San Diego Harbor Police showcased a new piece of training gear on Monday: a floating barge located off the National City Marine Terminal. Designed to help first responders prepare for fires on a vessel or a possible terrorist attack, the $380,000 tactical trainer simulates life and death situations.
It is the first of its kind in the country. Two years in the making, it is about three stories high with remotely controlled burn chambers. Training includes boarding the vessel and climbing all the way down to the engine to stop fires.
"It's primarily used for waterborne firefighting. We can also use it as a tactical trainer for hostage situations or situations on the water which might require a tactical team," said Harbor Police Chief Mark Stainbrook.
The hope is that the barge will save lives some day from fire or hostage situations.
“Indeed, when San Diego is better prepared, so is the state of California as well as our nation,” said U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Jonathan S. Spaner.
Harbor Police are cross-trained as marine firefighters and get about seven to nine calls a year to douse boat or ship fires. The new vessel is paid for through a federal port security grant. It allows first responders to train on the water instead of land.
