Advanced Fire Fighting – Why It’s a Must for Yacht Crew

Fire is one of the greatest risks at sea, and when it breaks out on board, the crew are the only line of defense. There is no waiting for help to arrive — the decisions made in those first moments will determine the safety of the vessel and everyone on it.

Every seafarer begins with Basic Fire Fighting, which forms part of the STCW Basic Safety Training (STCW A-VI/1). This essential module teaches the foundations: how to recognize fire hazards, operate extinguishers, use fire blankets, and handle hoses. It also covers evacuation procedures and search and rescue in a controlled environment. The aim is to give every crew member the confidence to react quickly and correctly when faced with a fire.

Advanced Fire Fighting (STCW A-VI/3) is about managing the bigger picture. It goes beyond extinguishers and hoses, focusing instead on leadership, coordination, and decision-making in a real emergency. Officers and senior crew are trained to take command of fire parties, organize resources, evaluate risks, and decide whether to fight the fire, attempt a rescue, or prepare to abandon ship. This higher-level training ensures that a yacht’s fire response is not just reactive but strategic, keeping the entire vessel and those on board as safe as possible.

At Seascope France in Antibes, we run STCW Advanced Fire Fighting with a strong focus on real-world yacht scenarios and effective team leadership. Upcoming dates for the training:

• 06–09 October 2025

• 03–06 November 2025

Onshore training is only the first step — it should always be reinforced by regular fire drills onboard. Drills help the crew maintain confidence with equipment, adapt procedures to the yacht’s unique layout, and build teamwork under pressure. They also highlight potential weaknesses, from communication gaps to unfamiliar escape routes, so they can be corrected before a real emergency occurs.

To support this, Seascope France has a pool of highly qualified fire fighters with seagoing experience who can deliver bespoke fire prevention and fire fighting training directly onboard. This tailored approach ensures your crew is fully prepared, not only with classroom knowledge but with practical skills that are specific to your vessel.