TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute any and all documents necessary to enter into agreements with vessel emergency response and salvage companies for the purpose of executing vessel firefighting response plans, for a term of five years, with the option to extend the agreements for two additional five-year terms. (District 2)
DISCUSSION
The Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) provides marine firefighting and emergency rescue services in the Port of Long Beach, which may include responding to vessel emergencies. Part 155 of Title 33 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), entitled “Salvage and Marine Firefighting Requirements; Vessel Response Plans for Oil,” requires that vessel owners and operators ensure that adequate response resources are available to respond to incidents involving a potential or actual fire, to prevent loss of life, damage or destruction of the vessel, and damage to the marine environment.
The vessel response plans must meet the requirements set forth by the CFR and must be approved by the United States Coast Guard in order to be implemented. The LBFD has the capability to provide marine response resources required in a Vessel Response Plan, including ship-board marine firefighting, the stabilization and ballasting of vessels, and mitigation of hazardous materials release.
The firefighting response plan agreements will enable the vessel emergency response and salvage companies to establish the LBFD as a vessel response resource for emergency incidents and potentially provide an avenue by which the City can recover the cost for services. In addition, it will allow LBFD to obtain vessel fire control plans and to participate in drills and exercises that will better prepare them for emergency responses.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary Anderson and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on November 12, 2013.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested on December 3, 2013 in order to proceed with developing agreements with vessel emergency response and salvage companies.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no immediate fiscal impact. However, as noted above, the agreements could potentially provide an avenue for additional revenue through recovery of costs for services.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
MICHAEL A. DUREE
FIRE CHIEF
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER