NIMASA STCW FPFF cheat sheet
NIMASA STCW FPFF · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Shipboard fire theory: fire triangle/tetrahedron, ignition sources, and fire chemistry
Fire triangle: fuel + oxygen + heat. Fire tetrahedron adds the chemical chain reaction; removal of any side extinguishes fire.
Flammable range: the proportion of vapour in air between the lower explosive limit (LEL) and upper explosive limit (UEL). Below LEL the mixture is too lean; above UEL it is too rich.
Flashpoint: the lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off sufficient vapour to form an ignitable mixture. A liquid with a flashpoint below 60°C is classified as flammable.
Ignition sources on board include open flames, hot surfaces, electrical arcing, static electricity, spontaneous combustion, and hot work sparks.
Spontaneous heating occurs when materials such as oily rags, coal, or fishmeal oxidise without adequate ventilation, generating heat faster than it can dissipate.
Oxygen concentration in normal air is about 21% by volume; combustion becomes sluggish below 15% and cannot be sustained below about 8%.
Heat transfer by conduction, convection, and radiation determines fire spread; radiation is the dominant mode across open spaces.
Vapour density: most hydrocarbon vapours are heavier than air and accumulate in low spaces such as bilges and holds.
Fire hazards and prevention: flammable liquids, gases, electrical hazards, hot work, and housekeeping
Flammable liquid spills must be contained and cleaned immediately; use non-sparking tools and avoid water on fuel fires.
Gas cylinders must be stored upright, secured, away from heat sources, and separated from oxidisers; acetylene and oxygen must never be stored together.
Electrical hazards: overloaded circuits, damaged insulation, and loose connections cause arcing; use certified flameproof equipment in hazardous zones.
Hot work permit requires gas-free certificate, fire watch, removal of combustibles within 10 m, and availability of firefighting equipment.
Housekeeping: keep passageways and escape routes clear, store oily rags in covered metal containers, and remove accumulated grease from galley ducts.
Bulkhead and deck penetrations must be sealed to maintain fire integrity; self-closing fire doors must not be wedged open.
Static electricity can be generated by fluid flow; bonding and grounding are required during fuel transfer operations.
Smoking is prohibited except in designated areas; ashtrays must not be emptied into waste bins.
Fire detection and alarm systems, fixed installations, and emergency communications
Heat detectors respond when temperature exceeds a set threshold or rises at a predetermined rate; they are slower than smoke detectors.
Smoke detectors: ionisation type responds to invisible combustion particles; photoelectric type responds to visible smoke. Both are suited to different fire types.
Flame detectors sense ultraviolet or infrared radiation from flames and respond within seconds; used in high-risk spaces such as machinery rooms.
Fixed CO2 system: smothers fire by reducing oxygen; must not be used in occupied spaces without evacuation and headcount.
Fixed foam system: blankets flammable liquid fires; used in machinery spaces and cargo tanks. Foam concentrate must be compatible with the fuel.
Water sprinkler system: automatic activation by heat; provides cooling and wetting. Must not be used on electrical fires unless de-energised.
Emergency communications: internal telephone, sound-powered telephone, and portable radios; use clear, concise messages and repeat back.
General emergency alarm: seven or more short blasts followed by one long blast on the ship's whistle and internal alarm.
Firefighting equipment: extinguisher types, hoses, nozzles, couplings, and breathing apparatus
Water extinguisher (Class A): cools burning material; never use on electrical or flammable liquid fires.
Foam extinguisher (Class B): forms a blanket to exclude oxygen; use on flammable liquids and gases.
CO2 extinguisher (Class B and electrical): displaces oxygen and leaves no residue; do not use in confined spaces without ventilation.
Dry powder extinguisher (ABC): interrupts chemical chain reaction; effective on multiple fire classes but can cause cleanup problems.
Fire hose: standard diameters 45 mm and 65 mm; pressure tested periodically. Nozzles: jet for reach, spray for cooling and protection.
Storz coupling: symmetrical, quick-connect; ensure lugs engage fully. John Morris coupling: uses a locking ring; check for damage before use.
SCBA: self-contained breathing apparatus provides breathable air from a cylinder; check pressure gauge (minimum 80% before use) and whistle alarm.
