U. S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan. Marine Firefighting Contingency Plan Revised 2010

Transcription

1 U. S. Department of Homeland Security United States Coast Guard U. S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan Marine Firefighting Contingency Plan Revised 2010 COMMANDER SECTOR SAN JUAN 5 CALLE LA PUNTILLA SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO (787) /41

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 8100 OVERVIEW Authority Definitions & Acronyms Marine Firefighting Planning Committee (MFFPC) Objective MFFPC Organization MFFPC Members Geographic Boundaries Fire History Scenarios National and Area Response System National Response Structure Area Response Policy Plan Review Exercises and Drills Applicable Memoranda of Understanding/Agreement COMMAND & CONTROL STRUCTURE Command & Control Structure Ground Rules Command/Staff Elements: Roles & Responsibilities Federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC) State Incident Commander (IC) Representative of Responsible Party (RP) Others Liaison Officer (LO) Agency Representatives (AR) Natural Resource Damage Assessment Unit (NRDA) Health and Safety Safety Officer (SO) Site Safety Plan Public Affairs Information Information Officer (IO) Joint Information Center (JIC) Media Interaction Community Relations Internal Information Press Conferences & News Briefings PIAT... 16

3 PLANNING SECTION Planning Section Organization Planning Section Chief Situation Unit Display Processor Field Observer Resources Unit Check in Recorder Volunteer Coordinator Documentation Unit Demobilization Unit Technical Specialist General Response Strategy Priorities Strategic Response Options Defensive Offensive Operational Firefighting Priorities Rescue Exposures Confinement Extinguishment Overhaul Ventilation FINANCE SECTION Finance / Administrative Section Organization Finance / Administration Section Chief Time Unit Procurement Unit Compensation/Claims Unit Cost Unit Finance Considerations; Actual or Potential Pollution Threat OIL State Access to the OSLTF Fund Lead Administrative Trustee Access to the Fund OPERATIONS SECTION Operations Section Organization Operations Section Chief Initial Emergency Actions and Notifications Initial Awareness, Assessment & Notification Sequence Staging Area Manager Emergency Response Branch Fire Suppression Group Salvage Group Search and Rescue Group Hazardous Material Group Emergency Medical Services Group Law Enforcement Group... 8

4 Air Operations Branch General Response Considerations Port Entry and Movement of a Burning Vessel Firefighting On Vessels Vessel Stability Considerations Fixed Firefighting Systems International Shore Connection General Tactics For Common Vessel Spaces Special Considerations According To Vessel Type Training NFPA 1405, A Guide For Land-Based Fire Fighters Who Respond To Marine Vessel Fires LOGISTICS SECTION Logistics Section Organization Logistics Section Chief Services Branch Support Branch Summary of Area Equipment Firefighting Equipment Towing Resources Aircraft Resources Summary of Area Support Command Centers Necessary Command Post Equipment Staging Areas Sanitation Needs Airports Aircraft Landing Sites Boat Ramps Fueling Facilities Hotels/Berthing Food Car Rental Summary of Personnel and Resources Support Fire Departments Law Enforcement Agencies Hospitals/EMS Hospitals EMS Site Safety Personnel/Health Department OSHA PR Department of Health Explosive Ordenance Details Governmental Official Liaisons Weather Services Coast Guard (Reserve and Auxiliary) Natural Resource Trustees State Emergency Response Committees (SERC)... 51

5 Foreign Embassies and Consulates Special Forces USCG National Strike Force USCG District Response Group (DRG) and Advisory Team (DRAT) Public Info Assist Team (PIAT) U.S. Navy Supervisor of Salvage (SUPSALV) NOAA Scientific Support Coordinators (SSC) EPA Emergency Response Teams (ERT) Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases (ATSDR)... 62

6 RECORD OF CHANGES CHANGE NUMBER DATE CHANGE DATE ENTERED POSTED BY 2 January 2003 January 2003 LTJG F. RODRIGUEZ 3 July 2003 July 2003 LT F. RODRIGUEZ 4 October 2003 October 2003 LT N. H. OSBORNE 5 August 2010 August 2010 LT A. SOTO

