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6. Advanced Firefighting

Advanced Firefighting

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12.1 General

This course meets the requirements of STCW Regulation VI/3, Advanced Firefighting.

12.2 Equipment requirements

1. A two-storey steel vessel mock-up having a rectangular shape measuring approximately 11m x 6m. The mock-up is to be divided into compartments such as cabins, corridors, open rooms, an electric switchboard room, an engine room with a grating floor, and connecting doors, in such a manner as to expose the participant in a realistic manner to shipboard fires. Means shall also be provided to teach participants how to use escape ladders and hatchways and how to effectively cope with engine-room fires. There must be an efficient communication system whereby commands from a command post can be relayed to participants at the emergency locations within the mock-up.
2. A fire box with an open top and with its front divided into compartments, in which the three types of fire can be lit and extinguished by the participants. Alternatively steel trays approximately 1m x 1m x .3m high with a raised back plate can be used.
3. A steel or open concrete pit approximately 2.5m x 2.5m x .3m for simulating large oil fires
4. Means of simulating engine-room bilge oil fires
5. Two fire hydrants with two outlets each with keys and bars to operate the hydrant supply;
6. A large supply of carbonaceous matter and hydrocarbons (wood, diesel and lubricating oils etc.) for the fire trays, subject to provincial regulations
7. Portable extinguishers with refills:
   1. Six water (9 litres)
   2. Six foam (9 litres)
   3. Six carbon dioxide (5 kilograms)
   4. Twelve dry powder (10 kilograms)
8. Six fire hoses (65 mm in 0diameter)
9. Eight fire hoses (38 mm in diameter)
10. Six fire nozzles (2 standard, 2 diffuser, 2 jetspray)
11. Sufficient hoses and water pressure to supply a minimum of 3 nozzles (38 mm ) at each live fire location
12. One generator of high-expansion foam, and foam compound
13. Two mechanical foam branches
14. One international shore connection
15. Thirty sets of protective clothing, overalls, gloves, fire boots, helmets, and rain-proof clothing
16. Twenty-five sets of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with visor and neck protector, complete with spare cylinders, spare parts and maintenance tools including sets for instructors only;
17. One smoke generator
18. Approved facilities for recharging compressed-air bottles
19. Facilities and equipment for cleaning, inspection and maintenance of SCBA after use
20. Classroom, showers, changing rooms and storage space for equipment.

12.3 Duration

35 hours.

12.4 Specific instructor qualifications

The main course instructor must hold a Master certificate not lower than a Master 500 Gross Tonnage, Near Coastal certificate, a Fishing Master, First Class certificate or a Third-class Engineer certificate. If the course is under the supervision of more than one instructor, the assistant instructors must hold qualifications related to the marine industry or have related skills and be approved in accordance with the Quality Management Manual – Marine Personnel Standards and Pilotage referred to in Chapter 3.

