Course details

STCW Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
NZQF Level 3

About the course

Click here for full STCW Basic Training

Course Aim

This course provides students with the skills and knowledge to assess fire risks and use best practice to prevent on-board fires. It also provides students with practical skills in extinguishing fires on board a vessel. Students achieve an STCW Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting Certificate, and students will be deemed to be competent in accordance with the amended provisions of Regulation VI/I (Section A-VI/1-2) of the International convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watch-keeping for Seafarers (STCW) 1978 as amended.

Course Content
Topic 1: Fire Prevention On Board A Vessel
Topic 2: Site and Risk Assessment On Board A Vessel
Topic 3: Extinguishing Fire On Board A Vessel

Please note your STCW certificate may take up to two weeks to be issued to you upon successful completion of the course.(external link)

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Minimize the risk of a fire onboard by understanding and mitigate risk:
  • the fire triangle/elements of fire and explosion
  • types and sources of ignition
  • flammable materials, fire hazards and spread of fire
  • fire and smoke detection systems and alarm systems
  • Identify extinguishing agents and classify types of fires. Describe and locate the firefighting equipment found on a vessel
  • Explain correct procedures to be taken in the event of a fire emergency on board including measures for limiting the spread of a fire
  • Fight and extinguish fires including:
  • Selecting and effectively using various types of portable fire extinguishers (Water, foam, powder, fog, spray nozzles)
  • Selecting, doning and operating protective clothing and life support equipment including self contained breathing apparatus
  • Demonstrate the knowledge and capability to fight and extinguish fires including in enclosed spaces, accommodation areas, smoke filled spaces and in the event of oil being a factor to consider as a fire accelerant 
  • Demonstrate an understanding of teamwork in emergency fire situations
  • Enter and pass through, with lifeline but without breathing apparatus, a compartment into which high-expansion foam has been injected
Entry requirements
  • Be physically fit and capable of participating in the practical training component
  • Students must provide a Medical Certificate issued by a General Practitioner, or provide a Seafarers Medical Certificate or equivalent.

Download the medical certificate form(external link)

Entry requirements

  • Be physically fit and capable of participating in the practical training component
  • Students must provide a Medical Certificate issued by a General Practitioner, or provide a Seafarers Medical Certificate or equivalent.

Download the medical certificate form(external link)

About the provider

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) is a Government Institute with campuses in Nelson and Marlborough. 

NMIT is a New Zealand Qualifications Authority Category 1 (the highest) Institute. Our programmes are designed alongside industry to create work-ready graduates that meet local and international job market needs. 

You'll find NMIT tutors care a lot about student success, and classes are small enough that they know you by name.

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