Marine Firefighting for Land-Based Firefighters | Newfoundland and Labrador

Course Summary

Marine Firefighting for Land-Based Firefighters

16 Hours | Maximum 24 Participants | In-Person Delivery 

Delivery: Instructor-led classroom instruction combined with practical communications exercises and scenario-based training

Location: On-site at your fire department

Assessment: Course assessment and practical skills evaluation

Class Size: Maximum 24 participants

Format: Theory • Demonstration • Practical Skills • Scenario-Based Training • Assessment 

Course Description

Marine Firefighting for Land-Based Firefighters provides the knowledge and practical skills required for municipal firefighters responding to fires and emergencies involving smaller commercial fishing vessels and pleasure craft. This two-day program combines classroom instruction with hands-on practical training to prepare firefighters for the unique hazards and operational challenges associated with marine firefighting.

The course focuses on the defensive fire suppression activities that land-based firefighters may be required to perform when responding to vessel fires. Participants develop an understanding of vessel construction and layout, marine fire behaviour, access and egress challenges, fire suppression tactics, hose line deployment, ventilation considerations, search and rescue, and the hazards associated with working on or around vessels.

Instruction is delivered by experienced emergency service professionals using practical exercises and realistic marine firefighting scenarios that emphasize firefighter safety, situational awareness, vessel familiarization, effective communication, defensive suppression tactics, and coordinated emergency response.

What You'll Learn

• Marine firefighting hazards and operational considerations

• Vessel familiarization and basic vessel construction

• Vessel layouts, compartments, access points, and escape routes

• Fire behaviour in marine environments

• Hazards associated with fishing vessels and pleasure craft

• Firefighter safety around docks, wharves, and vessels

• Safe approach and positioning of fire department apparatus

• Initial vessel fire size-up and risk assessment

• Defensive fire suppression strategies

• Hose line deployment and water application

• Fire attack and containment considerations

• Ventilation considerations during vessel fires

• Search and rescue considerations

• Crew accountability and emergency procedures

• Working around confined and restricted spaces

• Electrical, fuel, propane, and other marine hazards

• Communications and coordination during marine incidents

• Coordination with vessel crews and other responding agencies

• Practical marine firefighting operations

Who Should Attend?

This course is intended for firefighters and emergency responders who may be called upon to assist with fires involving fishing vessels, pleasure craft, and other small marine vessels.

• Career and volunteer firefighters

• Fire officers and incident commanders

• Municipal fire departments in coastal communities

• Firefighters serving communities with fishing vessels or recreational boating

• Emergency responders who may support marine fire incidents

• Firefighters responsible for waterfront, harbour, or dockside emergency response

• Departments seeking to improve their marine firefighting preparedness

• Firefighters requiring practical training for defensive vessel fire suppression

Course Duration

Course duration varies based on the delivery format and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements.

Training may be delivered as:

• Weekend delivery available

• Customized delivery for fire departments

Contact Rescue Education to discuss scheduling options.

Prerequisites

Participants must:

• Complete a Liability Waiver

• Complete a Fire Services Division (FSD) Application Form

• Complete a Rescue Education Consulting and Training Registration Form

Certification Process

Participants who successfully complete the Marine Firefighting for Land-Based Firefighters training program will have met or exceeded the training requirements and will be issued a certificate of completion from the Fire Services Division (FSD) of Newfoundland and Labrador.