12.5 Outline

1. Introduction, Safety and Principles

Lecture: 0.5 hours

2. Training of Seafarers in Firefighting

Lecture: 2.0 hours

3. Firefighting Process Hazards

Lecture: 1.5 hours

4. Ventilation Control, including Smoke Extraction

Lecture: 1.5 hours
Practical: 1.5 hours

5. Monitoring and Control of Stability during Firefighting

Lecture: 0.5 hours

6. Response of Bridge, Deck and Engine-Room Watch Officers to Emergencies

Lecture: 1.0 hour

7. Emergency Response Team Leadership

Lecture: 1.0 hour

8. On-Scene Leaders’ Plan of Attack

Lecture: 1.0 hour
Practical: 1.5 hours

9. Co-ordination of Shipboard Firefighting

Lecture: 3.0 hours
Practical: 7.0 hours

10. Co-ordination with Shore-based Firefighters

Lecture: 0.5 hours

11. Management and Control of Injured Persons

Lecture: 0.5 hours

12. Fixed Fire Detection and Extinguishing Facilities

Lecture: 1.0 hour
Practical: 3.0 hours

13. Inspection and Maintenance of Emergency Equipment

Lecture: 1.5 hours
Practical: 2.0 hours

14. Incident Recording

Lecture: 0.5 hours
Practical: 0.5 hours

15. Crowd Management

Lecture: 1.0 hour

16. Search and Rescue

Lecture: 1.5 hours
Practical: 1.5 hours

17. Communications

Lecture: 0.5 hours
Practical: 0.5 hours

Subtotal

Total Lecture: 19.0 hours
Total Practical: 18.5 hours
Total: 36.5 hours

 

12.6 Syllabus

1. Introduction, Safety and Principles

Lecture: 0.5 hours

• .1 safety rules laid down by the main instructor, which must be adhered to during the course
• .2 principles of shipboard emergency response:
  • knowledge of fire theory and fire precautions
  • preparedness for any emergency through training and drills
  • ability to deal with emergencies in a controlled manner by:
  • providing leadership in emergencies
  • having a plan of attack for dealing with fire and other emergencies
  • dealing with other factors in an emergency including:
  • management of injured personnel
  • communication with sources of outside help
  • preparing vessel and personnel for search and rescue
  • crowd management
  • coordination with shore-based firefighters

2. Training of Seafarers in Firefighting

Lecture: 2.0 hours

• .1 how on-board familiarization and safety training is conducted for new crew members, using STCW Convention Chapter VI, STCW Code section A-VI/1, SOLAS Chapter III Regulation 18 and Chapter 4 of this TP
• .2 methods of instruction suitable for on-board familiarization training:
  • identify topics or subjects requiring instruction
  • construct a lesson plan for delivery of the information required
  • select, identify or produce informative materials and instructional aids
  • compose evaluation questions to determine whether learning has taken place
  • select strategies for delivery of training to reflect the education and background of the individuals or class
  • determine suitable timing and duration of training session
  • provide documentation on training delivered and evaluation
• .3 how realistic but safe fire drills can be held in various areas of the vessel, including:
  • general functions:
  • starting the emergency generator
  • starting the emergency fire and bilge pump
  • selecting the appropriate valves for providing water for firefighting, flooding holds or pumping out bilges
  • identifying the emergency controls and their functions
  • improving personal safety by practising:
  • moving and finding one’s way in spaces with restricted visibility
  • moving through small apertures
  • finding and removing casualties
  • using compressed-air breathing apparatus and the fireproof lifeline in these conditions
  • fighting fires in machinery spaces, accommodation spaces, galley, deck containers and cargo spaces, including fires affecting dangerous goods
• .4 how members of fire parties are trained:
  • instruction in the duties of each fire party to which a crew member may be assigned
  • instruction in the duties of each member of a fire party and how these duties are allocated, e.g. by number or otherwise
  • exercises to make each fire party proficient, including first aid
• .5 how crew members who operate a fire patrol system are trained to ensure that they are familiar with the arrangement of the vessel as well as the location and operation of equipment, including:
  • manually operated call points
  • fixed fire detection and alarm system
  • telephones
  • portable fire extinguishers and their limitations
  • hydrants, hoses and nozzles

