NIMASA STCW FPFF study plan

Draw and label the fire triangle and tetrahedron from memory, then explain in writing how removing each side extinguishes a fire

Classify ten given fire scenarios (e.g. burning diesel on a bilge, live switchboard, LPG leak fire, burning paint locker) into the correct fire class and justify each choice

List at least eight shipboard ignition sources and match each to a realistic shipboard location and a prevention measure

State the flashpoint, auto-ignition and flammable range concepts for diesel, kerosene and LPG and explain why each matters for extinguishing-media choice

Build a one-page matrix linking each fire class to acceptable and forbidden extinguishing media

Identify at least ten fire hazards in a described engine room, galley, paint locker and accommodation space and rank them by risk

Write the step-by-step permit conditions for hot work on board, including gas-freeing checks, fire watch and post-work monitoring

Explain how flammable liquid vapours behave in a closed space and why low flashpoint liquids are a special hazard on board

Describe the operating principle of at least four detection types (smoke, heat, flame, gas) and state where each is best fitted

Trace the alarm path from detector to bridge and muster station and explain what each crew member must do on hearing the general alarm

Name the parts and operating limits of portable extinguishers (water, foam, dry powder, CO2) and state the correct technique and distance for each

Demonstrate from memory the correct sequence for donning and checking SCBA, including pre-entry checks and buddy checks

Explain entry control procedures: tally board, entry log, communication intervals, emergency team standby and rescue provisions

Describe hose handling: coupling types, pressure-testing, nozzle selection and the risks of water hammer and burst hoses

Explain the limitations of each extinguisher type in a confined space and the dangers of CO2 in small compartments

Explain the tactics of containment, boundary cooling, ventilation control and shutting down fuel and power in the correct order for a machinery space fire

Describe indirect and direct firefighting attack methods and state when each is appropriate

Set out the shipboard fire organisation: master, chief engineer, fire team leader, boundary cooling team, first aid and engine room party roles

Explain muster station procedure, headcount reporting and communication with shore authorities

Compare a real fire scenario's decision points to the tactics learned and identify at least three errors a crew could make

Explain the design and use of fixed installations: CO2 total flooding, foam, water spray and inert gas systems, including release procedures and safety interlocks

Describe the pre-release checks and evacuation requirements before releasing a fixed CO2 system into a machinery space

Explain how to control ventilation and fuel supply in a fire and why premature opening of a space can cause re-flash

Describe the use of fire hoses in boundary cooling, including jet versus spray and safe working pressure

Explain the role of thermal imaging and gas monitoring during and after firefighting

Explain the drill requirements for fire and abandon-ship drills, including scenario variation and debriefing

Describe the duties of each member of a fire team and how command passes from master to fire team leader and back

Explain casualty rescue procedures for a collapsed firefighter, including rescue team composition and SCBA air management

Describe the personal protective equipment required for firefighting and its limitations (heat, steam, visibility, weight)

Explain the causes of firefighter disorientation and the techniques to avoid it in smoke-filled spaces

Explain the purpose and content of a fire investigation report and who is responsible for preserving evidence

Describe post-fire safety precautions: re-entry checks, gas monitoring, electrical isolation, structural inspection and watchkeeping

Explain how to report a fire to shore authorities and what information must be included

Describe the maintenance and testing requirements for detection systems, extinguishers, hoses and SCBA

Explain how fire investigation findings feed back into prevention measures and drills

Complete a timed full-length practice set across all nine domains and record the score per domain

Review every missed question and write the correct reasoning for each in your own words

Re-explain the fire triangle, fire classes, extinguishing media and tactics in a single summary sheet without notes

Rehearse the SCBA donning, entry control and rescue sequence as a spoken walkthrough

Identify the two weakest domains from the practice set and complete a focused review of each