By: Mark Herzog
On May 8th, 2011, Hiller Systems was awarded a commemorative plaque, recognizing 20 years of commitment to the Robert E. Rumans Hampton Roads Firefighting Symposium. Hiller has been involved in the Marine Firefighting Symposium since its inception in 1991. Hiller’s contribution involves an overview of fixed firefighting systems and equipment, including function and emergency operational procedures. Our trailer-mounted Fixed Carbon Dioxide System discharge is a perennial favorite of the class attendees who hail from both coasts of North America, South America, Panama, Singapore and Europe. Originally, Mark Herzog was the instructor, with those duties being handed over to Dave Faller many years ago. Hiller Systems is proud to be a part of one of the only Marine Firefighting courses of its kind. The Symposium was named posthumously for Robert E. Rumens, who was one of the original founders of this valuable training course.
The Robert E. Rumens Hampton Roads Firefighting Symposium was sponsored by:
• Virginia Port Authority/MIRT (Marine incident Response Team)
• Virginia Department of Fire Programs
• Virginia Maritime Association
• Ft. Eustis Fire Department
• Maritime Administration
• Norfolk Fire Rescue
• U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Hampton Roads
• U.S. Navy Fleet Training Center Fire School, Norfolk, VA
• Military Sealift Command
• Tri-State Maritime Safety Association
• Hampton Roads Fire Chiefs Association
This course is designed to familiarize land-based firefighters and Maritime personnel on procedures necessary to handle a marine incident within a port or waterway. This course meets NFPA 1005 standards, is ProBoard and IFSAC certified.
Course Topics included:
• Vessel Construction
• Vessel Safety
• Firefighting Tactics
• Incident Management Procedures
• Vessel and Terminal Operations
• Legal Issues
• Live Firefighting Evolutions
• Waterborne Exercise
• Practical Workstations
• Vessel Tours
• Review of Past Incidents
• Contingency Planning
• WMD/Hazmat Incidents
For more informaiton about this or other marine fire fighting applications, contact us today at