3. Firefighting Process Hazards

Lecture: 1.5 hours

• 3.1 Dry distillation
  • .1 dry distillation is a combustion process in which a flammable material burns with insufficient oxygen to achieve complete combustion of the material (an example of dry distillation is the making of charcoal)
  • .2 the following sequence of events is an example of the danger of dry distillation:
    • fire is in a closed space
    • heat builds up but there is incomplete burning
    • the opening of an access introduces fresh air
    • the result is a flash towards the access opening
    • people entering will be injured or burned unless they are protected
  • .3 dangers of dry distillation may be mitigated by:
    • cooling the compartment externally by hosing it with water
    • entering the access in a crouched position behind a water screen (spray nozzle)
    • directing water towards the deckhead of the space on fire
  • .4 inadvisability, for the above reasons, of taking hurried action when smoke is seen issuing from a closed cabin
• 3.2 Chemical reactions
  • .1 chemical reactions result from adding one or more of the following substances to a chemical:
    • water
    • heat
    • steam
    • oil
    • foam
    • carbon dioxide
    • sand
  • .2 some of the effects:
    • explosion following production of flammable gas
    • spontaneous combustion
    • toxic fumes generated
    • smoke generated
  • .3 chemical reactions during firefighting are more likely to occur with fire in cargoes and in accommodation areas
  • .4 examples of chemical reactions causing or exacerbating fires, including:
    • production of acetylene when calcium carbide comes into contact with water
    • decomposition of steam when applied to coal fires
    • production of hydrogen when direct reduced iron (DRI) comes into contact with water
    • oxidizing cargoes, such as some fertilizers, sustaining a fire even if blanketed in an extinguishing gas
    • cargoes spontaneously igniting in air, e.g. phosphorus when its packaging gets damaged
    • self-heating of cargoes such as grain when wet
    • production of dangerous levels of methane in coal cargoes when ventilation is restricted
  • .5 correct response to fire in dangerous goods is given in the IMO publication Emergency Procedures for Ships Carrying Dangerous Goods
  • .6 correct response to fire in bulk materials presenting chemical hazards is given in the Emergency Schedules of the Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes published by the IMO
  • .7 determine correct response to fire in a given substance using the General Index of the IMDG Code and the Emergency Procedures for Ships Carrying Dangerous Goods
  • .8 determine correct response to fire in a given bulk cargo using the IMO publication Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes
• 3.3 Boiler uptake fires
  • .1 boiler uptake fires are those occurring in:
    • uptakes, economizers and air heaters of steamships
    • exhaust pipes, economizers and waste-heat boilers of vessels propelled by internal-combustion engines
  • .2 usual cause of such fires is an accumulation of carbon deposits, with or without oil, which become overheated and catch fire
  • .3 difficulties and hazards of fighting these fires:
    • inaccessibility of all sections of the uptake in the upper section of the engine-room
    • the possibility of explosion if access doors to the economizer are opened
    • the possibility of the economizer tubes reaching a temperature of 700°C, when the following can take place:
    • the iron in the tubes will burn in the presence of steam
    • the reaction will be self-sustaining and will generate black oxide of iron and free hydrogen as combustion products
    • the burning of iron in steam will be independent of a supply of oxygen
    • the hydrogen produced will burn if air is introduced
    • explosion
  • .4 procedure for containing and extinguishing the fire:
    • shut down the boiler or main engine
    • spray external surfaces in the way of the fire with water to keep the temperature down
    • close dampers and boiler crossovers to exclude air from fire
    • protect essential electrical and other equipment below the fire zone against water damage
    • continue cooling until it is safe to open the economizer for examination and thorough cleaning on the fire side
• 3.4 Fires in water-tube boilers
  • .1 iron-in-steam fires can occur in water-tube boilers due to:
    • shortage of water in the boiler causing overheating of the tubes above the water level and undue delay in shutting down the boiler
    • an uncontrollable soot fire in the furnace after a boiler has been shut down in a port, coupled with a shortage of water in the boiler causing overheating of the tubes above the water level
  • .2 if fire is discovered before the temperature of the tube has reached 700°C, the preferred method of firefighting is:
    • to direct to the source of the fire, through burner apertures or equivalent, the maximum amount of water available as solid jets and through feed pumps, assuming boiler tubes have fractured or burned
    • to keep air casings and uptakes cool by hosing them with water
    • to avoid using fire spray nozzles, foam appliances or carbon dioxide directly on the fire
  • .3 firefighting procedures in section 3.3 must be used if an iron-in-steam fire has developed

