The FCOA Firefighter course is a prerequisite to become an FCOA Yacht Master.
After you complete this quiz, we will spend about an hour on firefighting drills:
1. Blindfolded apnea walk (walk through smoke)
2. Extinguishing different fires
3. Treating burns
WARNING: Only try to control small fires, once they are to big: EVACUATE.
Rapid Development: If a fire is not contained within the first two minutes, it is generally considered uncontrollable.
Evacuation: This is often the safest option, especially when you have passengers to take care of. If you commit early to evacuating, you will have more time to get your survival equipment together. If possible, make a last Mayday call. Most long-distance sailors have a grab bag that contains their passport, documents, satellite phone, and emergency foods. When on the open ocean, get on your dinghy or liferaft and stay far upwind of the burning boat
— far enough to avoid being affected if something explodes. Be aware that floating fuel could catch fire also. Often, boats continue floating, especially if they are made of metal. Once there is nothing to burn, the fire will stop. Rescue workers will find you more easily if you stay near the abandoned boat.
Smoldering Time: Fires can smolder for hours in hidden, unoccupied areas — such as wiring conduits or engine bays
— before breaking into open flames.
Persistence: Even after being extinguished, a boat fire can flare up again, requiring monitoring for several hours to ensure the structure has fully cooled.
Entering Smoke-Filled Rooms
If you decide to try to control the fire or go in to rescue someone, and you are a freediver, sit down and slow down your heart rate for 30 second so you can hold your breath longer. If there is an old water jug to breath from, it could help. A dive mask can help protect your eyes from smoke. Wrap a wet T-shirt around your guiding hand. Wear cotton material if available. If you have a guide line or rope available, it could help with your exit.
Go in slowly. Move one step at a time. Count your steps. Keep one hand against the wall.
Guard your head. Swipe in front of you to detect objects.
How to Practice
These skills can get practiced with blindfolded apnea walks in your house, with a buddy beside you to make sure you don't trip or fall.
Firefighting Procedures
Firefighting on sailboats is a critical aspect of maritime safety. Here are essential steps and procedures
to follow in the event of a fire:
- Identify the Fire: Determine the type of fire (Class A, B, C or D) to use the appropriate extinguishing method.
- Use Fire Extinguishers:
Remember the PASS acronym (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) to use a fire extinguisher effectively.
- Contain the Fire: If the fire is too large to extinguish with a fire extinguisher, focus on containing it to prevent it from spreading.
- Seal Vents and Spaces: This helps to contain the fire and minimize oxygen feeding the flames.
- Use Fixed Smothering Systems: Consult with the Master and Chief Engineer to decide on using fixed CO2 systems, which require sealing the area for at least 24 hours.
By following these procedures and maintaining a well-prepared crew, the risks of fire on sailboats can be significantly reduced, ensuring the safety of personnel and the integrity of the vessel.
Fire Classes
Class A Fires
Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and many plastics. These materials burn and leave behind an ash. Water is generally the most effective extinguishing agent for Class A fires, as it works primarily by cooling the burning material below its ignition temperature and smothering the fire by forming a vapor barrier that reduces the oxygen supply. Foam and dry chemical extinguishers labeled for Class A fires can also be used, offering a combination of cooling and smothering effects.
Class B Fires
Involve flammable liquids and gases such as gasoline, oil, grease, paint, solvents, propane, and similar materials. These fires burn hot and spread fast because the fuel can flow. Water is not recommended for Class B fires because it does not mix with oil and can float on top, splashing burning fuel across a wider area. Instead, CO2, dry chemical, and foam extinguishers are used to smother the fire by creating a barrier between the fuel and oxygen or interrupting the chemical reaction of combustion.
Class C Fires
Involve live electrical equipment such as wiring, circuit panels, appliances, motors, transformers, and circuit breakers. These fires can be dangerous as using a conductive agent like water can make the operator a path for electrical current. CO2 and dry powder extinguishers are both non-conductive and appropriate for Class C fires.
Class D Fires
Class D fires involve combustible metals as the fuel for the fire. Class D fires can occur in metal fabrication industries, but are rare anywhere else.
Class K Fires
Class K fires are specifically fueled by combustible cooking media, such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and other high-temperature cooking oils used in commercial kitchens. These fires are particularly dangerous because cooking oils can reach their autoignition temperature—the point at which they ignite spontaneously
— very quickly, often between 375–450°F (191–232°C), depending on the type of oil. Once ignited, these fires can spread rapidly and are difficult to control with standard fire extinguishers or water. If the fire is small, turn off the heat source and use a fire blanket or a Class K-rated fire extinguisher. DO NOT USE WATER.
