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Key Facts: STCW Advanced Fire Fighting Exam

5 years

Validity before refresher training is required (A-VI/3 para 5)

STCW Code Section A-VI/3

4 competences

Table A-VI/3: control operations, train fire parties, service systems, investigate fires

STCW Code Table A-VI/3

4-5 days

Typical course length, about 24-32 hours of training

IMO Model Course 2.03

2023 edition

Current edition of IMO Model Course 2.03, Advanced Training in Fire Fighting

IMO Model Course 2.03 (2023)

1 year in 5

Sea service that can offset part of USCG advanced firefighting revalidation

46 CFR 11.303

A-VI/1 required

Basic fire prevention and fire fighting is the prerequisite for advanced training

STCW Regulation VI/1

10% loss limit

Typical CO2 cylinder weight-loss threshold before recharge or replacement

SOLAS fixed-system servicing guidance

STCW Advanced Fire Fighting (A-VI/3) is taken by masters, officers and crew designated to control fire-fighting operations on board. Delivered by flag-state-approved centers over 4-5 days (about 24-32 hours), it combines a written exam (commonly multiple choice) with practical drills, assessed against Table A-VI/3 of the STCW Code and IMO Model Course 2.03. The four competences are: controlling fire-fighting operations (command, tactics, communication, ventilation control, fuel and electrical isolation, and the effect of firefighting water on ship stability); organizing and training fire parties; inspecting and servicing fire detection and extinguishing systems (CO2, foam, water mist, sprinkler); and investigating and reporting fire incidents. Candidates must understand process hazards such as flashover, backdraft, dry distillation and boiler uptake fires, and the management of injured persons and coordination with shore-based firefighters. The certificate is valid for five years, with refresher training required under A-VI/3 paragraph 5; USCG mariners revalidate under 46 CFR 11.303.

