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100+ Free STCW Advanced Fire Fighting Practice Questions

STCW Advanced Fire Fighting (Regulation VI/3, Table A-VI/3) practice questions are available now; exam metadata is being verified.

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2026 Statistics

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 test your STCW Advanced Fire Fighting exam readiness. 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 Practice Questions

Verified exam format metadata for STCW Advanced Fire Fighting (Regulation VI/3, Table A-VI/3) is pending. The practice questions above remain available while official exam length, timing, passing score, fee, and administrator details are reviewed.