7 Section Overview 8100 OV E R V I E W Authority Among the provisions of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 (PWSA) (33 U.S.C et seq.) is an acknowledgment that increased supervision of port operations is necessary to prevent damage to structures in, on, or adjacent to the navigable waters of the U.S., and to reduce the possibility of vessel or cargo loss, or damage to life, property, and the marine environment. Section 4202 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90), (Public Law ) mandates that the Coast Guard maintain an Area Contingency Plan of pollution response equipment (including firefighting equipment) within each port. These statutes, along with the traditional functions and powers of the Coast Guard, to render aid and save property (14 U.S.C. 88(b)), is the basis for Coast Guard firefighting activities. 42 U.S.C (d) provides that an agency charged with providing fire protection for any property of the United States may enter into reciprocal agreements with state and local firefighting organizations to provide for mutual aid. This statute further provides that emergency assistance may be rendered in the absence of a reciprocal agreement, when it is determined by the head of that agency to be in the best interest of the United States Definitions & Acronyms Captain of the Port (COTP): The designated Coast Guard officer responsible for the enforcement of port safety and security and marine environmental protection regulations. COTP San Juan has responsibility for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and adjacent waters to the outermost extent of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). [Ref: 33 CFR ]. Caribbean Regional Response Team (CRRT): A cadre of highly specialized, technical individuals from various federal agencies who provide expertise in oil pollution, chemicals, and hazardous materials. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS): Extensive, multi-volume publication maintained by the Coast Guard and available at the COTP office which lists hazardous materials, associated dangers, suggestions for actions to be taken, and various other useful information. Section Page 1

8 Section Overview CHEMTREC: Agency sponsored by the chemical industry which provides chemical hazard information by telephone and relays requests for assistance to various chemical industry response teams. Their 24-hour number is Coastal Zone: [As defined for the purposes of the National Contingency Plan (NCP)] All United States waters subject to the tide, United States waters of the Great Lakes, specific ports and harbors on inland rivers, waters of the contiguous zone, other waters of the high seas subject to the NCP, and the land surface or land substrata, ground waters, and ambient air proximal to those waters. Precise boundaries are identified in the ACP for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Command Post: A facility established by the responsible fire department at the scene of a marine fire from which the Incident Commander operates and exercises tactical control over the firefighting effort. Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard (COMDT): Head of this federal agency. Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA): The HAZMAT fund administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in mitigating HAZMAT releases. Also known as the "Superfund". District Commander: The Coast Guard officer who has final authority for the performance of Coast Guard functions and missions within the district. The COTP San Juan zone lies within the Seventh Coast Guard District headquartered in Miami, Florida. Emergency Operations Center (EOC): A state or county run facility with extensive interagency communication and coordination capabilities. Emergency Preparedness Division (EPD): A state or county organization, which develops local plans for dealing with emergencies/disasters of all kinds utilizing the best resources of local groups and agencies. Sponsors and participates in local emergency drills. Activates EOC during an actual emergency. For the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the PR Emergency Management Agency acts as the EPD. Emergency Support Function (ESF): Specific functions assigned to a government agency ESF # 4 = firefighting Federal On Scene Coordinator (FOSC): The designated Federal official who coordinates a Federal response when required. The COTP is the FOSC in the coastal area of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and directs all Coast Guard forces and equipment during an emergency response. Section Page 2

9 Section Overview Sector San Juan (SSJ): The local Coast Guard command responsible for Search and Rescue and marine law enforcement for coastal San Juan and the U.S. Virgin Islands. SSJ Commander may assist a firefighting effort with limited firefighting and de-watering capability. However, the SSJ Commander will always defer primary responsibility to the cognizant local fire department Incident Commander (IC) unless the fire directly involves Coast Guard property. Coast Guard vessels are not dedicated firefighting platforms and most Coast Guard personnel have limited knowledge of commercial vessel and waterfront facility firefighting. Local Emergency Preparedness Committee (LEPC): An organization of local private corporations and state and federal government agencies dedicated to disaster preparedness. They bring together medical technicians, disaster relief officials, industrial experts, and cognizant government officials to plan for major disasters affecting large portions of the local community. Marine Firefighting Planning Committee (MFFPC): The members of the port community, as indicated by their signatures at the beginning of this document, who will have direct authority for planning and response to a firefighting emergency. National Response Center (NRC): Coast Guard command, which maintains computerized chemical hazard assessment information similar to the CHRIS manuals. The Oil and Hazardous Materials Technical Assistance Data System can also be accessed via the NRC. Information is available by telephone 24 hours at Non-Persistent (Group I) Oil: A petroleum-based oil that, at the time of shipment, consists of hydrocarbon fractions -- (1) at least 50% of which by volume, distill at a temperature of 340 degrees C (645 degrees F); and (2) at least 95% of which by volume, distill at a temperature of 370 degrees C (700 degrees F). Persistent Oil: A petroleum based oil that does not meet the distillation criteria for a nonpersistent oil. They are classified under 46 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) as follows: (1) Group II -- specific gravity less than.85; (2) Group III -- specific gravity between.85 and less than.95; (3) Group IV -- specific gravity.95 to and including 1.0; (4) Group V -- specific gravity greater than 1.0. Strike Team: A Coast Guard command composed of operational personnel and specialized equipment capable of responding rapidly to a variety of marine disasters, including fire, oil pollution, and chemical and hazardous material releases. PR: The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, including the islands of Vieques and Culebra. PR Emergency Operations Plan (PREOP): Emergency Operations Plan maintained by State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). Includes contingency planning for a variety of disasters and hazards to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Section Page 3