Sample STCW Advanced Fire Fighting Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the STCW Advanced Fire Fighting exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under STCW Table A-VI/3, the seafarer being assessed must demonstrate competence to do what during a shipboard fire?
A.Operate a single portable extinguisher correctly
B.Take command, organize and train fire parties, and control fire-fighting operations
C.Don a fireman's outfit within the prescribed time only
D.Identify the three sides of the fire triangle
Explanation: Table A-VI/3 sets the standard of competence for personnel designated to CONTROL fire-fighting operations, requiring the ability to take command, organize and train fire parties, and control operations aboard ship.
2An engine-room fire is being fought with large quantities of seawater from fire hoses and a deluge system. As the officer controlling operations, what stability hazard must you monitor and limit?
A.Loss of longitudinal strength from hull heating
B.Free-surface effect from accumulated firefighting water reducing the ship's stability
C.Increased metacentric height making the ship too stiff
D.Excessive trim by the bow caused by foam expansion
Explanation: Accumulated firefighting water forms free liquid surfaces high in the ship; the free-surface effect raises the virtual centre of gravity and reduces GM, threatening capsize. Pumping out and limiting water are key controls.
3When organising the response to a major fire, which sequence best reflects sound fire-fighting tactics emphasised in IMO Model Course 2.03?
A.Attack the fire, then locate it, then isolate it, then ventilate
B.Ventilate first to clear smoke, then locate and extinguish
C.Evacuate the whole ship, then re-board to extinguish
D.Locate, isolate (boundary cooling/containment), extinguish, then overhaul and ventilate
Explanation: Effective tactics follow locate the fire, isolate/contain it with boundary cooling and closing openings, extinguish, then overhaul and controlled ventilation. Premature ventilation can feed the fire.
4Why is clear, disciplined communication between the fire party, the bridge, and the engine control room critical when controlling a fire at sea?
A.It coordinates boundary cooling, ventilation, system isolation and casualty reports so actions do not conflict
B.It is only required when the ship is in port
C.Radios must be silent during firefighting to avoid sparking
D.It is needed only to log times for the ship's official log
Explanation: A-VI/3 stresses communication and coordination so that attack, boundary cooling, ventilation control, fuel/electrical isolation and casualty handling are synchronised and the controlling officer keeps an accurate picture.
5A fire is reported in a cargo hold. As controlling officer, what is the immediate priority before deciding the extinguishing method?
A.Open the hatch covers to inspect the seat of the fire
B.Flood the hold with seawater regardless of cargo
C.Identify the cargo and any dangerous goods stowed, then maintain boundary integrity
D.Release the fixed CO2 system without head-counting the hold
Explanation: The controlling officer must know what is burning. Consulting the cargo plan and IMDG information determines whether water, CO2 or another agent is safe, while keeping the hold sealed to starve the fire.
6During a prolonged fire, the master is concerned the ship is developing a list. Which combined firefighting action most directly reduces the free-surface and added-weight hazard?
A.Increase the number of hoses to overwhelm the fire faster
B.Stop all boundary cooling to save water
C.Use fog/spray application, monitor accumulated water, and pump out or pump down bilges to remove it
D.Ballast the high side to even the list while continuing to flood
Explanation: Applying water as fog/spray uses less water for the cooling achieved, and actively pumping accumulated water overboard or down to bilges removes the free-surface weight that threatens stability.
7What is the principal advantage of a water fog/spray attack compared with a solid jet when fighting a developed compartment fire?
A.It produces a large surface area of droplets giving rapid cooling and steam smothering with less water
B.It penetrates further into the fire seat at long range
C.It is the only method that conducts electricity safely
D.It removes the need for breathing apparatus
Explanation: Fog breaks water into many small droplets, maximising heat-absorbing surface area for rapid cooling and producing steam that displaces oxygen, all while using less water and reducing the stability/weight problem.
8As controlling officer you must decide whether to commit a BA team into a heavily smoke-logged accommodation passage. Which factor most strongly governs the decision?
A.Whether the passage carpet is non-combustible
B.Whether the ship is within VHF range of shore
C.Whether the team can be properly monitored and withdrawn safely with adequate air margin
D.Whether the general alarm has been silenced
Explanation: Committing a team into IDLH conditions requires entry control: monitored air supply, working times, a back-up team and a planned safe withdrawal. Firefighter safety governs the commit decision.
9When controlling operations at a fire, the term 'boundary cooling' refers to:
A.Applying water to bulkheads, decks and deckheads surrounding the fire to prevent its spread
B.Cooling the seafarers between attacks
C.Lowering the engine-room temperature with ventilation
D.Cooling CO2 cylinders before discharge
Explanation: Boundary cooling means cooling the structure around the fire compartment so heat does not ignite materials or fail bulkheads in adjacent spaces, containing the fire to one compartment.
10A fire is in a port-side cabin while the ship is alongside. Which coordination action is specifically required by A-VI/3 when shore-based fire fighters attend?
A.Hand over all command authority to the shore brigade on arrival
B.Withdraw the ship's crew entirely and lock the gangway
C.Refuse shore access until the fire is out
D.Brief the shore fire fighters on ship layout, hazards, and the fire situation, and provide a liaison officer
Explanation: A-VI/3 requires procedures for coordination with shore-based fire fighters: the ship provides plans, hazard information and a knowledgeable liaison so the shore brigade can operate safely in an unfamiliar environment.

About the STCW Advanced Fire Fighting Exam

STCW Advanced Fire Fighting is the maritime training and assessment required by STCW Regulation VI/3 for seafarers designated to control fire-fighting operations aboard ship. It is built on Table A-VI/3 of the STCW Code and IMO Model Course 2.03, going well beyond basic firefighting to cover command, tactics and the organization and training of fire parties. The course is delivered worldwide by Administration-approved centers as a 4-5 day program with a written assessment and practical drills. The qualification must be revalidated at intervals not exceeding five years.

