Lithium Ion Battery Safety Awareness on Superyachts

• Superyacht crew who use Li-ion battery-operated equipment.
• Competent Persons responsible for battery charging operations.
• Safety Officers and Emergency Response Teams.
• Yacht Captains and Officers who must provide confident leadership in implementing safe operating procedures for Li-ion batteries.
• Yacht Managers who must manage and document their safety culture for Li-ion batteries.

Subjects covered within this course include:

• The development of Li-ion battery technology.
• How Li-ion batteries function.
• Where Li-ion batteries can be found on yachts.
• Recognising and preventing Li-ion battery abuse.
• The statutory need for hazard identification for Li-ion batteries.
• Toxic and explosive gas hazards.
• Fire and thermal runaway.
• Basic fire theory as applied to Li-ion battery fires.
• Fixed firefighting systems on yachts.
• Advanced equipment and solutions for tackling Li-ion fires.
• Safe battery storage handling and disposal.
• Safe battery charging practices.

ISM Code

The ISM Code sets out requirements of procedures for the personnel, especially performing safety roles, to properly familiarize with their duties. Furthermore, it puts an emphasis on the training necessary to support safety management systems. The Lithium-ion Battery Safety Awareness course reinforces the commitment to the ISM Code obligations by updating the personnel on safety protocols and offering comprehensive training to the crew in charge of safety operations on superyachts. 

STCW Convention Regulation 

STCW Convention Regulation I/14 – 5 emphasizes that the seafarers should be familiar with their duties, ship arrangements, equipment, and relevant procedures. The Li-ion Battery Awareness course provides practical knowledge of routine and emergency procedures when handling Li-ion powered equipment.  

 MCA MGN 681

In its MGN 681 issued in June 2023, the MCA stated the requirement for the competent person to undertake battery charging operations onboard. Based on the note and Code of Safe Working Practices, the course helps define the competent person's role and duties.