Seaspan’s $800K land-based tugboat simulator in North Vancouver is training firefighters and shipbuilders for dangerous marine fire scenarios on Burrard Inlet.
Tugboat Simulator on Land Helps Crews Prepare for Burrard Inlet Fires
Training Expands as Marine Fire Risks Rise
Fire crews and shipyard workers in North Vancouver are learning to battle dangerous onboard fires using a new land-based tugboat simulator designed by Seaspan. The training tool, introduced Monday at the Maplewood Fire Centre, is intended to help responders prepare for emergencies on Burrard Inlet, where rising industrial activity increases the potential for nautical disasters.
Realistic Conditions Challenge Trainees
The simulation places participants in heavy protective gear as they navigate confined spaces that mirror those on an active tugboat. Gas-powered fixtures create live flames and thick smoke, while narrow hallways, steep staircases and protruding pipes force crews to move carefully. Seaspan rescue safety lead Dwayne Higgins said the drills focus on accessing tight areas, managing hose lines and safely reaching trapped workers.
Modular Mock Vessel Designed for High-Risk Scenarios
The mock tugboat — resembling stacked containers mounted on a small boat hull — recreates engine rooms, galleys and other spaces where fires are likely to start. Built over four years at a cost of $800,000, the unit is the first of its kind on the West Coast. It sits permanently at the District of North Vancouver’s training site, where both municipal firefighters and Seaspan crews undergo instruction.
Hands-On Drills Reveal Gaps and Build Confidence
During Monday’s exercise, volunteer shipbuilders acted as the initial responders to a simulated kitchen fire that had been burning for some time. Higgins briefed them on the scenario before they approached the smoke-filled metal doorway, tested heat levels with water spray, opened the compartment and advanced on the flames. He said the drill offered a safe way for less-experienced crews to learn from mistakes while practising teamwork.
Fire Department Sees Urgent Need for Marine Readiness
District of North Vancouver assistant chief Gunter Kramer said the simulator helps prepare crews for land-based responses to marine fires, but added that more resources are needed across the inlet. Currently, Vancouver Fire and Rescue operates three firefighting boats that would be called to attack a vessel fire from the water. Kramer said the busy waterfront and overlapping jurisdictions along Burrard Inlet make preparation essential and complex.
Shipyard Workers Play Key Role in Early Response
Kramer noted that shipbuilders are valuable first responders because they know the vessels under construction and the risks involved. Fires can erupt during shipbuilding work, he said, making early intervention critical before outside crews arrive. Higgins agreed, emphasizing that knowing how a vessel operates — and what obstacles lie inside — is central to safe, effective firefighting.
Focus on Collaboration for Future Emergencies
As training continues, both Seaspan and North Vancouver firefighters say strengthening coordination will be vital. With marine activity expected to grow, the simulator provides a shared environment for crews to practise working together under pressure. “We need to respond quickly and do the best we can with what we have,” Higgins said, stressing that safety and teamwork remain the core goals.