Exam sponsor: Flag-state-approved maritime training centers under the STCW Convention/Code (IMO). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Question count not published by the exam provider

Time Limit

Set by the training center; written test typically 60-120 minutes within the 4-5 day course

Passing Score

Set by the approved center, commonly 70% on the written test plus competent performance in practical drills

Exam / Certification Fees

Varies by training center, typically $300-$900 for the 4-5 day course

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

30%

Controlling Fire-Fighting Operations

Command, tactics and communication at sea and in port; locate-isolate-extinguish-overhaul; boundary cooling; effect of firefighting water on ship stability (free-surface effect); search and rescue; dynamic risk assessment

20%

Fire Theory and Process Hazards

Fire tetrahedron, flashpoint and flammable limits, heat transfer, flashover, backdraft, dry distillation, boiler uptake fires, fire classes, dangerous goods and IMDG/EmS, spontaneous ignition

18%

Fixed Fire-Fighting Systems

CO2 total flooding, foam (deck and high-expansion), water mist, sprinkler and drencher/deluge systems, including agent action, release procedures and re-ignition control

14%

Organizing and Training Fire Parties

Fire-party composition, muster list, BA entry control, drills and SOLAS drill frequency, leadership, rotation and welfare of committed teams

10%

Ventilation and Systems Isolation

Ventilation control and smoke extraction, fire dampers and doors, isolation of fuel via quick-closing valves and pump stops, electrical isolation, fire-control plan

8%

Inspection, Injuries and Investigation

Inspecting and servicing detection and extinguishing systems, weighing CO2 cylinders, BA and extinguisher checks, management of injured persons, shore coordination, fire investigation and reporting

Preparing for the STCW Advanced Fire Fighting Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Set by the approved center, commonly 70% on the written test plus competent performance in practical drills
  • Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
  • Time limit: Set by the training center; written test typically 60-120 minutes within the 4-5 day course
  • Exam / certification fees: Varies by training center, typically $300-$900 for the 4-5 day course Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

STCW Advanced Fire Fighting: Suggested Study Strategy

1Learn the four Table A-VI/3 competences cold - controlling operations, organizing/training fire parties, inspecting/servicing systems, and investigating/reporting - and map every topic to one of them.
2Master the difference between flashover (radiant-heat simultaneous ignition) and backdraft (air admitted to oxygen-starved gases), plus the warning signs of each.
3Understand why firefighting water threatens stability through the free-surface effect, and the controls: fog/spray application and pumping out accumulated water.
4Know fixed-system fundamentals: CO2 smothers and needs a sealed, evacuated space and a soak time; foam blankets liquid fires with gentle application; water mist cools and is safe for personnel.
5Remember key revalidation rules: 5-year refresher under A-VI/3 para 5, and the USCG 46 CFR 11.303 one-year-sea-service-in-five pathway.
6Practice BA entry-control logic: track names, cylinder pressures and entry times, and set a withdrawal pressure that leaves enough air to exit safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is STCW Advanced Fire Fighting (A-VI/3)?

It is the training and assessment required by STCW Regulation VI/3 for seafarers designated to control fire-fighting operations on board ship. It covers command, tactics, fire-party organization, fixed systems and fire investigation against Table A-VI/3 and IMO Model Course 2.03.

Who needs the A-VI/3 certificate?

Masters, officers and ratings designated to control fire-fighting operations. In practice most officer Certificates of Competency require it, building on the basic A-VI/1 firefighting training.

How long is the certificate valid?

Five years. Under STCW section A-VI/3 paragraph 5 you must show continued competence at intervals not exceeding five years, normally through approved refresher training.

How do USCG mariners revalidate advanced firefighting?

Under 46 CFR 11.303. At least one year of approved sea service in the previous five years can satisfy part of the revalidation, combined with demonstrating continued competence; otherwise refresher training is taken.

How long is the course and what does it involve?

Typically a 4-5 day course of about 24-32 hours delivered by an Administration-approved center, combining a written assessment (commonly multiple choice) with practical fire-fighting and command drills.

What are the four competences in Table A-VI/3?

Controlling fire-fighting operations aboard ship; organizing and training fire parties; inspecting and servicing fire detection and extinguishing systems; and investigating and compiling reports on incidents involving fire.

What is the difference between flashover and backdraft?

Flashover is the near-simultaneous ignition of all combustibles in a compartment from radiant heat. Backdraft is an explosive ignition of accumulated, oxygen-starved fire gases when fresh air is suddenly admitted to a closed, smoke-logged space.

Is this practice test free?

Yes. All 100 STCW Advanced Fire Fighting practice questions, explanations and the AI tutor are completely free with no signup or payment.