4. Ventilation Control, including Smoke Extraction

Lecture: 1.5 hours
Practical: 1.5 hours

• .1 horizontal, vertical and combined ventilation
• .2 mechanical, hydraulic and natural ventilation
• .3 positive and negative ventilation techniques
• .4 manoeuvring of vessel to achieve ventilation
• .5 use of positive pressure ventilation fans
• .6 hazards expected during overhaul; need for and use of ventilation

5. Monitoring and Control of Stability during Firefighting

Lecture: .5 hours

• .1 how the stability of the vessel is monitored and controlled, including:
  • calculating the change in GM caused by the weight of the extinguishing water and its free surface effect
  • arranging pumping or draining of firefighting water from affected spaces, including cutting holes in vessel’s side
  • for cargo fires, calculating the effect of having to move cargo to attack a fire
  • assessing the effect of any damage which causes spaces to be flooded by seawater
  • considering the possibility of moving the vessel to shallow water or even allowing it to ground

6. Response of Bridge, Deck and Engine-Room Watch Officer to Emergencies

Lecture: 1.0 hour

• .1 initial reactions of the bridge, deck and engine room watch to a specific emergency situation when:
  • in port
  • at sea
  • in drydock or undergoing refit
  • during lay-up
• .2 actions to be considered during an emergency situation
• .3 process of handing over responsibility to senior officers or responsible parties
• .4 overview of response of the bridge or deck watch to a person overboard situation:
  • at sea
  • when secured alongside
  • at anchor

7. Emergency Response Team Leadership

Lecture: 1.0 hour

• .1 given information on an emergency situation, assimilate and interpret orders from the Master and pass them on to the available team members, keeping the Master appraised of the ongoing situation
  • participate in a simulated emergency situation involving various teams and group leaders
  • discuss leadership style
  • discuss the need for concise positive orders
  • discuss leadership by example
  • discuss the role of the emergency response team within the overall orders and objectives set by senior officers
  • discuss the response team’s communications with senior officers
  • follow pre-planned actions for emergencies and adjust to meet specific needs
  • organize equipment and personnel so they are available as required
  • recognize the value of pre-planning and the use of emergency plans as a reminder of location and for coordination and communication during an emergency

8. On-Scene Leaders’ Plan of Attack

Lecture: 1.0 hour
Practical: 1.5 hours

• .1 identify emergency equipment, fire and watertight subdivisions, stairways, ventilation trunking, fire mains, electric cable runs and hazardous locations on various vessels’ plans
• .2 uses of vessels’ plans during emergency
• .3 establish a preliminary plan for fighting a fire in a specific location indicated on the vessel’s plan. Select the appropriate approach and hydrant, including the provision of sufficient hose for the task, establish a staging area and determine how ventilation can be utilized to advantage. Brief the team and communicate readiness, start of firefighting action and progress.
• .4 coordinate and control team members and support groups or individuals as required to bring about a positive outcome
• .5 establish boundary cooling and/or fire patrols around perimeter of fire area and on ventilation trunking passing through area
• .6 control electric power in the fire area for protection of fire team, bearing in mind the possibility that essential circuits may also pass through the area
• .7 fire scenarios:
  • cabin fires
  • engine-room fires
  • boatswain’s locker or paint locker fires
  • cargo hold fires on cargo vessels
  • car deck fires on Ro-Ro vessels
  • container fires on container vessels
  • fires on passenger vessels or ferries
  • helicopter pad fires involving helicopters
  • tank deck fires on tankers
• .8 importance of a plexiglass-covered set of plan views and elevations of the vessel for use on the bridge during an emergency, and importance of team leaders having pocket-size plans available

