• Firefighting Principles and Theories
• Understanding the chemistry of fire and combustion.
• Fire classifications and the behavior of different types of fires.
• Heat transfer methods and their impact on fire spread.
• Firefighting Equipment and Systems
• Detailed overview of firefighting equipment, including extinguishers, hoses, nozzles, and protective gear.
• Operation and maintenance of fixed firefighting systems such as sprinklers, CO2 systems, and foam systems.
• Use of fire detection and alarm systems.
• Fire Prevention and Risk Assessment
• Identifying potential fire hazards on board.
• Conducting fire risk assessments and implementing preventive measures.
• Developing and maintaining fire safety plans.
• Firefighting Strategies and Tactics
• Advanced firefighting techniques and tactics for different types of fires.
• Search and rescue operations in smoke-filled and confined spaces.
• Ventilation techniques and control of smoke and heat.
• Leadership and Coordination
• Roles and responsibilities of firefighting team leaders.
• Effective communication and coordination during firefighting operations.
• Incident command systems and chain of command.
• Emergency Response and Procedures
• Developing and implementing ship-specific emergency response plans.
• Conducting fire drills and emergency exercises.
• Evacuation procedures and use of life-saving appliances.
• Human Factors in Firefighting
• Psychological and physical effects of firefighting on crew members.
• Stress management and maintaining situational awareness.
• Team dynamics and leadership under emergency conditions.
• Practical Firefighting Exercises
• Hands-on training in advanced firefighting techniques.
• Simulated fire scenarios to practice coordination and response.
• Use of real firefighting equipment in controlled environments.
• Fire Investigation and Reporting
• Procedures for investigating the cause of fires on board.
• Documentation and reporting of fire incidents.
• Implementing lessons learned to improve fire safety.
• Regulatory Compliance
• Understanding international regulations and standards related to firefighting.
• Compliance with SOLAS and STCW requirements.
• Preparing for and handling inspections and audits.

Course Duration and Certification

• Duration: Typically 4 to 5 days, depending on the training provider and course structure.
• Certification: Successful completion of the course awards an Advanced Fire Fighting certificate, which is required for senior shipboard personnel under the STCW Convention.

Importance

• Enhanced Safety: Provides seafarers with advanced skills to effectively manage and combat fires on board, ensuring the safety of the vessel and crew.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures compliance with international maritime safety regulations and standards.
• Career Advancement: Necessary for career progression to senior shipboard positions with firefighting responsibilities.

The Advanced Fire Fighting course is crucial for maritime professionals responsible for firefighting operations, equipping them with the expertise needed to prevent, control, and extinguish fires on board ships effectively.