FPAAC Awareness Level Training – February 19, 2026
On February 19, FPAAC member agencies from across the region participated in a Regional Awareness Level Training held at the Cowlitz Regional Conference Center.
This classroom-based training was delivered by FPAAC Training Coordinator – Don Doyle, to fifty-five attendees from nine FPAAC member agencies.
The Awareness Level Training, recommended for all FPAAC agency personnel, provides a critical foundation for operating safely and effectively in support roles during shipboard fire incidents, without directly engaging in fire suppression operations.
The training emphasized situational awareness, responder safety and coordinated support functions, ensuring participants understand their potential role within a larger, multi-agency response.
At the start of the training attendees participated in a quiz to test their knowledge, this quiz was repeated at the end of the training to allow attendees to test their learning and reinforce the key items presented during the day.
This training was delivered through a series of structured presentations covering a wide range of topics including:
Legal considerations for responders
Port facilities and the Columbia River economy
Roles and responsibilities
Ship terminology, ship types and basic construction
Fire control plans 101
Vessel stability and hazards
In the afternoon attendees were split into groups and participated in activities designed to familiarize participants with how to understand vessel fire control plans for the various different vessel types that call at ports and facilities in the area.
Anyone interested in learning about the FPAAC training program or future training opportunities is encouraged to contact Anthony O’Reilly, oreilly@pdxmex.com