TM 55-1930-209-14&P-17
4-1.5 Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). There are 5 SCBA's stored onboard in their fiberglass storage
containers (Figure 4-6). Two large units, in black containers, have a 24 to 30 minute capacity. One is stored in the
workshop and the other in the ROWPU space. Three small units in green containers, have a 9 to 15 minute capacity.
One is stored in void 2 port, another is mounted on the side of the AC unit in the workshop and the third is mounted on the
forward side of the switchboard. Each SCBA has a facepiece assembly with breathing tube, pressure demand air
regulator with air hose, low pressure warning bell, air cylinder valve assembly with pressure gauge and on/off air valve,
and a pressurized air tank. These items are fastened to a web harness and aluminum backboard that fit over the
shoulders and support the cylinder and cylinder valve assembly on the user's back. The regulator is attached to the waist
belt of the harness on the user's front left side. Although units look alike and have many interchangeable parts, they are
not interchangeable. Large units can only use 30 minute tanks, and small units can only use 15 minute tanks.
4-1.6 Portable firefighting pump, PE-250. This US Navy issue item is a self-contained, gasoline engine driven,
portable, single stage centrifugal water pump, model PE-250 (Figure 4-7). The pump is directly coupled to an axial, fan-
cooled, 2 cylinder, 2 cycle gasoline engine that has a manual rope starter supplemented by a battery powered electric
starter. The pump is automatically primed by a vacuum pump driven by the engine. It can be manually primed if
necessary. Pump controls include throttle, choke, starter switch, prime switch and ignition switch on an engine control
panel. Gauges include a pump pressure gauge and ampere gauge. The pump, engine, priming pump, starting battery
and controls and indicators are mounted inside a tubular steel frame 24 inches long, 21 inches wide, and 20 inches high.
This pump assembly, without fuel, weighs 159 pounds. It is secured in a special bracket aft of the ROWPU HP diesel
pumps near the aft CO2 hose reel unit with two quick-disconnect pins. Major accessories include three 10-foot suction
hoses, a 20-foot exhaust hose, a three-way gate valve, foot valve and strainer, adapter, and fuel tank. The separate fuel
tank holds 6 gallons of gasoline/oil mixture. It is secured in a special bracket with tiedown strap on the starboard forward
comer of the hose reel structure on the stem weatherdeck. The hoses are stored on a special bracket in void 5 portside
behind the hose reel hydraulic pump unit. Instructions for operation and maintenance of this unit are in NAVSEA S6225-
EF-MMA-010/MODEL PE-250, Technical Manual, Installation, Operation, Maintenance and Repair Instructions with Parts
List, Portable Fire Fighting Service Gasoline Engine Driven Centrifugal Pump Model PE-250. This is referenced in this
manual as NAVSEA S6225 PE-250 manual. There are copies onboard all barges. Additional copies are available using
normal technical manual requisitioning procedures.
4-2 Capabilities
4-2.1 Halon 1301 system. When activated, this system suppresses all three types of fires: burning wood-type materials
(cellulose) (type A), flammable liquids (type B), and electrical fires (type C). The system extinguishes fires via nozzles
systematically positioned in the port and starboard voids 4, when all forced air ventilation systems are turned off and the
hatches and doors are closed.
4-2.2 CO2 hose/reel units. The CO2 units, like the Halon system, are effective against fires classified as types A, B and
C.
4-2.3 Marine smoke detector system. This system has the capability of detecting smoke in one or more voids at the
same time, sounding an alarm to alert crewmembers and identifying, with a flashing panel light, which void is producing
smoke.
4-2.4 Portable fire extinguishers. Both the CO2 and the dry chemical, portable extinguishers are effective against all
three types of fires: burning wood type (cellulose) materials, flammable liquids and electrical types. The CO2 units are
recommended for use ONLY in open, well-ventilated areas. The dry chemical units are best suited for use in close,
confined areas. The amount of liquid in both types of extinguishers is very limited. Use these extinguishers quickly and
aggressively to put out fires.
4-2.5 Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). When properly maintained and used, these units protect the user
from all smoke and toxic fumes that may be created onboard. The two large units use pressurized tanks that provide
fresh air for about 24 to 30 minutes. Use them primarily for firefighting and rescue operations and when required in
handling certain chemicals needed for ROWPU operations. The three small units provide air for about 9 to 15 minutes.
Use them for escape from or through a compartment filled with smoke and toxic fumes.
4-7