9. Co-ordination of Shipboard Firefighting

Lecture: 3.0 hours
Practical: 7.0 hours

• 9.1 Vessel at sea
  • .1 how the fire procedure and the emergency stations procedure are put into effect when the fire alarm is given; for example:
    • the crew assembles at the designated fire stations as given on the muster list
    • the fire parties assemble, on orders from the bridge, and carry out their tasks aimed at containing the fire
    • the vessel's course and speed are altered as necessary to assist in containing the fire
    • the pumps are prepared to dispose of extinguishing water
    • for engine-room fires, the vessel is stopped
    • the master decides the most appropriate method for fighting the fire and this is implemented by the fire officer
    • early preparations are made to launch lifeboats
    • the appropriate Mayday/Pan Pan or Security message is broadcast
  • .2 how the master controls firefighting operations
• 9.2 Vessel in port
  • .1 how the fire procedure and the emergency stations procedure are put into effect when the fire alarm is given (see section 9.1)
  • .2 how the following additional procedures are carried out:
    • call the port fire brigade
    • inform the appropriate authority
    • confirm with harbour master that the master of the vessel will remain in overall charge
    • confirm with harbour master that the fire brigade will take charge of firefighting operations, assisted by the crew as required
    • confirm with harbour master that he will keep the master informed of any hazards to the dock installation and any actions required
    • check who is on board
    • make preparations for vessel to leave port if required, either by own power or with help of tugs
    • evacuate non-essential personnel
• 9.3 Vessel with cargo of dangerous goods
  • .1 how the stowage plan must be marked to show the position and class of dangerous goods
  • .2 how the firefighting plan must be prepared, showing which firefighting media and appliances can safely be used
  • .3 how the dangers and the consequent risk to the crew must be assessed when the cargo is loaded
  • .4 how the fire procedure and the emergency procedure are put into effect when the fire alarm is given (see section 9.1)
  • .5 the danger of rushing into action without knowing the nature of the cargo
• 9.4 Oil Tankers
  • .1 how the fire procedure and the emergency procedure are put into effect when the fire alarm is given (see section 9.1)
  • .2 the additional requirements for a tanker, including:
    • a fixed fire-extinguishing system in the pump-room
    • remotely controlled foam monitors on the deck
    • inert-gas or steam-smothering system for the cargo tanks
    • isolation valves fitted in the fire main at the poop front and at specified distances forward of the poop front to allow:
    • control of the water supply to the foam monitors in the event of damage to the fire main
    • control of the water supply if the emergency fire pump is in use
    • a division into gas-dangerous and gas-free spaces
    • strict segregation between cargo, machinery/accommodation spaces and water supply systems
• 9.5 Follow-up action
  • .1 how, when the fire has been extinguished:
    • a fire-watch is set up
    • the requirement for emergency stations is cancelled
    • an investigation into the fire is begun

10. Coordination with Shore-based Firefighters

Lecture: .5 hours

• .1 procedures relating to:
  • availability of vessel’s plans
  • consultation with master/OIC on plans to fight fire and roles and responsibilities
• .2 records must show actions taken and drills conducted

11. Management and Control of Injured Persons

Lecture: 0.5 hours

• .1 describes the immediate and follow-up actions taken
• .2 describes documentation of reports received from doctors or hospitals

12. Fixed Fire Detection and Extinguishing Facilities

Lecture: 1.0 hour
Practical: 3.0 hours

• .1 fixed firefighting systems, the areas they would protect, their limitations and the correct procedure for using:
  • fire main
  • water sprinkler
  • water deluge
  • water curtain
  • foam
  • carbon dioxide
  • halon
  • deck dry chemical
  • galley dry chemical
  • inert gas
• .2 correct operation of water, halon, dry chemical, foam and CO2 fixed firefighting systems:
  • pre-activation check and actions
  • activation, and injection of agent into protected area
  • post-activation check and actions

13. Inspection and Maintenance of Emergency Equipment

Lecture: 1.5 hours
Practical: 2.0 hours

• 13.1 Fire alarms
  • .1 for the fire alarms and actuating switches:
    
