Chattogram port is the most important seaport of the Bangladesh. It is an international seaport, and being so, Chattogram port has the highest quality of integrated security system to deal with any internal and external threats. Considering threats, risks and accidents, a comprehensive security measure has been formulated to ensure adequate level of protection. The security department is equipped with the necessary security equipment and it is being trained to become an efficient and vigilant security force. Chattogram port fire service unit is an important part of the security department. This unit works 24/7 to deal with internal fire risk. Not only to implement ISPS code, but also as an international port a complete fire unit was set up from the beginning with trained firefighters and modern equipment. Now, it has all kinds of service facilities like a modern fire service station.
Full time service
Uninterrupted container handling, container transportation and unloading of goods are done at Chattogram port 24 hours a day. Heavy equipment used to perform these tasks can cause fire, so does a combustible product. In addition, the inadvertent activities of the officers and employees from port or stakeholders working inside the port can cause unwanted fire. To deal with these risks, the port fire unit works to provide fire extinguishing services, deal accident or any kind of emergency services inside the port. More than 50 trained firefighters have been working in two shifts to provide round-the-clock service.
Modern equipment
The port fire unit has modern equipment to run as a full-fledged modern fire station. Equipped with 5 fire tenders, the unit is capable of extinguishing any kind of fire inside the port. Besides, there are also three fire pumps to tackle any unwanted emergency situation. Port fire unit has placed adequate fire extinguishers in terminal sheds of the port, port buildings, residential areas, hospitals, port-run schools, colleges and madrasas, and these installations are useful in extinguishing fire as soon as it starts.
Quick response
The port fire service unit is capable of providing service to entire port area to extinguish fire within 3-5 minutes. The head office of the port fire service unit is located at the gate number 4 of the port. There are 3 fire service controls rooms located in the head office, CCT (Chattogram Container Terminal) and in Dolphin oil jetty. In these 3 control rooms, full-time firefighters with necessary equipment are ready to attend the call of duty. Apart from this, to support safety mechanism related to fire, there is another fire service control room in Dhaka ICD (Inland Container Depot).
Awareness activities
The port fire service unit conducts awareness activities to prevent any fire-related accident in Chattogram port. All installations inside and outside of the port have signboards with instructions on what to do in case of fire hazards. Signboards detail what can and cannot be done, how to use safety equipment and what to do when a risk arises. In addition, all the officers and employees of the port are given basic training on what to do in case of fire hazard in the workplace. In this training, necessary instructions have been given to reduce the damage caused by fire and to ensure personal safety. Such awareness activities play an important role in protecting individual as well as reducing institutional damage.
Fire fighting exercise
As the ISPS code implementing port, Chattogram port is supposed to conduct fire fighting exercises at least twice a year, but the port fire unit conducts exercises every month to prepare itself for any unwanted fire incident. In these exercises, fire fighting is practiced inside the port by comprehending the speed and nature of the fire. On the one hand, exercises not only makes them more adept at dealing with new kind of fire hazards, but also make them informed about the capabilities of firefighters so that they can improve more.
Future plans
With the increasing export-import demand of the country, operational activities of Chattogram port are increasing in parallel. The Chattogram Port Authority has taken initiative to enhance services of the port fire service unit keeping in view port’s increased size and future activities. It has taken a bunch of plans to increase the trained manpower as well as installation of modern equipment and new buildings. These include the development of a fire hydrant system, installation of an alarm system, collection of fireboats to help the ships stationed at the outer anchorage or port channel, procurement of modern equipment and construction of a six-storey building. Apart from this, the port authority has planned to procure more modern firefighting equipment for all the terminals to be constructed at the port.
