Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Fire Management Course on Board
This course will provide you with the essential skills and knowledge to act effectively in emergency situations. You will learn everything from fire prevention and early detection to advanced firefighting techniques and the…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts23 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Fire Management Course on Board?
This course will provide you with the essential skills and knowledge to act effectively in emergency situations. You will learn everything from fire prevention and early detection to advanced firefighting techniques and the correct use of protective equipment and tools. This program prepares you to lead and actively participate in firefighting efforts, ensuring the safety of the crew and the integrity of the vessel.
Fire Management on Board
Differential Advantages
- Realistic Simulations: Practice in controlled environments that replicate onboard fire situations.
- Use of Specialized Equipment: Familiarization with fire extinguishers, hoses, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and other devices.
- Extinguishing Strategies: Learning tactics to combat different types of fires (Class A, B, C, D).
- Regulations and Safety: Compliance with STCW standards and maritime safety best practices.
- Recognized Certification: Obtain a valid certification that demonstrates your competence in onboard fire management.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
09-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Maritime Safety: Learn the essential techniques for prevention, detection, and extinguishing of fires on ships.
- IMO Regulations: Comply with international and national standards for fire safety on board.
- Equipment and Systems: Familiarize yourself with the use and maintenance of fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and smoke detection.
- Practical Drills: Participate in realistic exercises to test your skills in emergency situations.
- Official Certification: Obtain the recognized certification for ship crew members required by maritime authorities.
- Prepare to protect lives and goods with comprehensive and practical training in fire management on board.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Basics of fire on board, specific risks of the naval environment and initial organisation of fire emergency response
- Physical-chemical nature of fire: fire triangle and tetrahedron, mechanisms of ignition, heat transfer and behaviour of combustion in confined maritime spaces
- Classes of fire and fuel agents present on board: liquid, solid, electrical, gaseous, oils, paints, cables, insulation and special charges
- Differential risks of fire in boats: compartmentalization, limited ventilation, duct propagation, smoke accumulation and evacuation difficulty
- Critical areas of fire hazard on board: Engine Room, Kitchen, Electrical panels, Garages, Garments, Cargo areas and accommodation
- Initial response organisation: Detection, alarm, chain of command, role assignment and fire emergency plan activation
02
Detection, alarm, extinguishing and fire protection systems integrated in ships and boats
- Fire detection systems: thermal, smoke, flame detectors, addressable systems and coverage criteria per compartment
- Alarm and emergency notification systems: control panels, sound and visual signalling, alarm sectors and internal communication protocols
- Portable media of first intervention: fire extinguishers, fireproof blankets, mobile cars and selection criteria according to type of fire and affected space
- Fixed extinguishing systems: CO2, foam, nebulized water, sprinklers, clean gases and specific applications in machine rooms, kitchens and technical spaces
- Passive fire protection elements: fire doors, bulkheads, seals, fire retardant insulation and control of the structural propagation of the fire
03
Operational techniques for intervention, fire control and extinguishing manoeuvres in board spaces
- Initial Fire Attack Procedures: Recognition, Area Isolation, Power Cut, Ventilation Control, and Tactical Selection of Extinguishing Agent
- Techniques for safe and effective use of fire extinguishers and hoses: approach, sweep, operational distance, protection of the intervening and control of the regrowth
- Intervention manoeuvres in ENGINE ROOM: ventilation closure, systems stop, fuel insulation and use of fixed extinguishing systems
- Intervention in electrical, kitchen and accommodation fires: different procedures according to source of ignition and risk of reenergization
- Control of smoke and interior atmosphere: tactical ventilation, confinement, cooling and preservation of safe routes of access and evacuation
04
Emergency management, evacuation, rescue and coordination of fire response in the boat
- Activation of the General Emergency Plan and Coordination between Puente, Engine Room and Response Teams during the incident
- Procedures for internal evacuation and control of personnel: counting, safe routes, meeting points and management of passengers or non-intervening crew
- Rescue techniques in smoke and heat environments: primary search, victim extraction and safe transfer in compromised compartments
- Use of self-contained breathing equipment and advanced personal protection: placement, operating limits, air consumption and safety of the intervention binomial
- Operational communication during the emergency: structured reports, transfer of critical information and link with external supports if necessary
05
Capstone Project on board fire management with response design, operational simulation and evaluation of the effectiveness of the emergency system
- Definition of the case study: type of boat, affected area, operating conditions, present risks and intervention objectives
- Preparation of the Tactical Response Plan: Detection, Alarm, Mobilization, Sectorization, Extinguishing Agents and Coordination between Teams
- Design of the evacuation and rescue plan: routes, meeting points, control of people, extraction of victims and protection of critical areas
- Simulation of the fire scenario: sequence of events, decision-making, use of extinguishing means and management of the incident escalation
- Evaluation of response system performance: times, tactical effectiveness, staff safety, communication and opportunities for improvement
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Merchant mariners and crew members of any rank who seek to comply with STCW requirements and update their knowledge of fire prevention and suppression.Security personnel and Ship Security Officers (SSOs/SSOs) who need to plan and conduct drills and manage fire emergency response.Loading and unloading operations supervisors who need to identify and mitigate ignition risks in confined spaces and
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly
- 02Apply advanced firefighting techniques in different onboard scenarios
- 03Organize and lead fire emergency response teams
- 04Inspect and maintain firefighting equipment
- 05Understand and apply communication procedures in fire emergency situations
- 06Identify and control ignition sources on board
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Onboard Crew Member: Trained to act in fire emergencies, applying procedures and using firefighting equipment.
02Onboard Safety Officer: Responsible for fire prevention and control, as well as crew training.
03Maritime Safety Inspector: Verifies compliance with fire safety regulations on ships.
04Firefighting Systems Maintenance Technician: Responsible for the inspection and repair of fire detection and suppression equipment.
05Fire Prevention and Suppression Trainer: Provides theoretical and practical courses on fire management on board.
06Maritime Rescuer: Participates in rescue operations on ships affected by fire.
07Maritime Safety Consultant: Advises shipping companies on the Implementation of fire prevention and control measures.
08Shore personnel in shipyards and ports: trained to act in case of fire during the construction or repair of ships.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Foam.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Activate the fire alarm.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Academic/Professional Profile:Basic Firefighting Training (STCW A-VI/1-2); or demonstrable experience in onboard emergencies.Maritime Experience:Sailing experience is recommended, although not essential.Physical Conditions:Medical certificate of fitness for work in confined spaces and use of self-contained breathing apparatus.Course Content:Familiarization with firefighting equipment, firefighting tactics, and safety protocols.Documentation:ID/Passport, STCW A-VI/1-2 certificate (if applicable), certificate doctor.```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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