The Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department is preparing to replace one of its most important — and unique — training assets on the waterfront.
At its January meeting, the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners approved the purchase of a new marine fire and tactical training simulator, marking the next chapter for a regional resource that has supported public safety training on San Diego Bay for more than a decade.
The existing simulator has an unusual history. Originally upgraded in 2014 from a shipping container-based live fire trainer, the current system was built on a retired U.S. Navy LCM “Mike Boat” and adapted specifically for marine firefighting scenarios. Over the years, it has served as an essential platform for training new Harbor Police officers and maintaining ongoing certifications for veteran personnel.
After years of heavy use, repeated flame exposure and constant saltwater corrosion, the simulator has reached the end of its service life. By early 2024, Harbor Police officials determined that a full replacement was necessary to ensure training could continue safely and effectively.
The new simulator will build on lessons learned over the past decade while incorporating significant improvements. It will feature updated technology, enhanced safety systems and full compliance with current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
Beyond marine firefighting, the new design will allow Harbor Police to train for a broader range of scenarios, including maritime tactical interdiction, shipboard rescues, basic law enforcement responses, radiation and nuclear detection, and hazardous materials incidents.
“Giving the women and men who put their lives on the line every day the resources they need to protect and serve everyone along our waterfront is key to a thriving and safe community,” said Chair Ann Moore of the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “We take great pride in the unique role Harbor Police officers play as both law enforcement and firefighters.”
Port of San Diego Harbor Police Chief Magda Fernandez emphasized the importance of the simulator for maintaining readiness.
“Simulators like the one used for fire and tactical training are essential for maintaining the high level of readiness our officers need to protect the waterfront,” Fernandez said. “The flexibility of the new design ensures we can train for the full spectrum of maritime threats and emergencies while strengthening coordination with regional partner agencies.”
Chula Vista–based Marine Group Boatworks LLC has been awarded the $1.5 million contract to construct the new simulator and remove the existing one. A significant portion of the funding — $825,000 — comes from a Department of Homeland Security Fiscal Year 2024 Port Security Grant Program award. The remaining funds will be provided by the Port of San Diego and the Harbor Police Department, with long-term maintenance supported through Harbor Police and Field Operations budgets.
Once completed, the simulator will continue to serve as a regional public safety asset. It will be available for joint inter-agency training, supporting not only Harbor Police but also partner agencies throughout the region.
The Harbor Police Department regularly responds to emergencies across the Port’s five member cities — Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City and San Diego — making realistic, scenario-based training a critical part of maintaining waterfront safety.
For more information about the Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department and career opportunities, visit portofsandiego.org/public-safety.
