Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1 

Carry out fire minimisation procedures 

1.1

Fire hazards and risks on board vessel are identified and reported to designated personnel according to workplace procedures

1.2

Workplace procedures and work instructions for controlling fire risks are followed

1.3

Firefighting equipment is regularly checked and appropriate action is taken to ensure it is operational

1.4

Participation in fire drills and musters is undertaken to ensure readiness for fire emergencies

2 

Follow instructions during response to a fire emergency 

2.1

Location and class of fire are identified and alarm is raised and/or responded to according to workplace procedures

2.2

Appropriate protective clothing and equipment requirements are made ready

2.3

Instructions to contain the spread of fire and smoke are acted upon

2.4

Fire is attacked using appropriate method, firefighting equipment and extinguishing media/agent according to instructions

2.5

Collaboration and communication is maintained with others to support the safety and efficiency of the firefighting operation

3 

Support post-fire operations 

3.1

Fire watch is carried out as instructed to prevent further outbreak

3.2

Equipment is restored to operational condition according to workplace instructions

3.3

Assistance is provided to preserve fire scene prior to investigation, as required

3.4

Information relevant for fire incident debrief is provided

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Fire hazards and risks must include:

• cargo
• clothing
• cooking oils
• cordage
• electrical arcing
• fuels and lubricants
• furnishings
• paints
• poor housekeeping
• poor work practices
• smoking
• spontaneous combustion

Firefighting equipment must include the following:

• fire blankets
• hydrant hoses and nozzles
• international shore connection
• portable extinguishers
• pumps

Classes of fire must include:

• A – Carbonaceous solids
• B – Flammable liquids
• C – Flammable gases
• E – Electrically energised equipment
• F – Cooking fats or oils

Protective clothing and equipment must include:

• foot protection
• hand protection
• radiant heat protection

Extinguishing media/agent must include:

• extinguishing powder
• foam
• gaseous extinguishing agents
• water

Restoring equipment must include:

• cleaning
• servicing (as required)
• re-stowing

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions on at least one occasion and include:

• operating a fire extinguisher
• applying extinguishing media to a fire

• water extinguisher
• foam extinguisher
• dry chemical extinguisher
• fire bucket

• communicating and working collaboratively as a member of a team in a firefighting operation
• correctly using vessel closure and shutdown systems
• conducting effective boundary cooling
• using a fire blanket to extinguish a fire
• using water spray as an effective firefighting agent:

• fire hose lines (jet spray to fog stream)

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions and include knowledge of:

• alarms and signals during onboard emergencies
• chemistry of fire and its relationship to flash point, vapour density, auto ignition temperature and spontaneous combustion
• classes of fire applicable to Australian and New Zealand standards
• detection and suppression systems including fixed firefighting systems
• extinguishing media including firefighting foams
• firefighting tactics, techniques and procedures including team dynamics
• fire tetrahedron
• hazards and threats to life or health during onboard firefighting operations
• methods of heat transfer
• onboard emergency response organisation and procedures
• portable fire extinguishers – colour codes and suitability for class of fire
• principles underlying spread of fire on a vessel
• principles and methods of extinguishment of each class of fire
• safe working practices
• types of fire detection, firefighting equipment and systems used on vessels, their features, principles of operation, procedures for their use and problems that can occur
• ventilation procedures
• vessel construction as it relates to fire prevention/protection
• work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements and work practices