Marine Unit Soars to New Heights

Established in the early 2000s, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue's Special Operations Marine Unit has grown into a highly capable, specialized team prepared to respond to emergencies across the county's extensive waterways. From inland rivers, lakes, and canals to the open waters of Tampa Bay, the unit's operational area stretches as far south as the Sunshine Skyway bridge.

In its early years, the Marine Unit operated with modest resources, including a Boston Whaler fireboat and an inflatable rescue boat. These vessels provided essential capability for near-shore incidents, inland waterways, and basic search-and-rescue operations. As Hillsborough County experienced rapid population growth, increased recreational boating, and expanding maritime commerce - particularly in and around Port Tampa Bay - the scope and complexity of marine emergencies also increased.

To meet these evolving demands, the department transitioned to purpose-built fire and rescue vessels. Today, the Marine Unit operates modern Munson aluminum-hull catamaran landing craft, commonly referred to as PackCat vessels. This transition represents a significant advancement in operational capability. The catamaran design provides superior stability in rough water, increased payload capacity, and enhanced safety for crews operating offshore or during large-scale incidents. Aluminum construction offers exceptional durability and reduced maintenance compared to earlier fiberglass boats.

A defining feature of these vessels is their landing-craft configuration with a bow ramp that can be lowered directly onto shorelines, docks, or other vessels. This allows crews to rapidly load patients, deploy personnel, and move equipment in areas without traditional docking facilities. The capability is especially valuable during mass-casualty incidents, flood operations, or rescues in shallow or obstructed environments.

The Marine Unit currently operates two fireboats that provide critical emergency response throughout local waterways and support operations at Port Tampa Bay. The larger vessel, a 38-foot fireboat based at Lands End Marina in Apollo Beach, was acquired through a Port Security Grant and serves as the unit's primary offshore response platform. A second, 26-foot fireboat, a smaller, highly maneuverable companion vessel, was obtained through a subsequent Port Security Grant and is stationed at Station 39 in northwest Hillsborough County to improve geographic coverage and response times.

Both vessels are equipped with high-capacity firefighting systems. The larger fireboat can deliver approximately 3,000 gallons of water per minute, while the smaller vessel can deliver approximately 500 gallons per minute. This capability enables crews to combat vessel fires, waterfront incidents, and fires involving port facilities or critical infrastructure.

In addition to firefighting, the boats are outfitted with advanced hazardous materials monitoring instruments and radiological detection equipment capable of identifying ionizing radiation.

The landing-craft bow doors also enhance rescue operations by allowing responders to access victims directly from the waterline or shoreline with minimal lifting. Crews can transport injured individuals to waiting ambulances or directly to waterfront medical facilities such as Tampa General Hospital, which has the capability to receive patients by water.

Beyond life-safety missions, the Marine Unit plays an important role in environmental protection and maritime security. Crews respond to fuel spills from recreational vessels and commercial shipping incidents, working in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and partner agencies to contain contamination. Using absorbent booms and other containment measures, responders establish protective perimeters to prevent the spread of pollutants in sensitive waterways.

The Marine Unit is staffed by approximately 40 specially trained firefighters assigned primarily to Station 29 in Apollo Beach and Station 39 in northwest Hillsborough County. Members serve in dual roles, functioning as traditional firefighters and paramedics while maintaining advanced marine response qualifications. When a water-related emergency occurs, personnel deploy the vessel best suited to the incident, responding to situations ranging from boating accidents and medical emergencies to search-and-rescue operations, hazardous materials incidents, and fires involving vessels or waterfront structures.

What began as a modest capability has evolved into a modern marine response force equipped with two state-of-the-art fireboats, smaller support vessels, personal watercraft for rapid deployment, amphibious SHERP vehicles for difficult terrain, and additional airboats planned to enhance inland and flood response capabilities.

Through continuous training, interagency coordination, and strategic investment in modern equipment, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue's Special Operations Marine Unit has evolved into a robust maritime response force. Today, it stands ready to protect residents, visitors, critical infrastructure, and the environment across one of Florida's busiest and most vital waterways.