Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 11:16 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Manage firefighting and fire prevention activities on board a vessel

Manage firefighting and fire prevention activities on board a vessel

Unit of competency
National Code
MARF4001A
State Code
WG420
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
06/06/2013
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
10/02/2014
Field of Education
039905 - Fire Technology
Original Release Date
10/02/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage firefighting and fire prevention activities on board a vessel.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Manage fire prevention activities
  • 1.1 Hazards including dangerous goods on board a vessel are identified and appropriate action is implemented as determined by industry standard documentation
  • 1.2 Legislative requirements and current industry standards relating to the maintenance and operation of fire detection, firefighting equipment and systems on board are met and complied with
  • 1.3 Inductions or other educational activities are organised to ensure awareness of causal factors of on-board fires, prevention methods and standard operating procedures when fire alarms are activated
2 Plan for fire emergencies
  • 2.1 Vessel fire control plan is consulted to review and develop appropriate response to any fire
  • 2.2 Contingencies are anticipated, planned for and practised
  • 2.3 Evacuations are prepared for and practised according to regulatory requirements
  • 2.4 Roles/functions of command and firefighting team members, as related to fire prevention and suppression, are established and reviewed according to regulatory and organisational requirements
  • 2.5 Firefighting training exercises are developed and implemented according to regulatory and organisational requirements
  • 2.6 Training exercises are prepared, practised and debriefed according to regulatory and organisational requirements, to ensure readiness for any fire emergency
3 Coordinate tactical firefighting activities in response to a fire emergency
  • 3.1 Gathering of full and accurate information on the nature and extent of the fire by the command team is overseen
  • 3.2 Order of priority and sequence of actions appropriate to the requirements of the incident is determined and communicated to the responding crew clearly and accurately
  • 3.3 Evacuation of personnel, if appropriate, is conducted according to regulatory requirements
  • 3.4 Search and rescue operations are conducted using established marine firefighting best practice
  • 3.5 Controlled ventilation techniques are correctly applied during fire suppression and rescue operations
  • 3.6 Treatment of injured personnel is timely and according to current best casualty management practice
  • 3.7 Operational tactics are monitored for their effectiveness and adjusted when required to ensure best outcomes
  • 3.8 Operational tactics are monitored to ensure vessel stability and integrity is maintained
  • 3.9 All shore-side involvement in an on-board fire emergency is coordinated and monitored effectively
4 Manage post-fire activities
  • 4.1 Fire watch is coordinated to prevent re-ignition
  • 4.2 Fire affected area is secured prior to investigation according to regulatory and organisational requirements
  • 4.3 Equipment is restored to operational condition where applicable
  • 4.4 Cause of the fire is investigated and determined according to regulatory and organisational requirements
  • 4.5 Incident reports are completed according to regulatory and organisational requirements
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below.
Hazards must include:
Contents of adjacent spaces
Dangerous goods
Electricity and wiring systems
Flammable or explosive atmospheres
Oxygen deficiency or enrichment
Physical obstructions
Poor visibility
Restricted access
Toxic liquids, solids, gases, vapours and dusts
Fire detection, firefighting equipment and systems may include:
Common on board suppression systems
Hoses and nozzles
Pumps
Rescue equipment
Self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
Thermal and smoke detectors
Fire control plan must include:
Applications of the BC Code
Applications of the IMDG Code
Communication strategy
Contingency plans for fires involving hazardous materials
Evacuation plan
Handling and treatment of injured personnel
Hazard control strategies
Search and rescue operations
Strategies for liaison with shore-based agencies (such as environmental protection agencies, fire services, medical teams, port authorities)
Strategies for shipboard firefighting management in port
Tactical methods for fighting fires involving hazardous materials
Tactical plan of action
Contingencies may include:
Change in fire behaviour or extent
Equipment failure or unavailability
Unexpected personnel involvement
Restored must include:
After use, maintaining SCBA to industry standards
Cleaning
Recharging extinguishers according to Australian Standards
Re-stowing
Servicing

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, the required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the Elements, Performance Criteria, Required Skills, Required Knowledge and include:
safeguarding personal safety during fire control activities at all times
taking actions to control fires based on a full and accurate assessment of the incident, using all available sources of information
transmitting information promptly, accurately, completely and clearly
ensuring order of priority, timing and sequence of actions are appropriate to the overall requirements of the incident and minimise damage and potential damage to the vessel, injuries to personnel, and impairment of the operational effectiveness of the vessel.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Performance is demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
Resources for assessment include access to:
industry-approved site where managing teams fighting and extinguishing fires in a simulated environment using live fire and smoke can be conducted
tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry
relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impacts on work activities
range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessments
appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace.
In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:
relevant and appropriate materials and equipment
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.
Method of assessment
Practical assessment must occur in an:
appropriately simulated workplace environment and/or
appropriate range of situations in the workplace.
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate to this unit:
direct observation of the candidate managing firefighting and fire prevention activities on board a vessel
direct observation of the candidate applying relevant WHS/OHS requirements and safe work practices.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess Required Knowledge.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language and literacy requirements of the work being performed and the capacity of the candidate.

Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
S5434 TDMMF6107A MANAGE MARINE FIREFIGHTING AND PREVENTION ACTIVITIES ON BOARD A VESSEL Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
WH839 MARF011 Manage firefighting and fire prevention activities on board a vessel Unit of competency