NTSB Urges USCG to Remove Subchapter K Exemptions for Fire Safety
![The U.S. Coast Guard and other supporting agencies work to extinguish a fire on board Spirit of Norfolk in June 8, 2022. (Photo: Edward Wargo / U.S. Coast Guard)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/the-us-coast-guard-and-145049.jpg)
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommended Tuesday that engine-room fire detection and fixed fire extinguishing systems be installed in small passenger vessels previously exempted from U.S. Coast Guard regulations in Subchapter K.The NTSB issued the recommendations after investigating an engine room fire aboard the Spirit of Norfolk during a sightseeing cruise near Naval Station Norfolk, Viriginia, on June 7, 2022, with 108 people on board. The fire was too large for the crew to fight, and the passengers and crew were evacuated to other vessels.
'Spirit of Norfolk' Fire Hearing Concludes
![Capt. Ryan Nadeau, master of the Spirit of Norfolk, delivers his testimony during a formal hearing regarding the events of the Spirit of Norfolk vessel fire Jan. 27, 2023 in Virginia Beach, Va. (Photo: Edward Wargo / U.S. Coast Guard)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/capt-ryan-nadeau-master-of-138455.jpg)
The U.S. Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board concluded the formal public hearing proceedings into the fire and total constructive loss of the passenger vessel Spirit of Norfolk Feb. 2, 2023.The joint investigation team reviewed and considered evidence related to the fire and total constructive loss of the passenger vessel, which occurred on June 7, 2022.The investigation team heard from 23 witnesses who provided testimony into pre-accident historical events, regulatory complianceā¦