10 Section Overview Puerto Rico Fire Department (PRFD): The Agency responsible for fire prevention, firefighting, life saving, and property protection in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. State Captain of the Port (SCOTP): Designated Ports Authority Official, also Chief Ports of Operations of such agency, responsible for the enforcement of Port Safety and Security. Waterfront Facility: All piers, wharves, docks and similar structures to which vessels may be secured. This includes buildings on or contiguous to such structures and the equipment and materials on such structures Marine Firefighting Planning Committee (MFFPC) Objective The adequate protection of the ports of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico from fire, explosion or other similar incidents is essential to the continued well being of our community. To assure such protection, adequate marine disaster response capability should be available and utilized under well, conceived disaster contingency plans. The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port San Juan (COTP) has developed this "P.R. Shipboard and Waterfront Facility Firefighting Plan" in consultation with other concerned agencies and organizations to encourage coordinated planning, exercising, and firefighting. This regional contingency plan has the following major objectives: a. To protect lives and property in the ports of The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and to assure the free flow of maritime commerce and military assets. b. To secure a relationship among federal/state/local governments and agencies, firefighting jurisdictions, and commercial entities, which will ensure that the best available resources will be employed to effect a swift, well-coordinated, and effective response. c. To protect the marine environment and the community from damage or disaster and promote safety for firefighting personnel MFFPC Organization The Governor of The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico under the law number 22 of June 23, 1996 has designated the PR Emergency Management Agency as the primary agency for the coordination of planning, preparedness and response resources during any emergency or disaster. The plan or State Emergency Support Functions (SESF) lists roles and responsibilities and contains processes required to integrate the Emergency Operating Procedures (EOP). Section Page 4

11 Section Overview During disasters, Emergency Support Function (ESF) #4 will coordinate all the actions of federal, state, and municipal firefighting and fire rescue resources. The Law number 43 of June 21, 1988 is the law that regulates the Fire Corps of Puerto Rico. Article three of this law establishes the PRFD as an agency whose obligation will be to prevent and fight fires, and to save lives and properties. The goal of this firefighting plan is to consolidate the various plans into one general plan in order to establish and facilitate relationships between all responsible parties that comprise the Unified Command System. This plan, was developed by a committee, representing various agencies (federal and Commonwealth), private companies, and community groups MFFPC Members Puerto Rico Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTOP) U.S. Customs Service U.S. Coast Guard Crowley American Transportation International Council of Cruise Lines Marine Industry Association Marine Spill Response Corporation (MSRC) Environmental Quality Board Puerto Rico Tourism Company American Red Cross Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Response Center (NRC) Shipping Association of Puerto Rico Geographic Boundaries Precise boundaries are identified in Annex A, Appendix IV of the Area Contingency Plan (ACP) for the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Section Page 5

12 Section Overview Fire History ITB ZORRA - On April 24, 1995, the integrated tug and barge (ITB) ZORRA sustained a major engine room fire which burned for five days. The fire occurred at Guanica Bay, Guanica, Puerto Rico. The Tug ZORRA grounded while engaged in an un-docking evolution. Following the vessel's grounding, a fire broke out in the unattended engine room. The fire developed very rapidly and smoke quickly filled the upper levels of the large engine room, thereby allowing little opportunity to ascertain exactly where the fire originated and how to begin fighting it. The CO2 system failed to extinguish the fire after its activation. Local firefighters reported to the scene and assisted the vessel's crew on deck. Unfortunately, extinguishing the fire required entering the engine room, and the land based fire team lacked formal marine shipboard firefighting training. The Captain of the Port believed that the fire could not be safely extinguished, and he directed the vessel to be moved into the channel to burn on her own. There was no loss of life, but total damage was estimated at $20 million dollars. A report from the National Transportation Safety Board is pending. M/V Sovereign of the Seas - On February 20, 1991 a fire started in Deck 5 Service Bar Pantry on the Cruise Liner M/V Sovereign of the Seas while moored at Pier 6, San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico. The fire quickly spread to the upper portions of the vessel directly above the location of origin. Compartments that were burning had been closed and direct firefighting was being accomplished. The space was filled with superheated smoke and vapors from the carpet and upholstery in flames. Passengers begin to disembark from the vessel into the Pier facility while PR Fire Department personnel link with vessel's crew and prepare to combat the fire. They used a platform truck to lift a two hose team to the weather deck at Deck 7. The Police Department and SEMA personnel coordinated evacuation operations and crowd control. A crewmember had to be transported to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation suffered while fighting the fire. The fire may have started as early as 11:30 PM but the local Fire Department was not notified until 2:30 AM. SEMA, the lead agency for emergency response, was not notified until 3:05 AM. The effects of the fire in such spaces were potentially catastrophic. Due to the concentration of vapors the possibility of an explosion existed. The San Juan Harbor is a heavily populated area which required timely and coordinated response actions, any delays may hamper the effectiveness of the agencies involved Scenarios Section Page 6

