STCW basic training guide

STCW Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting for Cruise Ship Crew

Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting is the STCW basic training component that teaches seafarers how to reduce fire risk, recognise alarms and emergency signals, use fire fighting equipment and take part in practical fire response under realistic training conditions.

See What You Learn View STCW Basic Safety Training

What FPFF is designed to prepare you for

Fire at sea is different from a routine workplace incident. Escape routes can be limited, smoke moves rapidly through enclosed spaces, and every crew member has a responsibility to understand alarms, muster procedures and the first actions required by the ship's emergency organisation.

Prevent the emergency where possible

The first competence is prevention and readiness. Training covers the fire triangle, ignition sources, flammable materials, the spread of fire, the need for constant vigilance, shipboard fire fighting organisation, escape routes, detection systems, alarms and the correct extinguishing agent for the type of fire involved.

The aim is not to turn every crew member into a professional firefighter. It is to build disciplined awareness and a safe first response within the ship's emergency plan.

Respond correctly when fire occurs

The second competence is practical. You learn how equipment is organised on board, how different fire fighting agents are used, how protective equipment and breathing apparatus are handled, and how fire fighting procedures are applied during realistic exercises.

Your actions must follow the circumstances, the emergency organisation and accepted procedures rather than improvisation or individual heroics.

Before paying for a course. Confirm the exact STCW training requirement, the provider's current approval and whether the certificate will be accepted by the employer, flag administration or joining process attached to your real vacancy.

The competence areas covered by STCW FPFF

The topics below reflect the minimum competence in STCW Code table A-VI/1-2. Approved providers may arrange the classroom and practical exercises differently.

Fire triangle and ignition

Understand the elements needed for fire, common ignition sources and why control of fuel, heat and oxygen matters.

Fire hazards and spread

Recognise flammable materials, shipboard fire hazards, smoke movement and how fire can spread through spaces and systems.

Shipboard organisation

Know the location of fire fighting appliances, emergency escape routes, muster signals and the actions expected when an alarm is raised.

Detection and alarms

Understand fire and smoke detection, automatic alarm systems and the importance of immediate, disciplined reporting.

Extinguishing agents

Learn fire classifications and the appropriate extinguishing agent and technique for the fire and environment involved.

Protective equipment

Use fire fighter's outfits, personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus under instruction.

Portable extinguishers

Demonstrate the practical use of different portable fire extinguishers and the procedures that support safe deployment.

Fixed installations

Understand the purpose and limitations of fixed fire fighting systems used on board ships.

Realistic fire drills

Practise fire response in realistic simulated shipboard conditions, including reduced visibility or darkness when appropriate and practicable.

Cruise ship safety crew preparing for fire emergency response duties

Expect hands-on training, not just classroom theory

The STCW competence standard specifically calls for practical demonstration in spaces that provide genuinely realistic training conditions. That means applicants should be cautious about assuming a theory-only or fully online course will satisfy the requirement.

During approved training you may be required to demonstrate practical use of extinguishers, breathing apparatus and other equipment while following safe fire fighting procedures.

Wear the correct protective clothing and equipment for the exercise.
Follow the correct sequence of actions for the conditions you are given.
Choose appropriate procedures, techniques and fire fighting agents.
Use breathing apparatus in line with accepted procedures and safety practice.

FPFF and Advanced Fire Fighting are not the same qualification

FPFF is the basic fire fighting competence under STCW VI/1. Advanced Fire Fighting is a separate higher-level competence under STCW VI/3 for seafarers who control fire fighting operations on board.

Question	Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting	Advanced Fire Fighting
STCW reference	Table A-VI/1-2 within basic safety training.	Section A-VI/3 and table A-VI/3.
Main purpose	Minimise fire risk, maintain readiness and demonstrate safe practical fire response.	Control fire fighting operations, organise and train fire parties, inspect equipment and investigate incidents.
Typical learner	Seafarers whose role or joining process requires STCW basic training.	Seafarers designated to control fire fighting operations on board.
Practical emphasis	Portable extinguishers, breathing apparatus, fire fighting procedures and realistic fire exercises.	Command, tactics, communication, organisation, equipment inspection and higher-level emergency management.

What the booking and training process usually involves

The exact timetable, admission documents and training centre format vary. The safest process is to confirm the requirement first and then use an approved provider.

Before booking

Confirm the correct certificate

Check your cruise line or recruiter instructions and the relevant administration before choosing a provider.

Provider check

Verify current approval

Use an official approved-provider list or administration source. Do not rely only on a training centre's own marketing page.

