The MCA-regulated Fire Prevention and Firefighting course equips seafarers with the critical skills needed to handle fire emergencies on commercial ships. It is one of five course combined in our STCW Basic Safety Training course.
- Valid for 5 years
- Teaches emergency response and firefighting techniques
- Meets STCW Convention and Code 1978 (as amended) KUP standards
- Covers the use of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and working in smoke-filled environments
- A core component of the STCW Basic Safety Training Course
- Includes casualty recovery and use of firefighting equipment
Lindsey Speirs specialises in confined space training and Mental Health First Aid. Drawing on her background in mental health, challenging behaviour, and eight years of palliative care experience, Lindsey brings a unique combination of compassion and expertise to her role.
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Karl joined MRS Training and Rescue in 2015. Passionate about health and safety, he began as an associate rescuer, providing industrial rescue at a power station. Now a full-time rescue and trainer operative, Karl specialises in confined spaces and high-risk environments, trains the HART team, and maintains essential rescue equipment.
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Matt has six years of experience in delivering confined space, work at height, and STCW training. He combines his expertise in rescue operations and site consultations to help organisations maintain the highest safety standards.
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Neil Fowkes has over 30 years of engineering and safety expertise. He specialises in confined space rescue, working at height, and international safety training—including offshore operations.
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Drawing on extensive hands-on experience in confined spaces and working at height, Dan specialises in delivering bespoke training and emergency response solutions. He has worked on complex international projects and currently manages major contracts, ensuring the safety and preparedness of rescue teams across the UK.
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Liam Spencer is a high-risk rescue instructor and drone pilot at MRS Mansfield. He leads a team of 20, providing confined space training, consultancy, and drone inspections, while fostering strong client relationships.
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Andy Watson has over 15 years’ experience in emergency response, training, and leadership. He was instrumental in establishing MRS Training & Rescue's Aberdeen centre, setting the standard for training and rescue services in the area.
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Billy is the Senior SHEQ Manager at MRS Training and Rescue. After serving nine years in the Royal Air Force Fire Service, he transitioned into Fire Safety and Health & Safety instruction. A recognised expert, Billy is dedicated to driving continuous improvements in safety and health across the organisation.
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Russell Duff oversees safety, training, and business growth at MRS Training and Rescue's Southampton centre. A former Royal Navy Officer, he brings a wealth of maritime and leadership experience to the MRS team.
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Stuart Jackson is an expert mine manager with over 40 years’ experience in mining operations, safety management, and project leadership. He specialises in improving safety practices and operational efficiency in complex projects.
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Ross Graham has a background in emergency response, offshore operations, and health & safety training. He plays a key role in developing industry-leading training programmes and helms operational teams in high-risk environments.
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Rob Tune has 14 years of experience in high-risk industries including mining, water, energy, and nuclear. He oversees training quality, course development, and assurance, leveraging real-world insights to enhance learning.
A former prison officer with expertise in riot control and hostage negotiation, Steve now leads rescue operations and delivers specialist training—while pursuing advanced safety and management qualifications.
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Derek Speirs began his career in the mining industry at 16, following his father's footsteps. After gaining extensive experience in mining and rescue operations, he joined MRS Training & Rescue in 2013 and swiftly rose through the ranks.
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About this course
This is a highly practical course and involves the use of our purpose-built facility where delegates undertake several scenario-based exercises. Trainees will be required to:
- Correctly use hoses, nozzles and hose equipment
- Identify the precautions to be taken in a smoke-filled environment
- Extinguish different types of fire as a team member using equipment including:
- Confined area fire with water fog applicator
- Extinguish fires with water using jet / spray nozzles
- Test and use breathing apparatus, to include:
- Pre use checks and use
- Team working / communication / gauge checks
- Safe procedures (door opening, ladder use, search procedures, rescue techniques and evacuating procedures) in reduced visibility / foam
- Casualty rescue (using manikin), communication and teamwork in smoke filled environment
- Fire fighting in an accommodation or engine room area in heavy smoke
By the end of the course, delegates will be able to:
- Understand how to minimise the risk of fire on board
- Know the onboard equipment, procedures and personal safety requirements in fire situations
- Be able to fight and extinguish fires
To view the full course timetable click here.
This course is taught by highly experienced instructors. All our trainers have worked in hazardous environments – so they understand the issues and working conditions a delegate may face at work.
Many of our trainers are also ex-firefighters and real-life rescuers who have been part of emergency operations in the UK and around the world.
There will be a maximum of 12 people on this course. There is a maximum instructor to candidate ratio of 1:4 for the practical training and 1:24 for the theory / classroom training.
Certification/Accreditation
Delegates will be continually assessed throughout the course. They will need to complete a multi-choice written test paper with a pass mark of 65% and achieve a 100% pass mark in all practical assessments.
On successful completion of the course, delegates will receive a printed MRS Training & Rescue certificate.
The course is regulated by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
Those successfully completing the assessments will be issued with a certificate that is valid for 5 years.
The MRS Training & Rescue certificate will be provided to successful candidates at the end of the course.
Payments
If you book this course online, you can pay by debit or credit card.
If you wish to pay via an invoice, please enquire about the course and our team will contact you to complete the booking.
Course materials, refreshments and a light lunch are provided.
After booking
Joining instructions are sent by email – which are usually received on the same day but always within 48 hours of booking.
Courses start at 9am and finish at about 5pm on days 1 and 2. On day 3 the course finishes around 1pm.
Yes - subject to our terms and conditions.
Yes, free parking is available at all our UK training centres for course candidates.
Entry requirements
The course is physically demanding, so delegates must be well and fit enough to undertake several firefighting exercises that include the wearing of breathing apparatus.
Key health conditions to consider include heart disease, respiratory issues (e.g., asthma), high blood pressure, epilepsy, vertigo, impaired limb function, uncorrected vision problems, and any substance dependencies.
If unsure, employers should arrange a medical assessment. We reserve the right to refuse training to those deemed medically unfit.
Yes. Delegates should be clean shaven as the course includes the wearing of breathing apparatus.
Yes – all candidates are required to bring the following for practical exercises – other PPE will be provided:
- Coveralls/clothes to be worn under fire uniform (this may get smoky)
- Long socks
- Comfortable clothes for the classroom
Yes. Delegates must complete the mandatory forms (STCW Delegate Registration Form and STCW Pre Course Medical Questionnaire) in the links provided in our joining instructions email and return them to MRS Training & Rescue no later than 16:00 on the day prior to the course commencing.
Delegates must also provide government issued photo identification on their day of training. This is a mandatory requirement. Failure to provide this ID will prevent the delegate from taking the training until verification can be made.
Yes. Due to the nature of the training course and the emphasis placed on communication, there is only a provision for the assessments to be undertaken in English. Therefore English proficiency is required.