13 Section Overview San Juan: There are various scenarios that could occur in the area. The most probable scenario identified is a fire on board a tank vessel or barge while transferring fuel at San Juan Bay. This scenario is compounded because the heavy traffic of vehicles and personnel around the waterfront facilities. Also there is a potential spreading of fire to the nearby facilities and vessels. The evacuation of personnel from the immediate area will require a well coordinated plan since the Old City of San Juan is a of major tourist attraction. A fire on a cruise ship is another scenario that requires particular attention. There can be up to six cruise ships docked in the San Juan Bay at any given time. Compounding the scenario is the restricted maneuverability encountered inside the shipping lanes. It is conceivable that a serious fire onboard a cruise ship could necessitate both vessel and the local evacuation of nearby buildings due to heavy smoke. Overall this scenario would require a clear line of authority and response within the port community National and Area Response System National Response Structure The U.S. Coast Guard has a clear interest in fires involving vessels and waterfront facilities. However, local authorities are principally responsible for maintaining necessary firefighting capabilities in U.S. ports and harbors. Federal policy dictates that Coast Guard personnel shall not directly engage in firefighting activities on other than Coast Guard units except when necessary to save a life, or when possible to avert a significant threat, with minimal risk to Coast Guard personnel. The Coast Guard renders assistance as available, based on the level of training and adequacy of equipment (i.e. Coast Guard personnel and equipment). The Commandant of the Coast Guard intends to maintain this traditional "assistance as available" posture without conveying the impression that the Coast Guard is prepared to relieve local fire departments of their responsibilities. Paramount in preparing for vessel or waterfront fires is the need to integrate Coast Guard planning and training efforts with those of other responsible agencies, particularly local fire departments and port authorities. Section Page 7

14 Section Overview Additionally, vessel and facility owners or operators are ultimately responsible for the safety of the vessel or facility under their control, which includes providing adequate firefighting protection. The U.S. Navy and other military units provide in-house firefighting resources to protect U.S. property within their own facilities. They may enter into reciprocal or interagency agreements with local firefighting agencies to provide mutual aid. However, this does not relieve local authorities of the primary responsibility to provide and maintain the primary firefighting capabilities of the port. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) is charged with maintaining project depths and dimensions for area navigational channels, which includes keeping channels clear for vessel transit. Should a vessel or facility fire lead to blockage of a navigational channel, the ACE will take appropriate actions to clear the channel. Also, if a vessel fire necessitates the movement or removal of the vessel from the facility, the ACE would contribute to the decision making process on where to move the vessel Area Response Policy Article 3 of Law number 43 of June 21, 1988 (PR Fire Corps Regulatory Law) establishes the Puerto Rico Fire Dept (PRFD) as the organization responsible for preventing and fighting fires. The Chief of the PRFD is appointed by the Governor and has the authority to employ the services and coordinate the functions of this organization. Even though the term "marine fire" is not specifically used in Law 43, the PRFD recognizes the legitimate need to plan for and respond to fires in the marine environment. For this reason, the PRFD is taking part in the development of this plan so that federal, Commonwealth and municipal agencies respond jointly during a marine firefighting function. The Puerto Rico State Emergency Response Plan designates the PRFD as the Lead Agency for ESF #4. Based on mutual agreement and in recognition of the hazards of marine fires, the PRFC will assume necessary positions within the Unified Command structure organized to fight marine fires. Possible functions and responsibilities for the PRFC may include Fire Suppression Group (led by the Fire Department Chief) within the Emergency Response Branch. Upon agreement of the MFFP, the PRFD is expected to support firefighting efforts on shore facilities, vessels in port, and vessels anchored in the bays of the Commonwealth Section Page 8

