Norfolk Fire-Rescue Receives New 32' Boat From Silver Ships

Norfolk Fire-Rescue (NFR) of Norfolk, Virginia has received a new 32-foot fire-rescue boat made by Silver Ships of Mobile, Alabama. The first of its kind, the Endeavor 32 is a multi-mission fireboat that will provide critical support to the City of Norfolk and the Port of Virginia. It will be used for water-based firefighting, water rescues, patient transport and treatment, and supplying water to shore via the fireboat’s large diameter hose outlet. 

“Norfolk has 144 miles of diverse shoreline. The shoreline includes sandy beaches, rock jetties, various bulk heads, mooring facilities, and coastal marshes,” says NFR Battalion Chief John Weaver. “With this diversity, NFR responds to an average of 170 water rescue incidents a year.   

"Our range of responses include distressed swimmers, vessels in distress including recreational and commercial, and various fires to include vessels and shoreline structures," Chief Weaver adds.

Expanding NFR's Water Rescue Fleet

NFR’s new fireboat expands its existing waste rescue fleet, which includes four rapid response trailered Zodiac boats and two large 32 foot aluminum fireboats moored in the water.

“We selected this type of vessel because it is an updated version of the assets we currently use,” says Chief Weaver. “The exception is that the pilothouse is bigger and better for patient care, has dual helms for more meticulous operations, and has a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) filtration system.” 

NFR’s new 32 foot Endeavor fireboat is powered by twin 300HP Yamaha outboard motors reaching top speeds above 40 knots. It has a 1000 gallons per minute water-based fire suppression system and a full Raymarine navigational electronics suite, which includes an eAIS 5000 Automatic Identification System (AIS) transceiver provided by the Port. The fireboat itself was funded by a Department of Homeland Security grant, while the navigational electronics were funded through a Port Security Grant Program. 

“NFR looked at other options available for purchase at the time we received this grant,” Battalion Chief Weaver said. “Silver Ships met our wants and needs for this project above other manufacturers. Their planning, workmanship, and execution of this project exceeded our expectations.” 

Dave Hunt, Silver Ships’ Director of Business Development, says that the Endeavor 32 is a two-foot extended version of the company’s 30' Endeavor. This allowed the NFR’s new fireboat to accommodate a larger fire system without having to upgrade to a much larger model.  

“I priced this boat as a 30' foot with two extra feet,” said Hunt. “The idea was to provide more capability to a customer who doesn’t want to buy a 34' foot boat, which has a larger beam and a bigger walkaround cabin. The difference between a 30 'foot and a 32' f is marginal. The difference between a 32' and a 34' is dramatic in terms of weight and size.”

Endeavor 32's Capabilities

Currently NFR's new ‘Fireboat-13'  is currently in the water and crew training is underway. A date for its formal christening ceremony and a vessel name have yet to be announced. 

“This new fireboat platform will be a large asset to the citizens of Norfolk and the surrounding jurisdictions,” Battalion Chief Weaver said. “The Endeavor 32 will provide a stable platform in rough and calm seas for any response that is sent its way. The updated electronics will enable NFR to communicate with the US Coast Guard and surrounding jurisdictions better than ever before and identify other vessels in the proximity. The design of this vessel will afford NFR ease of operation when transferring patients from an incident scene to the pilot house. This fireboat will enable NFR to treat and transport patients faster and safer.”