Guidance

Section 4 - Large Yacht Helideck Fire Fighting training

Published 11 March 2024

1. Specification of Large Yacht Helideck Fire Fighting training

1.1 Introduction

The use of correct helicopter fire-fighting techniques by the helideck team significantly improves the survivability of helicopter passengers in the event of an accident. This module complements the underlying principles taught in the Large Yacht Helicopter Procedures and Emergency Response training module.

As per the Red Ensign Group (REG) Yacht Code, Common Annex H, “All other crew (other than HLOs (Helicopter Landing Officers)) assigned duties within the helicopter landing area operations team(s) shall be certificated as [Helideck Assistants (HDA)] by an appropriate training provider.  The training shall include dealing with fires and other possible emergency scenarios.” 

1.2 Aim

On completion of the training, the trainees will understand the specific firefighting techniques to be used in the event of a helicopter fire on board a large yacht.

1.3 Objectives

Trainees will be able to:

• Prepare all firefighting equipment for the helideck prior to flying operations.
• Take appropriate actions in response to helicopter fire related emergencies.

1.4 Entry Standards

Trainees must hold valid certificates for all four elements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Basic Training prior to attending this module.

• Personal Survival Techniques (STCW Code – Table A-VI/1-1);
• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (STCW Code – Table A-VI/1-2);
• Elementary First Aid (STCW Code – Table A-VI/1-3);
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (STCW Code – Table A-VI/1-4).

AND have completed or be attending concurrently the Large Yacht Helicopter Procedures and Emergency Response training module.

The training provider must ensure that learners are fit to participate in all aspects of the training. If there is any doubt as to an individual’s ability to participate in such exercises an appropriate risk assessment should be carried out to determine what is required in order to proceed in a safe manner. Training providers may consider utilizing the ENG1 medical certificate, or equivalent, as an indicator of fitness.

1.5 Course Intake Limitations

The trainer to learner ratio shall not exceed 1:6 for practical and 1:12 for non-practical sessions. The training provider, having due regard to health and safety and the objectives of the training, shall determine other staffing requirements.

Practical elements are to be conducted in groups of a minimum of three or as per the yacht’s Helideck Landing Areas Operations Manual, whichever is greater, with one trainee (or an additional instructor) acting in the HLO role during each exercise.

1.6 Staff Requirements

Properly qualified personnel should carry out all training and assessments. All staff must:

• Understand the specific objectives of the training,
• Be familiar with the operation of helicopters from marine helidecks,
• Have experience of aircraft fire fighting procedures.
• Have an understanding of instructional techniques and practices, and assessment methods and practices. As a minimum, this should meet the standards of the City & Guilds Train the Trainer course^{[footnote 1]}, or equivalent,
• Have an understanding of the particular problems of helicopter operations on large yachts.

1.7 Facilities

This course may be delivered onboard or ashore following a risk assessment conducted by the approved trainer to ensure the facilities are suitable.

These risk assessments shall be retained as they may be audited at MCA course reapproval audits.

1.8 Training Plan

The training modules detailed in sections two to four (Large Yacht Helideck Procedures & Emergency Response Training, Large Yacht Helicopter Landing Officer Training and Large Yacht Helideck Fire Fighting training) of this syllabus may be delivered as a full-time block course of at least 16 hours duration, i.e., 16 hours contact time. If delivered in this manner, the modules need not be split equally by time but enough time must be allowed to fully cover the module.

If this module is delivered as a standalone unit, it should be provided as a full-time block course of at least six hours duration, i.e., six hours contact time.

The training should be provided over an appropriate number of days to fully cover the course criteria. A training day should have no more than eight contact hours and cannot be more than 10 hours, including relevant breaks.

It is recommended that practical work should make up at least 50% of this contact time.

1.9 Assessment

The training must be organised so that by demonstration, trainees are able to show that they meet the requirements of column 2 of Table C in accordance with the methods for demonstrating competence in column 3 of that table and the criteria for evaluating competence in column 4.

1.10 Quality Management System (QMS)

The training provider must have a formally documented health and safety management system and a QMS that complies with MSN 1865 – Amendment 1, Annex F (or subsequent publication) and ensures: 