15 Section Overview Plan Review of Puerto Rico. The PRFD will assure the development and maintenance of firefighting capabilities within Puerto Rico ports and harbors. Initial response operations will be the responsibility of the owner/operator of the vessel or facility. Owners and operators of vessels or facilities must develop their own contingency plans to respond to shipboard fires. The Commonwealth expects local municipalities to initially respond to the incident. The PRFD will be prepared to respond within the limits of their training and capabilities. If firefighting personnel are not trained or capable of handling a shipboard fire, they will take appropriate measures to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby spaces. The PRFD recognizes that Marine Fires have many aspects that warrant special attention because of the unique environment encountered aboard a vessel. Very few land-based firefighters have experienced a vessel fire. To address this lack of knowledge and understanding we, in cooperation with the United States Coast Guard and the maritime communities, have undertaken the task of developing this plan. This plan shall be reviewed and updated annually by the MFFPC. Plans shall be reviewed to ensure all information is current, and in particular, the following areas shall be looked at: 1. Emergency notification list 2. Response equipment information (type and amount of equipment available) 3. Hazard / risk assessment of the area 4. Response strategies (changes based on new technology, new equipment, etc.). Any changes to the plan must be noted on the record of changes page. The annual review will occur during the first quarter of each calendar year Exercises and Drills The COTP shall periodically conduct drills of firefighting response capability, to assess the effectiveness of this plan. The drills may include participation by federal, state, and local agencies, the owners and operators of vessels and facilities in the area and private industry. The National Strike Force Coordination Center (NSFCC) will act as a clearinghouse for exercises, participating in the development, execution, and evaluation to the fullest extent practicable, with cognizant program managers of the USCG and PREMA. The NSFCC will, in conjunction with cognizant program managers of the USCG and PREMA, plan for area or multi-area exercises under the PREP. Section Page 9

16 Section Overview Applicable Memoranda of Understanding/Agreement To be developed. Section Page 10

17 Section Planning Section C OM M A ND & CONTROL STRUCTURE Command & Control Structure The management of any incident or event always includes the following five major functions. + Command + Operations + Planning + Logistics + Finance/Administration. These five functions comprise the standard Incident Command System (ICS), which, for each incident, is headed by the Incident Commander (IC). The IC may be, represented by one person, who is responsible for all functions, or can be represented collectively by separate agencies and/or organizations. The ICS organization adheres to a "form follows function" philosophy. In other words, the organization at any given time should reflect only what is required to meet planned tactical objectives. The Incident Command (IC) function may be carried out in two ways: 1. Single Command For small incidents, usually the person in charge of the first units arriving at the scene of an incident assumes the Incident Command (IC) role. That person will remain in charge until formally relieved, or until transfer of command is accomplished. For a single command response, the Incident Command (IC) is usually the responding Fire Department Chief. 2. Unified Command For large incidents, Unified Command is a management method used for multijurisdictional and/or multi-agency events. Unified Command operates under the same organization structure as ICS, except that the Incident Command (IC) role is expanded to allow all agencies with responsibility for an incident, either geographical or functional, to establish a common set of incident objectives and strategies that all can subscribe to. This is accomplished without losing or abdicating agency authority, responsibility, or accountability. Section Page 1

18 Section Planning Section A unified command shall be initiated as soon as two or more agencies having jurisdictional or functional responsibilities come together on an incident. This plan uses the Unified Command approach, which addresses those marine fires in which two or more agencies will have jurisdictional or functional responsibilities Ground Rules COMMON RESPONSIBILITIES The following are responsibilities applicable to all ICS personnel: a. Receive assignment, notification, reporting location, reporting time, and travel instructions from your home agency. b. Upon arrival at the incident, check-in at designated check-in locations. Check in locations may be found at: + Incident Command Post, + Base or Camps, Staging Areas, Helibases, + Division Supervisors (for direct line assignments). c. Agency representatives from assisting or cooperating agencies report to Liaison Officer at the Command Post after checking in. d. All radio communications to Incident Communications Center will be addressed: "'(Incident Name)' Communications". e. Use clear text and ICS terminology (no codes) in all radio transmissions. f. Receive briefing from immediate supervisor. g. Acquire work materials. h. Organize, assign and brief subordinates. i. Complete forms and reports required of the assigned position and send material through supervisor to Documentation Unit. j. Respond to demobilization orders. k. Brief subordinates regarding demobilization. Section Page 2

19 Section Planning Section UNIFIED COMMAND (i.e. INCIDENT COMMAND) The Unified Command is responsible for the overall management of the incident. The Unified Command directs incident activities including the development and implementation of strategic decisions and approves the ordering and releasing of resources. For this plan, the Incident Commander shall be organized under the Unified Command structure, which includes, but is not limited to: a. The pre-designated federal On Scene Coordinator (FOSC) b. The pre-designated State Incident Commander (State IC) c. A representative of the Responsible Party (RP) The Unified Command may assign Deputy Incident Commanders to assist in carrying out Incident Command responsibilities. The Unified Command's (i.e. Incident Commander's) responsibilities include: a. Review Common Responsibilities (section , page 4). b. Assess the situation and/or obtain a briefing from the prior Incident Commander. The latter would be especially true in a pollution incident where fire is involved, since the fire chief would probably be the initial Incident Commander. c. Determine the incident objectives and strategies. d. Establish: + Immediate priorities. + Incident Command Post. + Appropriate functional organization. e. Ensure planning meetings are scheduled. f. Approve and authorize the implementation of the Incident Action Plan (IAP). g. Ensure that adequate safety measures are in place. h. Coordinate: + Activities of Command and general staff. + With key people and officials. i. Approve requests for additional resources, or the release of resources. Section Page 3

