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SOLAS Requirements:

In general, the crew shall have the necessary knowledge and skills to handle fire emergency cases.  They shall receive instruction on fire safety onboard the ship, on their assigned duties, and to be familiar with the arrangements of the ship as well as the location and operation of any firefighting systems and appliances that they may be called upon to use.

A training manual shall be provided in each crew mess room and recreation room or in each cabin, written in the working language of the ship, and shall explain the following details:

1. General fire safety practices and precautions related to the dangers of smoking, electrical hazards, flammable liquids and similar common shipboard hazards.

2. General instructions on fire fighting activities and firefighting procedures including procedures for notification of a fire and use of manually operated cal points.

3. Meaning of the ship’s alarms.

4. Operation and use of firefighting systems and appliances

5. Operation and use of fire doors.

6. Operation and use of fire and smoke dampers.

7. Escape systems and appliances.

In general, the crew shall be provided information and instructions for proper ship and cargo handling operations in relation to fire safety.

A fire safety operational booklet shall be provided in each crew mess room and recreation room or in each cabin.  The booklet shall contain the necessary information and instructions for the safe operation of the ship and cargo operations in relation to fire safety, and information concerning the crew’s responsibilities for the general fire safety of the ship while loading and discharging cargo and while underway.