• A continued satisfactory delivery of the programme to the current standards, reflecting changes of technology and best practice(s);
• The training programme entry standards are met;
• Where a written assessment or a practical examination is required, the same person does not carry out the training and assessment of the programme. Where two people are acting as instructors they may alternate between assessor and instructor. QMS procedures should detail how the assessment is quality assured and, if required, how continuous practical assessment is achieved;
• Only those who complete the training programme and meet any other necessary requirements are issued with certificates/documentary evidence;
• Certificates are issued in a format that meets the MCA requirements (available in the MCA criteria guidelines);
• Records of certificates issued are securely maintained until the 70th birthday of the certificate holder or 5 years from the date of issue, whichever is the longer;
• The record system enables the authenticity of certificates to be verified and replacement certificates to be issued;
• Where approved for peripatetic delivery^{[footnote 2]}, a formal risk assessment (see section 4.3 of MSN 1865 – Amendment 1, Annex F) is carried out to ascertain the suitability of each venue and records of such assessment are retained for 5 years. This risk assessment can be conducted by the instructor on arrival to the venue;
• The approving MCA Marine Office has information about the dates, timing and venues of all courses delivered; and
• Any changes made to the course content, facilities, equipment, training staff or other matters that may affect the delivery of the programme are reported to the approving Marine Office without delay.

2. Guidance on conduct and structure of Large Yacht Helideck Fire Fighting training

It is recommended that this module is delivered as a combined course with the Large Yacht Helicopter Procedures & Emergency Response module.

2.1 Principles and Procedures Session

Classroom instruction on principles and procedures regarding fire-fighting operations on a yacht’s helideck.

1. Fire Hazards

1. Revision of basic fire principles
2. Flammable materials:
   1. Jet Fuel
   2. Hydraulic fluid under pressure
   3. Metal based fire
3. Types of fire:
   1. Engine fire
   2. Engine bay fire
   3. High-pressure system fire
   4. Electrical fire
   5. Battery fire
   6. Ignited fuel fire
   7. Major helicopter fire
   8. In-flight fire
4. Special hazards:
   1. Pyrotechnics
   2. Flotation gear systems
   3. Composite materials
   4. Lithium ion batteries

2. Fire Fighting Appliances and Equipment

1. Discuss the types and method of operation of appliances and equipment commonly found on large yachts
2. Fixed systems
3. Portable extinguishers
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
5. Breathing Apparatus (BA)

3. Fire Fighting Techniques

1. Preparation of firefighting appliances and equipment
2. Entering the helideck during incident
3. Importance of rapid reaction to fire incident
4. Use of correct firefighting media/agents
5. Protection of passengers during evacuation
6. Containment and extinguishment of fires
7. Protection of team during rescue attempt
8. Importance of post-fire watch
9. Fire watch during refuelling operations
10. Personal dynamic risk assessment

2.2 Practical Session

All trainees are required to participate in practical exercises and demonstrate the competence to perform the actions listed in Column 3 of Table C.

2.3 Table C - Specification of Minimum Standard of Competence in Large Yacht Helideck Fire Fighting

COLUMN 1	COLUMN 2	COLUMN 3	COLUMN 4
Competences	Knowledge, Understanding and Proficiency	Methods for Demonstrating Competence	Criteria for Evaluating Competence
Fight and extinguish fires in relation to helicopter incidents	Flammable materials, fire hazards and the spread of fire in relation to helicopters Location and operation of all helideck fire fighting appliances and equipment Fire fighting PPE, including Breathing Apparatus Helicopter fire fighting methods	Assessment of evidence obtained from approved instruction or during attendance on an approved course, including practical demonstration on facility providing truly realistic training conditions of the ability to: Explain and/or demonstrate techniques for delivering primary and complimentary fire extinguishing agents Simulate extinguishing helicopter engine fire Prevent ignition of fuel spill Perform rescue technique of survivors	The timing and sequence of individual’s actions are appropriate to the prevailing circumstance and conditions and minimize potential risks to helicopter, yacht and all personnel. Extinguishment and/or containment of fire achieved using appropriate procedures and techniques. Breathing apparatus procedures and techniques comply with accepted practices and procedures. Initiation and taking of appropriate precautions to prevent/minimise explosion hazards

2.4 Competence Evaluation Guidance

Fight and extinguish fires in relation to helicopter incidents

In achieving this element, the candidate will be able to:

• Identify flammable materials;
• Identify fire hazards and the spread of fire in relation to helicopters;
• Identify and locate all available fire fighting appliances;
• Operate all helideck fire fighting appliances;
• Don and use fire fighting PPE including breathing apparatus;
• Extinguish and contain fire using appropriate procedures and techniques;
• Identify explosion hazards in a fire such as the CO2 gas cylinders in floatation system and initiate appropriate precautions to prevent such hazards.

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1. https://www.cityandguilds.com/qualifications-and-apprenticeships/learning/training-and-development/7300-introduction-to-trainer-skills#tab=information ↩

2. This is where a course can be delivered at any site that meets the requirements of the facilities and equipment specifications detailed in MSN 1865 – Amendment 1, Annex F, section 4.3, or subsequent publication. Peripatetic delivery of courses is normally only available for theory-based courses. A list of courses the MCA considers able to be delivered peripatetically is contained in MIN 643. ↩