20 Section Planning Section j. Keep agency administrator informed of incident status. k. Approve the use of: + Trainees, + Volunteers and + Auxiliary personnel. l. Authorize the release of information to the news media. m. Order the demobilization of the incident when appropriate. UNIT LEADER RESPONSIBILITIES The following common responsibilities must be accomplished by all Unit Leaders: a. Participate in incident planning meetings, as required. b. Determine current status of unit activities. c. Confirm dispatch and estimated time of arrival of staff and supplies. d. Assign specific duties to staff; supervise staff. e. Determine resource needs. f. Develop and implement accountability, safety and security measures for personnel and resources. g. Supervise demobilization of unit, including storage of supplies. h. Provide Supply Unit Leader with a list of supplies to be replenished. i. Maintain unit records, including Unit/Activity Log. SPAN OF CONTROL Span of control pertains to the number of individuals one supervisor can effectively manage. Maintaining an effective span of control is particularly important on incidents where safety and accountability have top priority. 1. In ICS, the span of control for any supervisor falls within a range of 3 to 7. If a supervisor has fewer than three people reporting, or more than seven, some adjustment to the organization should be considered. Section Page 4

21 Section Planning Section 2. The rule of thumb for span of control in ICS is one supervisor to five subordinates. UNIFIED COMMAND PARAMETERS. Under the Unified Command, the following shall apply: 1. The incident will function under a single, coordinated Incident Action Plan (IAP). 2. One Operations Section Chief will have responsibility for implementing the Incident Action Plan. 3. One Incident Command Post will be established Command/Staff Elements: Roles & Responsibilities Federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC) U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan Puerto Rico COTP (Captain of the Port) is the pre-designated federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC) for the Unified Command. The COTP will coordinate planning and emergency response at the federal level. Two primary goals for the COTP are to safeguard the port and marine environment from navigation hazards and from pollution. The COTP recognizes that firefighting expertise lies with local fire departments, while also being cognizant that a marine fire is often a part of the total picture of port safety and environmental protection. The COTP may (depending upon the situation): a. Establish waterborne safety zones; b. Manage vessel traffic; c. Take actions to prevent pollution, such as moving or even grounding the vessel if necessary; d. Provide first aid mitigation actions commensurate with the level of personnel, equipment, and training to address immediate concerns prior to the arrival of local fire services or actions by the responsible party; e. Monitor response actions and providing assistance as available. Section Page 5

22 Section Planning Section State Incident Commander (IC) Once the plan is activated the Chief of the Puerto Rico Fire Department initiates the Agency's plan for response. The interagency coordinator will take his place at the Unified Command. Once there he/she will conduct a situational analysis and simultaneously alert the other support agencies for response readiness. a. Provide central coordination of federal, state, local, private, and volunteer efforts in response to a disaster. b. Identify all potential hazards in the Commonwealth (i.e. marine vessel and facility fires). c. Provide, or support, public information operations to keep affected residents informed about the situation and how they can protect themselves through the disaster period; d. Coordinate and direct restoration and recovery when local government lacks the capability for such operations or requests state direction and control. e. Assess needs and obtain support from the Federal Government as necessary and appropriate Representative of Responsible Party (RP) The third member of the Unified Command is the Responsible Party. The RP is a partner in the Unified Command's decision making process and attempts to balance the interests of the owner/operator against the needs of the response. For vessels, the captain or master of the ship is ultimately responsible for everything that happens to and upon the ship. The captain has final control over the safety of the vessel. However, the safety of the port is the responsibility of the COTP. A liaison with the captain must be established as a priority item at the outset of any incident. A measure of courtesy and cooperation with the captain will greatly enhance any operations aboard the ship. The captain will have knowledge of the sequence of events and the actions taken prior to the fire department's arrival. The captain should also know which systems aboard ship are available and can be used. Section Page 6