    • a plan must be available which shows their positions
    • a schedule must be prepared that shows dates when surveys, inspections, maintenance and testing must be carried out
    • a record must be kept of defects found and repairs carried out
    • the manufacturer’s instruction manual must be used as a basis for the schedule referred to above
• 13.2 Fire detection equipment
  • .1 a scheme similar to that in 13.1 must be prepared and implemented
  • .2 the maintenance schedule must also include testing the operation of:
    • smoke (ion) detectors
    • flame detectors (infrared or ultraviolet rays from the flames)
    • heat detectors (thermal contact)
    • rate-of-change-of-temperature detector
    • bursting temperature of sprinkler bulb in a sprinkler system
• 13.3 Fixed fire-extinguishing equipment
  • .1 a scheme similar to that in section 13.1 must be prepared and implemented for each type of fixed fire-extinguishing equipment
  • .2 additional maintenance required for a sprinkler system
  • .3 additional maintenance required for a carbon dioxide system; maintenance schedule for a carbon dioxide system must also include testing the level of liquid / gas in the cylinders
  • .4 additional maintenance required for a halon system
  • .5 additional maintenance required for a fixed-pressure water-spraying system
  • .6 additional maintenance required for a foam making system
• 13.4 Fire main, hydrants, hoses and nozzles
  • .1 a scheme similar to that in section 13.1 must be prepared and implemented
  • .2 additional maintenance required for the fire mains, hydrants and nozzles
  • .3 measures that have to be taken in icy conditions to keep the fire-main system free of ice:
    • shut down the pump and close valves as required
    • drain all water from the pipes
    • keep checking that the system is empty of water
    • put up warning notices on the bridge that the fire main has been drained of water
  • .4 the practice of opening one or more hydrant valves does not prevent the system from becoming frozen in icy conditions
• 13.5 Portable and mobile fire extinguishing equipment
  • .1 a scheme similar to that in section 13.1 must be prepared and implemented
  • .2 how a portable or mobile fire extinguisher which has been discharged is prepared for further use
  • .3 partially discharged or empty extinguishers must not be placed in their previous positions before being refilled
• 13.6 Firefighter’s outfits
  • .1 a scheme similar to that in section 13.1 must be prepared and implemented
  • .2 additional maintenance required for the firefighter’s outfit
• 13.7 Fire control plans
  • .1 fire-control plans must be checked monthly to ensure they are legible and up to date
  • .2 the duplicate set of fire-control plans or the booklet containing them, which are for the assistance of shore-side firefighting personnel, must be checked to confirm that they are in good condition
  • .3 the guide signs to the duplicate plans must be checked to ensure they are intact and easily visible
• 13.8 Life rafts
  • .1 for life rafts, a plan must be available which shows their positions, and a regular inspection must be made of the raft, its stowage and securing / releasing system
• 13.9 Lifejackets, immersion suits and life buoys
  • .1 a scheme similar to that in section 13.1 must be prepared and implemented
  • .2 additional maintenance required for lifejackets
  • .3 additional maintenance required for immersion suits
  • .4 additional maintenance required for life buoys and their fittings
  • .5 the stowage location and signage for lifejackets and immersion suits must be accessible, adequate, dry and ventilated
• 13.10 Pyrotechnic distress signals and line-throwing equipment
  • .1 a scheme similar to that in section 13.1 must be prepared and implemented
  • .2 additional maintenance required for pyrotechnic distress signals and line- throwing equipment
• 13.11 EPIRBs, SARTs and radio communications
  • .1 a scheme similar to that in section 13.1 must be prepared and implemented
  • .2 additional maintenance required for EPIRBs and SARTs
• 13.12 Lifeboats
  • .1 a scheme similar to that in section 13.1 must be prepared and implemented
  • .2 additional maintenance required for lifeboats
• 13.13 Survival craft launching systems
  • .1 a scheme similar to that in section 13.1 must be prepared and implemented
  • .2 additional maintenance required for survival craft launching systems

