California-based boatbuilder Moose Boats announced that it has signed a contract with the City and County of San Francisco to build an M1-46 fireboat for San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The vessel will be operated by the Airport Division of the San Francisco Fire Department.

The 46-foot catamaran is used by the San Francisco Fire Department in emergency situations at the airport, the 13th busiest in the United States.

According to San Francisco Fire, “The Airport Division is responsible for fire protection, fire prevention, code compliance, emergency medical services, water rescue operations and hazardous materials removal at San Francisco International Airport.”

The vessel will include a 1500 GPM pump, two 600 HP Cummins QSC 8.3 turbodiesel engines, storage for over 50 life rafts (each for 10 people), and an air-conditioned cabin with its own patient stretcher. The M1 Moose Boat will be stored in a boathouse near Seaplane Harbor to ensure rapid emergency response.

“This emergency water rescue facility is believed to be the only one of its kind at any West Coast airport,” the San Francisco Fire Department reported.
In addition, the San Francisco Fire Department’s Airport Division will retain its existing M1 Moose fireboat as a reserve vessel to serve the community and airport as needed, ensuring continued service during the new boat’s annual maintenance.