23 Section Planning Section The presence of local fire fighters does not relieve the captain of command of, or transfer the captain's responsibility for overall safety on, the ship. However, the captain should not normally countermand any orders given by the local fire fighters in the performance of firefighting activities on board the ship, unless the action taken or planned clearly endangers the safety of the ship or crew. In the event of a fire, the captain of the ship is responsible for prompt notification to the PRFC. The captain is also responsible for all initial response actions in combating the fire. The vessel's owner/operator must develop their own contingency plans to respond to shipboard fires. The plans are required to have detailed information on the vessel layout and cargo involved. Waterfront facility owners/operators share the same level of responsibility as the captain (or owner/operator) of a vessel, with regards to safety, response actions, notifications, and contingency plans for their facility. Additionally, facility owners and operators must also take steps to limit the spread of fire from their facility to any vessels docked nearby. Both facility and vessel owner/operators have a vested interest in the safety of property and cargo. Additionally, each are regulated by the government and insurance industry for port and environmental safety. The facility/vessel owner will be held responsible for firefighting costs. Aboard ship, the captain is the direct representative of the owner. For a facility, the manager is the direct representative of the owner. Delay in responding with necessary firefighting resources because of preoccupation with financial responsibility and other similar questions is unacceptable. These concerns underscore the need to identify the owner early and to understand the major state and federal disaster mechanisms Others It can be expected that other political interests, such as townships and counties, may wish to have full membership in the Command during events, which occur within their jurisdictions. However, the value of their representation, at this level, should be weighed against their ability to make and act upon decisions and policies of the Command. Local specialists may be better used in the Command Staff or in one of the functional sections described below. A Command Staff Liaison Officer may also be assigned to coordinate local input. Section Page 7

24 Section Planning Section Liaison Officer (LO) APPOINTED BY: PREMA Incidents that are multi-jurisdiction, or have several agencies involved, may require the establishment of the Liaison Officer (LO) position on the Command Staff. The "LO's" responsibilities include: a. Review Common Responsibilities (section , page 4). b. Provide a point of contact for assisting and cooperating Agency Representatives. c. Identify Agency Representatives from each agency including communications link and location. d. Maintain a complete list of assisting and cooperating agencies. e. Assist in establishing and coordinating inter-agency contacts. f. Keep agencies that are supporting the incident aware of incident status. g. Monitor incident operations to identify current and potential interorganizational problems. h. Participate in planning meeting, providing current resource status, including limitations and capabilities of assisting agency resources. i. Respond to requests from incident personnel for inter-organizational assistance. j. Keep the incident commander informed of significant liaison activity. k. Maintain unit log of actions, correspondence, and communications Agency Representatives (AR) An individual assigned to an incident from an assisting or cooperating agency who has delegated authority to make decisions on matters affecting that agency's participation at the incident. The ARs" will report to the incident Liaison Officer (LO) or directly to the Incident Commander in the absence of the LO. Section Page 8

25 Section Planning Section Responsibilities include: a. Review Common Responsibilities (section , page 4). b. Ensure that all agency resources are properly checked-in at the incident. c. Obtain briefing from the Liaison Officer or Incident Command. d. Inform assisting or cooperating agency personnel on the incident that the Agency Representative position for that agency has been filled. e. Attend briefings and planning meetings as required. f. Provide input on the use of agency resources unless resource technical specialists are assigned from the agency. g. Cooperate fully with the Unified Command and the General Staff on agency involvement at the incident. h. Ensure the well-being of agency personnel assigned to the incident. i. Advise the Liaison Officer of any special agency needs or requirements. j. Report to home agency dispatch or headquarters on a prearranged schedule. k. Ensure that all agency personnel and equipment are properly accounted for and released prior to departure. l. Ensure that all required agency forms, reports and documents are complete prior to departure. m. Have a debriefing session with the Liaison Officer or Unified Command prior to departure Natural Resource Damage Assessment Unit (NRDA) The NRDA Representative is responsible for coordinating NRDA needs and activities of the trustee team with the ICS operation in the event natural resources are injured. This includes close coordination with the Liaison Officer for Section Page 9

26 Section Planning Section obtaining timely information on the incident and injuries to natural resources. The Representative will coordinate NRDA or injury determination activities. The NRDA unit will investigate and evaluate the extent of destruction, injury, and loss of the resource, and assess damages for that injury and the loss of the use of the resource. Responsibilities of the NRDA unit include: a. Review Common Responsibilities (section , page 4). b. Attend planning meetings as required. c. Attend appropriate meetings to facilitate communication between NRDA Team and ICS. d. Provide status reports to appropriate requesters. e. Identify site access, staffing and logistical support needs of the NRDA Team to the Liaison Officer. f. Interact with appropriate units to collect information requested by the NRDA Team. g. Obtain necessary safety clearances for access to sampling/survey sites. h. Coordinate with other organizations to identify personnel available for NRDA. i. Maintain Unit/Activity Log Health and Safety Safety Officer (SO) APPOINTED BY: PREMA The Safety Officer reviews the hazards and unsafe conditions attendant to the incident, and develops and maintains a site safety plan for the duration of the incident. The Safety Officer will correct unsafe acts or conditions through the regular line of authority, although the officer may exercise emergency authority to stop or prevent unsafe acts when immediate action is required. The Safety Officer also monitors activities for compliance with applicable safety laws and regulations. Section Page 10

