The Port of Virginia

Hampton Roads Maritime Incident Response Team

MIRT

Hampton Roads Maritime Incident Response Team (MIRT): Provide immediate on-scene maritime advice and agency liaison to the USCG and Incident Commanders responding to fires, hazardous materials, search and rescue, and other emergencies in the marine environment. The MIRT will promote maritime response capabilities in the Port of Hampton Roads through an ongoing program of training, drills, resources, and continued support and coordination through port partnerships. The Hampton Roads Marine Fire Fighting Symposium is one of the methods through which the MIRT conducts its training.

2013 Firefighters Symposium Student Roster

For more information, contact Bill Burket, Director of MIRT
bburket@portofvirginia.com or 757-615-6661

The MIRT is a task force comprised of personnel from the following agencies:

Chesapeake Fire Department
Coastwise Marine Chemists
Hampton Fire Department
Hiller Systems
James City County Fire Department
Newport News Fire Department
Maritime Association
Mid-Atlantic Navy Regional Fire Department
Norfolk Fire Rescue
Poquoson Fire Department
Portsmouth Fire Department
Suffolk Fire Department
United States Coast Guard
United States Maritime Administration (MARAD)
United States Navy Firefighting School
Virginia Beach Fire Department
Virginia Department of Emergency Management
Virginia Maritime Association
Virginia Pilots Association
Virginia Port Authority
York County Fire Department

These agencies have various and overlapping expertise in shipboard firefighting, damage control, stability, ship construction, and hazardous materials incident response.

The MIRT team has assisted with the following "all hazards" events:

Responding to fires, hazardous materials, injured persons, Search and Rescue, and other maritime incidents within the USCG Sector Hampton Roads AOR
Foster and supports port partnerships
Coordinates regional drills and exercises
Co-sponsor of the annual Search and Rescue Forum
Coordinates the annual Hampton Roads Marine Firefighting Symposium
Provide command support at Sector Hampton Roads during SAR and other port events
Provide support for local and regional fire and law enforcement marine teams
Participates in local, regional and state emergency management planning