The Marine Fire Protection Project was established in 1973 to create a fire-safe environment for shipboard personnel, protect port facilities and the maritime economy, reduce the potential for large marine fires and environmental damage, provide highly trained personnel for ship fires, and encourage the fire service and the maritime community to cooperate in marine fire protection efforts. The first two years of active operation were funded by a joint effort of the U.S. Department of Commerce, State of Washington, and Seattle Fire Department. After this period, the project relied on funds donated by the marine industry. The budget restraints within the City of Seattle, combined with the lack of a permanent funding source, forced termination of the program on June 30, 1977.

Records include correspondence, minutes, detailed planning documents, and daily and monthly reports. Records cover the early planning phases of the project through its execution and eventually its discontinuation. Topics include education, training, equipment, budgets, and procedures. The records document the cooperative efforts among the ports, cities, state and federal institutions during the project.