27 Section Planning Section The Safety Officer may have assistants. Specific responsibilities include: a. Review Common Responsibilities (section , page 4). b. Participating in planning meetings. c. Identifying hazardous situations associated with the incident and advising responding personnel on methods of protection including personal protective clothing and response procedures. d. Reviewing the Incident Action Plan for safety implications. e. As far as practicable, ensuring responders have qualifications to perform assigned tasks and that training performed is documented. f. Exercising emergency authority to stop and prevent unsafe acts. g. Investigating accidents that have occurred due to involvement with the incident. h. Ensuring the preparation and implementation of the site specific Health and Safety Plan (HASP) in accordance with the Area Contingency Plan (ACP) and State and Federal OSHA regulations. The HASP shall at a minimum address, include, or contain the following elements: Health and safety hazard analysis for each site task or operation. Comprehensive operations work plan. Personnel training requirements. PPE selection criteria. Site, specific occupational medical monitoring requirements. Air monitoring plan: area/personal. Site control measures. Confined space entry procedures; if needed. Pre-entry briefings (tailgate meetings); initial as needed. Pre-operations health and safety conference for all incident participants. Quality assurance of HASP effectiveness. i. Assigning assistants as needed. j. Keeping the Incident Commander informed regarding significant events, occurrences, or activities. k. Maintaining a Unit/Activity log. Section Page 11

28 Section Planning Section Site Safety Plan (See Section 9000 of the Area Contingency Plan Page 13) --Generic "all hazard site safety plan IAW with OSHA guidance" --Post-emergency fire site safety plan Public Affairs Information Information Officer (IO) APPOINTED BY: UNIFIED COMMAND The IO is responsible for developing and releasing information about the incident to the news media, to incident personnel, and to other appropriate agencies and organizations. The IO will normally be the only point of contact for the media and other agencies desiring information directly from the incident. He/She will also develop and release information about the incident to the: News media Incident personnel Other appropriate agencies and organizations The Information Officer's responsibilities include: a. Review Common Responsibilities (section , page 4). b. Serving as the central control point for the dissemination of official information to the media. c. Establishing, organizing and managing the Joint Information Center/Bureau (JIC or JIB) as the central location for disseminating official information. Section Page 12

29 Section Planning Section d. Preparing the initial information summary as soon as possible after arrival. e. Scheduling, organizing, and conducting UCS media briefings, interviews, and tours. f. Developing presentations such as charts, maps, and graphics to support both response operations and media briefings. g. Resolving conflicting information and reporting media concerns to Unified Command. h. Organizing and managing the Public Affairs Staff needed to carry out public affairs tasking. i. Determining from the Unified Command if there are any limitations on information release. j. Identifying media concerns to the Unified Command. k. Advising the media of the incident, and conducting and scheduling briefings. l. Maintaining log of actions and events Joint Information Center (JIC) PROVIDED BY: PRCD The JIC is a facility established within or near the Incident Command Post where the IO and staff can coordinate and provide information on the incident to the public, media and other agencies. The JIC is normally staffed with representation from the FOSC, PRFC, and the RP. An IO may be designated to supervise/operate the JIC. The JIC is a focal point for coordination of information-flow internally and externally Media Interaction The general public's opinion of an emergency response effort is not always based upon what action has been taken, but upon what information they have received. Supplying information to the media is a critical component of any response, and is a primary function of the Unified Command. Early and accurate news releases Section Page 13

30 Section Planning Section serve to minimize public apprehension and enhance their faith in the response community's ability to deal with significant fires. To ensure an accurate flow of information, a single point-of-contact or pool of public affairs personnel should be established for media relations. The number of people needed to respond to inquiries will vary depending on the size of the incident and the media interest involved. The FOSC has many resources available to assist with the media. For small incidents, the assistance of the Public Affairs Officer (PAO) may be sufficient. For larger cases with more media interest, notify the District Public Affairs office. It may also be necessary to seek assistance from other sources such as the Public Information Assist Team (PIAT), or private industry. Figure 1 below is a checklist for public affairs procedures during response operations Community Relations Providing information directly to members of the impacted community, free of the filtering and potentially distorting effect of the media, is critical to public understanding of the incident response. Community relations may include scheduling of public meetings, preparing speeches, and coordinating public activities with public officials and protocol personnel. In order to ensure that important constituencies are not overlooked or slighted during a major response, it is important that a Community Relations officer be assigned to the public affairs element. Community relations should never be a collateral duty of the IO during a major incident Internal Information Informing the response community of the status of the response is vital if consistent and accurate information is to be conveyed to all interested parties. Internal information is the process of informing our own people of the status of our activities. At a minimum, all personnel assigned to response duties should be provided access to the Daily Fact Sheet (Figure 2) prepared by the IO Press Conferences & News Briefings Section Page 14