Fire is one of the most feared emergencies at sea. It spreads fast, limits visibility, and can threaten the entire vessel in minutes. Unlike on land, help is not a few minutes away, it is the crew’s skill and calm that make the difference. That is why fire safety training is one of the cornerstones of STCW certification.
At Stream Marine Training, our firefighting courses bring that reality to life. Delegates experience controlled flames, thick smoke, and high-pressure drills that reflect what really happens on board. It is not just theory. It is preparation for the day those alarms ring for real.
Why Fire Safety Training Matters
Every ship, from the smallest tug to the largest cruise liner, carries flammable materials: fuels, oils, paints, plastics, furnishings. Combine those with heat sources, electrical systems and confined spaces, and the risk becomes obvious.
When fire breaks out at sea, the crew cannot simply evacuate. They must fight it, contain it and protect everyone on board. That requires skill, teamwork, and clear leadership.
The STCW Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF) and Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF) courses provide that foundation. Together, they build the confidence and discipline needed to act decisively when every second counts.
Real-World Lessons from the Sea
In 2018, a fire broke out in the engine room of a large cargo vessel off the coast of Spain. Investigators later confirmed that the quick and coordinated response of the crew prevented what could have been a catastrophic loss. Every member on duty had recently completed their STCW firefighting refresher. They sealed compartments, used fixed systems effectively, and brought the situation under control before emergency services could arrive.
Stories like this are not rare. They underline why firefighting training is so critical. When an incident happens, the crew’s response determines the outcome, and that response starts in training.
Inside the FPFF Course
Our Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting course forms part of the STCW Basic Safety Training package. Over several days, delegates learn the fundamentals of fire safety, from understanding how fires start to extinguishing them in real scenarios.
During training, delegates:
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Handle different types of extinguishers and breathing apparatus.
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Learn how to identify and isolate fire risks on board.
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Practise using hoses, nozzles and water walls to tackle tanker fires.
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Experience heat, noise and visibility challenges in live fire exercises.
This hands-on approach gives each participant a sense of realism that no classroom can match. It is not about memorising procedures; it is about developing instinct and control under pressure.
Moving to Advanced Fire Fighting (AFFU)
For officers and senior crew, the Advanced Fire Fighting Updated course builds on that foundation. Here, leadership and decision-making take centre stage. Delegates coordinate teams, run emergency briefings and simulate fire scenarios that test every aspect of onboard command.
Practical sessions take place both indoors and outdoors, with our instructors replicating real ship conditions, narrow corridors, heat buildup and complex stairwell fires.
Every scenario is designed to reinforce one message: calm, communication and confidence save lives.
What Makes SMT Fire Training Unique
Firefighting at SMT is not a box-ticking exercise. It is an experience that delegates remember long after they have left.
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Professional trainers with real seagoing backgrounds. They have been there and know what to expect when conditions turn dangerous.
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Realistic facilities. Our fireground recreates everything from engine rooms to accommodation decks, ensuring no situation feels unfamiliar.
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Friendly and focused atmosphere. Safety is serious, but learning should still be enjoyable. Delegates often comment that they feel both challenged and supported throughout the process.
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Practical certification routes. We run both FPFF and AFFU, alongside combined refresher options for those needing to renew.
This combination of realism and approachability is what keeps SMT at the heart of UK maritime training.
Our final burning thoughts
Fire safety at sea demands preparation, courage and teamwork. From the engine room to the accommodation decks, every area of a vessel holds potential risks, but with the right training, crews can face them with confidence.
Our FPFF and AFFU courses are designed to give that confidence. Delegates leave not only with certification, but with genuine experience of fire conditions and the ability to lead or assist in a real emergency.
At Stream Marine Training, we make sure that when it comes to fire safety, every second of training counts.
FAQs
What is maritime fire safety training?
It is the practical and theoretical training that prepares seafarers to prevent, control and extinguish fires at sea. It is a key part of STCW certification.
What does FPFF training include?
The Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF) course teaches delegates how to handle extinguishers, breathing apparatus, hoses and teamwork in live fire scenarios.
What is the difference between FPFF and AFFU training?
FPFF builds essential firefighting skills for all seafarers. AFFU (Advanced Fire Fighting Updated) focuses on leadership, coordination and complex fire management for senior crew.
How realistic is fire safety training at SMT?
Our courses take place in purpose-built fire grounds that simulate real conditions, including engine room heat, smoke, and live stairwell fires.
Do I need to renew my firefighting certificates?
Yes. STCW firefighting modules, including FPFF and AFFU, require refresher training every five years to stay valid and keep skills current.
