Posted on April 6, 2026
San Diego (March 30, 2026) – Marine Group Boat Works (MGBW), a boatbuilding and repair company with facilities in San Diego and Los Cabos, is proud to announce it has been awarded a new contract by the San Diego Unified Port District to design, fabricate, and install a state-of-the-art multi-deck live fire training simulator in support of the San Diego Harbor Police Department. The project underscores Marine Group’s long-standing commitment to enhancing safety across San Diego’s maritime community.
The advanced simulator will be installed aboard the Port District’s existing LCM-8 troop landing vessel, converting the platform into a dedicated shipboard firefighting training asset. Designed to replicate real-world maritime emergencies, the simulator will provide Harbor Police officers and regional first responders with hands-on, scenario-based training in a realistic vessel environment—strengthening preparedness across San Diego Bay.
The multi-deck structure will feature two burn chambers and operate as a Class “B” burn prop fueled by propane. The system will safely generate controlled conditions simulating fires commonly encountered aboard vessels. The interior configuration—including doors, hatches, stairwells, and ladders—will mirror those found on active ships, enabling trainees to practice navigating shipboard environments under high-stress conditions.
In addition to design and fabrication, the contract includes ongoing maintenance and comprehensive training for the Fire Instructor Cadre, ensuring the simulator remains a reliable, long-term asset for the region’s public safety professionals.
“This project reflects our expertise in complex marine fabrication and our longstanding commitment to supporting public safety agencies,” said Todd Roberts, CEO, Marine Group Boat Works. “By delivering a realistic maritime fire training platform, we are helping Harbor Police to strengthen emergency response capabilities and safeguard the entire port community.”
Marine Group Boat Works brings decades of experience in shipbuilding, repair, and specialized marine systems integration. By leveraging its in-house engineering, fabrication, and waterfront capabilities, MGBW will deliver a turnkey training simulator that meets stringent safety standards while providing a durable, realistic environment.
The new simulator will significantly expand the Harbor Police Department’s ability to conduct live fire exercises locally, strengthening emergency response capabilities throughout San Diego Bay and the surrounding maritime community.
“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,” said Port of San Diego Harbor Police Chief Magda Fernandez. “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.”
About Marine Group Boat Works
Marine Group Boat Works is a full-service maritime vessel construction and repair company with two waterfront facilities, on San Diego Bay and in Los Cabos, Mexico. Its largest shipyard in Chula Vista, Calif., encompasses one million square feet, with over 2,000 feet of dockage and a new 820-ton lift, rough terrain cranes, a machine shop, metal working equipment and a propeller shop. Its sister boatyard in San Jose del Cabo features over 300,000 square feet of land and water, with a 660-ton, 150-ton and 75-ton Travelift. Between the two facilities, MGBW employs over 210 ABS-certified welders, shipfitters, pipefitters, mechanics, electricians, painters and other boatbuilding and repair specialists. For more information, visit www.marinegroupboatworks.com.
