils, is exported subsequently. Today a novel type of fire-fighting float will go into service to help deal with outbreaks of fire on tankers while in the port. This unusual craft - named the 'BP Firemaster' - has been designed by the Engineering Department of BP Tanker Company on the basis of experience gained in using sea-going tugs for fire-fighting duties. Specially equipped sea-going tugs have their place in some conditions, but are not suited economically to in-dock working; and while they are some safeguard, due to their dual purpose they have disadvantages over a specially designed craft. A particular disadvantage of the sea-going tug is that in some conditions it cannot maintain a steady position relative to the scene of the fire, due to the reaction from the force of the water jets which tends to push the tug away. The exception is where the tug is fighting the fire head-on when it can use its engines to counter the force of the jets, but even in this case a strong cross wind can make it difficult for a tug to keep its position. Another disadvantage of the orthodox fire- fighting tug is its inability to use the maximum number of mech­ anical jets in any one direction. The Swansea firefloat has been designed with a single purpose and it is possible therefore to overcome the shortcomings of the orthodox tug. Its engine arrangement will enable it to move it any direction, or conversely to maintain its position against the force of the water jets and wind forces, regardless of the direction in which they are used. The water jets are so arranged that seven out of the nine can be used in any direction simultaneously. /••• - 2 - The 'BP Firemaster1 has been constructed for the BP Tanker Company by R. S. Hayes (Pembroke Dock) Ltd., at the Dockyard, Pembroke Dock. Its main features are two 33-ton pontoons, each 60 feet long and 14 feet wide, and spaced eight feet apart. These pontoons are joined together at deck level, and also at their base by elliptical tubes to form a 'catamaran'. Surmounting the catamaran hull are four tubular supports which form a tower on which two platforms and a control cabin are mounted. The fire-fighting layout has been designed in collaboration with Merryweather and Sons. There are a total of nine 4 inch gear operated fire-fighting nozzles, or 'monitors' as they are generally known. Four of these monitors are mounted on the lower platform which is 23 feet above deck level, four are fitted to the middle platform at about 30 feet above deck level, and one on the top of the Chief Fire Master's control cabin which is at the top of the tower. The arrangement is such that seven out of the nine monitors can be used in any one direction simultaneously. The tower has a total height of about 40 feet above water level, so that water or foam can be directed on to the decks of any tanker, whether in light or loaded condition. The fire-fighting and salvage pumping capacity of the firefloat is 3,100 gallons of water per minute at 100 lb. per square inch, and the foam capacity is 12,500 gallons per minute. Water or foam can be discharged from any one or a number of the monitors independently, giving the Fire Master full mobility of water or foam requirements. Among the special facilities in the Chief Fire Master's control cabin is a loud-hailer talk-back system to enable in­ structions to be given to the navigation house, engine rooms and the firemen manning the monitors. A portable walkie-talkie r wireless set can also be used. /••• An interesting feature is the fitting of heavy lorry wheels at the forward and after ends of each pontoon to assist the movement of the firefloat along the side of a ship. When the 'BP Firemaster1 goes into service at Swansea today, it will be moored alongside a small jetty in Queen's Dock by quick release mooring ropes. The firefloat will be maintained permanently ready for service and will have a regular crew of two, one man for navigation purposes and the other for starting up the dies el driven fire pumps and propulsion units. All the engines are push-button started so that water or foam can be available at any monitor within a few seconds. The fire-fighting personnel will come from the Swansea Fire Service who can arrive on the jetty to man the firefloat within three or four minutes of call. The 'BP Firemaster' will be ready to leave its berth to deal with any outbreak immediately the Fire Service personnel are aboard. During fire-fighting operations the float will be under full control of the Chief Fire Master. Thus, today, the port of Swansea has for its protection what is probably the most modern and useful fire- fighting craft in the world. The 'BP Firemaster' is believed to be unique in its design and has already aroused great interest outside the United Kingdom. .