Firefighter's outfit: helmet, fire-resistant gloves, boots, and proximity suit for approach; ensure all skin is covered.
Firefighting tactics and procedures: containment, boundary cooling, ventilation control, and extinguishing methods
Boundary cooling: apply water spray to adjacent bulkheads and decks to prevent fire spread; monitor temperature with thermal imaging camera.
Ventilation control: close all openings to limit oxygen supply; use smoke extraction only after fire is controlled.
Containment: close fire doors and shutters; isolate fuel sources by shutting off valves and pumps.
Extinguishing methods: cooling (water), smothering (foam, CO2), starvation (removing fuel), and chemical inhibition (dry powder).
Indirect attack: use fog or spray from a protected position to cool hot gases and reduce flashover risk before entry.
Direct attack: apply extinguishing agent directly onto the burning material once located and safe to approach.
Team entry: always enter in pairs with a charged hose line; maintain communication and monitor air supply.
Post-fire: continue boundary cooling, ventilate to remove smoke, and check for re-ignition before declaring fire out.
Classification of fires and selection of appropriate extinguishing media
Class A: solid combustibles (wood, paper, textiles). Extinguish with water, foam, or dry powder.
Class B: flammable liquids (oil, petrol, paint). Extinguish with foam, CO2, or dry powder; never use water jet.
Class C: flammable gases (LPG, methane). Extinguish with dry powder or CO2; shut off gas supply first if possible.
Class D: combustible metals (magnesium, sodium). Extinguish with special dry powder; never use water, foam, or CO2.
Class E (electrical): fires involving live electrical equipment. Extinguish with CO2 or dry powder; de-energise before using water.
Class F (cooking oils): fires involving cooking fats. Extinguish with wet chemical extinguisher; never use water.
Selection rule: match the extinguishing agent to the fire class; using the wrong agent can spread the fire or cause explosion.
Water must never be used on live electrical fires or on burning metals such as sodium.
Shipboard fire organization: muster stations, fire teams, command structure, and drills
Muster station: designated safe assembly area; all crew must report there on hearing the general emergency alarm.
Fire team organization: typically includes attack team, backup team, boundary cooling team, and ventilation control team.
Command structure: Master has overall command; On-Scene Leader (usually Chief Officer or Chief Engineer) directs firefighting operations.
Communication: use standard phrases; report status regularly; maintain radio discipline.
Drills: must be conducted at regular intervals; include scenarios such as machinery space fire and accommodation fire.
Muster list: posted at strategic locations; shows each crew member's duty and station.
Headcount: must be taken at muster station to account for all personnel; report missing persons immediately.
Fire control plan: provides ship layout and firefighting equipment locations; must be available at bridge and outside accommodation.
Personal safety: firefighter PPE, SCBA use, entry control, and casualty rescue
PPE: fire-resistant clothing, helmet, gloves, boots, and eye protection. Ensure all skin is covered to prevent burns.
SCBA pre-use checks: cylinder pressure (minimum 80%), face mask seal, harness, and whistle alarm.
Entry control: establish a control point; record name, time of entry, and air supply duration; maintain communication.
Air supply duration: typically 30 minutes; plan exit with reserve. Use buddy system and stay in contact.
Casualty rescue: remove casualty to safe area; use drag or carry techniques; do not remove SCBA until safe.
Decontamination: after firefighting, clean PPE and equipment; report any damage or exposure.
Heat stress: monitor firefighters for fatigue; rotate teams and ensure hydration.
Emergency escape: know alternate routes; if SCBA fails, use escape hood or follow hose line out.
Fire investigation, reporting, and post-fire safety precautions
Preserve evidence: do not disturb the fire scene until investigation is complete; photograph and document.
Fire report: include time, location, cause (if known), extinguishing methods used, and damage assessment.
Investigation: determine origin and cause; interview witnesses; check for electrical faults, hot work, or arson.
Post-fire safety: check for structural damage, toxic gases, and re-ignition; ventilate spaces before entry.
Reporting to authorities: follow flag state and port state requirements; submit reports within required timeframes.
Insurance and class: notify relevant parties; keep records for claims and inspections.
Lessons learned: review fire drills and procedures; update muster list and training as needed.
Environmental: contain firefighting water runoff to prevent pollution; use absorbents and report spills.