Canaveral Fire Rescue crews have begun training at Port Canaveral’s Cruise Terminal 1 complex with a new submersible fire pump system purchased by the port.

The system gives Canaveral Fire Rescue enhanced firefighting capability, as well as allowing the port to restore water pressure it there is a loss of water service.

The Canaveral Port Authority bought the equipment after identifying a gap in firefighting capability during Hurricane Irma in 2017, when there was what the port described as a “catastrophic loss of water main pressure.” This pump would enable Canaveral Fire Rescue to restore water at critical areas around the port.

The 10,000 gallon-per-minute system includes a large pump and trailer; two submersible heads that draw water directly from the ocean for firefighting; and a crane to deploy and retrieve the submersible pumps.

Port officials say this equipment will ensure adequate water for fighting fires. It also will provide dockside coverage for the port’s fuel, cargo and cruise terminals.

The Canaveral Port Authority purchased the system from U.S. Fire Pump Co. of  Holden, Louisiana, for $508,500.

When filled with water, each hose weighs more than 1,000 pounds.