Practical course

Participate in realistic exercises

Expect supervised equipment use and practical fire response rather than a certificate based only on passive theory.

After completion

Keep your training records organised

Store the certificate securely, record the course date and track any future updating requirement connected to your certificate.

The five year updating requirement matters for FPFF

STCW Code section A-VI/1 requires seafarers qualified in Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting to provide evidence, at intervals not exceeding five years, that they have maintained the required standard of competence in the areas that cannot be retained solely through routine onboard drills and experience.

Approved administrations therefore publish updating or refresher routes for FPFF. The exact evidence and course format depend on the administration and certificate pathway you are using.

Check MCA Approved Training

Before booking an updating course

Check when your existing FPFF training was completed or last updated.
Confirm which administration or certificate pathway your employer expects you to follow.
Use the current approved-provider list for the course you need.
Confirm whether prior sea service, onboard training or documentary evidence affects the updating route.
Ask what original documents you must bring for identity and previous training verification.
Keep both the earlier certificate and the updating evidence unless instructed otherwise.

Useful things to have ready

Previous training details. Keep the certificate number, course date and training centre details available when you enquire.

Identity documents. Confirm which passport, seafarer or identity documents the provider needs on the day.

Employer instruction. Save the written joining requirement showing which certificate or updating route is expected.

After completion. Scan the new certificate, store the original safely and record the new issue date with your training history.

Booking Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting in South Africa

SAMSA's current Training Standards Code lists Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting as STA-06-102 with the international reference STCW A-VI/1-2. Applicants should verify the current training standard and provider approval before paying.

Use the SAMSA training standards as your starting point

SAMSA publishes the occupational health, safety and security training standards and currently lists STA-06-102 for Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting together with a related checklist.

Because approvals and administrative requirements can change, use the live SAMSA source rather than an old saved list or screenshot.

Acceptance is still specific to your joining process

Even when a training centre is approved by a maritime authority, your employer may require a specific certificate pathway, course version or administration recognition for the ship you are joining.

Get that requirement in writing wherever possible before paying for training, especially if you are comparing providers or taking training outside your home country.

Check SAMSA Training Standards

Related safety training and joining guides

Use these guides to connect FPFF with the rest of your STCW basic training and cruise ship preparation.

Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting FAQ

These answers cover the questions cruise ship applicants most often ask before paying for FPFF training.

Is FPFF part of STCW Basic Safety Training?

Yes. Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting is the A-VI/1-2 component of STCW basic safety training.

Can I do the complete FPFF course online?

Do not assume a fully online course is acceptable. The STCW competence includes practical demonstrations under realistic training conditions, and the MCA specifically states that it does not accept online courses where the STCW Code requires face-to-face practical training.

Will I have to use breathing apparatus?

The STCW competence includes practical demonstration using self-contained breathing apparatus, so an approved course should prepare and assess you for that requirement.

Is FPFF the same as Advanced Fire Fighting?

No. FPFF is the basic STCW fire fighting competence. Advanced Fire Fighting is a separate qualification for seafarers designated to control fire fighting operations on board.

Does FPFF need updating every five years?

STCW requires specified competence in FPFF to be maintained and evidenced at intervals not exceeding five years. Check the updating route required by the administration and employer connected to your certificate.

Does every cruise ship applicant need FPFF before applying?

Not necessarily at the first application stage. The timing depends on the employer and role. Confirm the joining requirement before paying for training.

How do I verify a South African course?

Use the current SAMSA Training Standards Code and the relevant approved-provider information rather than relying only on a provider advertisement.

What documents should I keep after the course?

Keep the original certificate as instructed, a secure digital copy, provider details, the course date and later updating evidence. Submit documents only through approved recruitment or employer channels.

Official references used for this guide

These sources explain the STCW competence and help you verify current training approval instead of relying on informal advice.

IMO STCW Code A-VI/1-2Official competence table for Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting. MCA Approved Training ProvidersCurrent MCA lists for STCW basic courses and updating training. SAMSA Training StandardsSouth African training standards including STA-06-102 for FPFF. Crew Life at Sea STCW GuideSee how the basic safety modules fit together for cruise ship crew. Crew Documents GuideOrganise your training evidence with the rest of your joining file. Start Your ApplicationMove from research into the Crew Life at Sea application process.

Train for the fire response standard your actual shipboard role requires

Verify the STCW requirement, use an approved provider, complete the practical training properly and keep your updating evidence organised for future contracts.

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