Defending Against Disaster: Fire Prevention and Emergency Response at Sea Training Course

Introduction

Fire remains one of the most devastating threats to life, property, and the environment at sea. The confined spaces, combustible materials, complex machinery, and remote nature of maritime operations create a unique and challenging environment where a small fire can rapidly escalate into a catastrophic emergency. Effective fire prevention strategies, coupled with well-trained personnel and robust emergency response plans, are therefore absolutely critical for safeguarding vessels, cargo, and, most importantly, the lives of seafarers.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip participants with a comprehensive and practical understanding of fire prevention and emergency response at sea. From exploring the principles of fire chemistry and onboard fire hazards to mastering the use of firefighting equipment, emergency procedures, and search and rescue techniques, you will gain the expertise to effectively prevent, detect, and combat fires. This empowers you to protect lives, minimize damage, ensure regulatory compliance, and confidently respond to the most critical emergencies in the maritime environment.

Target Audience

All Seafarers (Deck and Engine Departments).

Masters, Chief Mates, and Chief Engineers.

Ship Safety Officers.

Maritime Security Personnel.

Port Firefighting and Emergency Response Teams.

Ship Owners, Operators, and Managers.

Maritime Training Instructors.

Offshore Platform Personnel.

Duration: 10 days

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this training course, participants will be able to:

Understand the fundamental principles of fire chemistry and the causes of fires onboard vessels.

Grasp the various types of fire hazards present in different ship compartments.

Analyze the design and operation of shipboard fire detection and extinguishing systems.

Comprehend the importance of fire prevention measures and good housekeeping practices.

Evaluate effective strategies for emergency response, including fire fighting tactics and damage control.

Develop practical skills in using portable and fixed firefighting equipment.

Navigate procedures for search and rescue operations in a maritime emergency.

Formulate robust strategies for emergency preparedness, drills, and crisis management onboard.

Course Content

Fundamentals of Fire and Combustion

The Fire Triangle/Tetrahedron : fuel, oxygen, heat, and chain reaction

Classes of Fire : A, B, C, D, K (or F), and their characteristics

Methods of Fire Extinguishment : cooling, smothering, starvation, breaking the chain reaction

Products of Combustion : smoke, toxic gases, heat, their dangers

Understanding the basic science behind fire and its behavior

Fire Hazards and Prevention Onboard

Common Ignition Sources : electrical faults, hot work, spontaneous combustion, smoking

Combustible Materials Onboard : fuels, lubricants, cargo, accommodation materials

Fire Zones and Boundaries : A, B, C class divisions, fire doors, dampers

Good Housekeeping Practices : preventing accumulation of combustible materials

Permit-to-Work Systems : for hot work, enclosed spaces, other hazardous operations

Implementing proactive fire prevention measures

Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

Types of Fire Detectors : smoke (ionisation, photoelectric), heat (fixed temperature, rate-of-rise), flame, gas

Location and Spacing of Detectors : optimal placement for effective coverage

Fire Alarm Panels and Indicators : central control, zone indication, alarm activation

Testing and Maintenance of Detection Systems : ensuring reliability

Understanding the principles of early fire detection

Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems

Water-Based Systems : sprinkler systems, water mist systems, fixed water spray systems

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Systems : total flooding systems for engine rooms, cargo holds

Foam Systems : high-expansion, low-expansion foam for flammable liquid fires

Clean Agent Systems : inert gases (Inergen, Argonite), halocarbon agents (FM-200, Novec 1230)

Design, operation, and safety precautions for fixed extinguishing systems

Portable Fire Extinguishers and Firefighting Equipment

Types of Portable Extinguishers : water, foam, CO2, dry powder, wet chemical

Selection and Use of Extinguishers : matching extinguisher type to fire class

Fire Hoses, Nozzles, and Hydrants : proper deployment and operation

Firefighter's Outfit and Breathing Apparatus (BA) : donning, doffing, maintenance, safety procedures

Practical hands-on training with various firefighting equipment

Firefighting Tactics and Techniques

Firefighting Organization Onboard : fire teams, command and control, communication

Firefighting Strategies : direct attack, indirect attack, defensive operations

Boundary Cooling and Containment : preventing fire spread

Search and Rescue in Smoke-Filled Spaces : techniques, safety lines, teamwork

Damage Control : preventing flooding, maintaining stability

Emergency Preparedness and Drills

Shipboard Fire Control Plan : interpretation, essential information

Muster List and Emergency Duties : assigned roles and responsibilities

Fire Drills and Exercises : planning, execution, debriefing, learning from drills

Contingency Planning : for major fires, loss of power, structural damage

Developing and maintaining a high state of readiness for fire emergencies

Human Behavior in Fire Emergencies

Psychology of Emergencies : panic, stress, decision-making under pressure

Leadership and Teamwork : effective command, coordination, and support

Communication in Emergencies : clear, concise, timely information exchange

Training and Competence : ensuring all crew are proficient in emergency procedures

Fostering a resilient and safety-conscious mindset

Incident Command and Coordination

Onboard Command Structure : Master's overall command, emergency response team

Shore-Based Support : company emergency response team, external agencies

Liaison with External Authorities : port authorities, coast guard, firefighting services

Crisis Communication : managing information flow during a major incident

Effective coordination for a unified response

Post-Fire Operations and Lessons Learned

Overhaul and Salvage Operations : ensuring fire is completely out, preventing re-ignition

Accident Investigation : identifying root causes, contributing factors

Reporting and Documentation : internal reports, regulatory reports

Lessons Learned and Corrective Actions : improving procedures, training, equipment

Continuous improvement in fire prevention and emergency response capabilities.

CERTIFICATION

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

For More Details call: +254-114-087-180

 

 defending Against Disaster: Fire Prevention And Emergency Response At Sea Training Course in Zimbabwe
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