14. Incident Recording

Lecture: .5 hours
Practical: .5 hours

• .1 relevant information such as time, situation, progress, decisions, results and communications must be recorded, in chronological order. This real time record is then used for the deck logbook, official logbook entries, reports and investigations. A chronological record is to be maintained in the engine-room as a resource for the engine-room logbook.
• .2 photographic evidence of the situation, with time, angle, scale and other information, would be valuable to the investigation
• .3 accident investigations may be made by regulatory authorities in specific instances; consequently evidence and the accident scene must be preserved as much as possible.
• 14.1 Fire investigation and reporting
  • .1 what information must be recorded to assist in handling the incident and to prepare a log for the purpose of investing and reporting on the incident
  • .2 the report must also contain conclusions from the facts established, including:
    • an analysis and discussion of the facts
    • the conclusions reached from this analysis and discussion
    • recommendations on the actions required to avoid a recurrence
    • any recommendations to improve fire prevention and firefighting procedures
• 14.2 Abandonment investigation and reporting
  • .1 what information must be recorded to assist in handling the incident and to prepare a log for the purpose of investing and reporting on the incident
  • .2 the report must also contain conclusions from the facts established, including:
    • an analysis and discussion of the facts
    • the conclusions reached from this analysis and discussion
    • recommendations on the actions required to avoid a recurrence
    • any recommendations to improve fire prevention and firefighting procedures
• 14.3 Search and rescue investigation and reporting
  • .1 what information must be recorded to assist in handling the incident and to prepare a log for the purpose of investing and reporting on the incident

15. Crowd Management

Lecture: 1.0 hour

• .1 ability to direct passengers and personnel other than trained crew members during an emergency
• .2 the need to prevent panic, and how to control passengers during an emergency
• .3 how assistance may be obtained from passengers, such as:
  • medical assistance from physicians or nurses
  • firefighters
  • mariners
• .4 methods of forming passengers into groups for movement to survival craft or to other parts of the vessel, and how to keep families together
• .5 information to be given to passengers to prepare them for the abandonment and survival phases of an emergency situation
• .6 how to secure lifejacket and check all lifejackets are secured properly
  • check passengers are wearing the correct size lifejacket
  • check tie tapes are secured properly

16. Search and Rescue

Lecture: 1.5 hours
Practical: 1.5 hours

• .1 contents of the Merchant Ship Search and Rescue (MERSAR) Manual
• .2 the following search patterns and their advantages and limitations:
  • expanding square
  • parallel track
  • sector
  • vessel-aircraft co-ordinated
• .3 the duties of the:
  • Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC)
  • On Scene Commander (OSC)
• .4 plot and conduct search pattern as directed by Master with information from the On Scene Commander (OSC) or Coordinator Surface Search (C.S.S.), taking account of:
  • set and drift
  • leeway
  • sea conditions
  • size of vessel
  • navigational considerations and equipment
• .5 brief lookouts and establish a watch system for those conducting the search
• .6 provide the communications link between Master and OSC/CSS to update progress of search
• .7 the most effective methods of rescue available on different types and sizes of vessel, such as:
  • guest wrap
  • rescue boat
  • own lifeboat
  • vessel’s cranes or booms
  • rescue baskets or net
  • scramble nets
  • pilot or jacob’s ladder
  • vegetable oil or making a lee
  • accommodation ladder
• .8 organize and lead crew on deck to conduct the rescue on a specific vessel, stating preferred rescue method, location and required equipment, and methods of rescuing survivors
• .9 type of after-rescue care survivors may require; organize and provide the care, given different crew and vessel parameters

17. Communications

Lecture: 0.5 hours
Practical: 0.5 hours

• .1 ability to operate internal communications systems such as telephone and hand-held walkie-talkies, using marine terminology and standard communication procedures
• .2 advantages of different types of internal communications systems and when and how each may be most effective
• .3 the need to keep a log of communications and critical incidents as they happen during an emergency

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Date modified:

2010-01-19

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