STCW - Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF) Herhaling

The STCW – Advanced Fire Fighting Refresher (AFF) is a two-day refresher course that meets the international STCW requirements (1978, as amended in 2010, Reg. VI/3, Section A-VI/3, Par. 5 and Table A-VI/3). The training focuses on organization, tactics, and leadership in firefighting operations on board. Participants learn to lead firefighting teams, maintain firefighting systems, and effectively investigate and report fire incidents.

Course duration: 2 days
Locations: Groningen, Vlissingen
Cost per student: € 1.066,00 (excl. BTW)

Questions or need help? Send an email or call 0031 118 463382

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About this course

Advanced fire fighting Refresher (AFF)

Introduction
The Advanced Fire Fighting Refresher course provides a comprehensive review of the advanced knowledge and skills required to lead firefighting operations on board. The focus is on coordinating firefighting teams, implementing fire prevention measures, and managing onboard fire detection and extinguishing systems. The course also covers incident analysis and reporting to enhance overall safety on board.

Objective
Upon successful completion of the course, the participant will have the knowledge and skills to:

  • Lead firefighting operations on board

  • Organize, direct, and train firefighting teams

  • Apply fire prevention measures and maintain firefighting systems

  • Investigate and report fire-related incidents

Target group
This course is intended for seafarers serving on vessels subject to the STCW Convention and the Dutch Seafarers Act who need to renew their valid Advanced Fire Fighting certificate.

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Practical info

Entry requirements
Minimum age: 18 years

Participants must hold:

  • A valid Advanced Fire Fighting or Advanced Fire Fighting Refresher certificate

  • A valid Certificate of Competence

  • A valid medical certificate for seagoing service

  • Good health and physical condition to safely participate in practical exercises (use of breathing apparatus, confined space operations, and exposure to heat)

Course content
The course focuses on practical application and covers, among other topics:

  • Fire prevention and advanced firefighting techniques

  • Use of breathing apparatus and other firefighting equipment

  • Organization and leadership of firefighting teams

  • Firefighting operations and tactical decision-making

  • Maintenance and inspection of fire detection and extinguishing systems

  • Investigation and reporting of fire incidents

Certification
Upon successful completion, participants receive the Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting Refresher certificate, STCW Reg. VI/3, Section A-VI/3.

Validity
The certificate is valid for five years.

Course duration
Two consecutive working days.

Number of participants
Minimum of 8 and maximum of 12 participants.

Course hours
08:30 – 16:30 hours.

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Day 1 - Fire Fighting

On this day, the focus is entirely on fire fighting on board ships. In the morning, knowledge is refreshed through interactive theory sessions and the sharing of experiences. The use of breathing apparatus is also discussed and prepared for the afternoon program. The entire afternoon consists of various practical exercises, including movement techniques, the use of small extinguishing equipment, and gas fire drills.

Day 2 - Command & Control

Day two focuses on leadership and coordination during fire and rescue operations. After a brief theoretical session on Command & Control, participants conduct outdoor firefighting exercises. In the afternoon, they train inside a mock-up ship with a bridge, tackling wood-fueled fires and performing casualty rescues.

What's on the program?

  • Day 1 - Fire Fighting
  • Day 2 - Command & Control
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Advanced training facility for shipboard fire-fighting

BBM

Designed in the form of a ship, this facility enables comprehensive training in every aspect of shipboard fire-fighting.

Get to know our facilities in Vlissingen

Our training locations are specifically designed to optimize your learning experience. With modern facilities, realistic training environments, and centrally located centers in Vlissingen and Groningen, we offer a professional and comfortable setting where practice and safety come together.

Small Fire Extinguisher Training Area

Practical training with portable fire extinguishers

Small Fire Extinguisher Training Area

Realistic training with portable fire extinguishers for small fire scenarios.

Gas Fire Field

Training with gas fires under safe conditions

Gas Fire Field

Realistic and safe training in gas fire suppression.

Flammable Liquids Training Ground

Realistic training with gas and liquid fires

Flammable Liquids Training Ground

Intensive and realistic training in combating gas and liquid fires.

Advanced training facility for shipboard fire-fighting

BBM

BBM: Realistic Training in Controlled Conditions

In our fire training facility, participants learn how to act in a truly life-like fire situation. They are confronted with intense heat, dense smoke, limited visibility, and constant time pressure. This facility is specifically designed for demanding courses such as STCW Advanced Fire Fighting, NOGEPA 2.6A/B, company emergency response, and realistic scenario-based team training exercises.

What makes our fire training facility unique is the careful balance between realism and safety. The space consists of multiple compartments that can be heated and filled with smoke, either individually or in combination. This enables the practice of a wide range of scenarios: from an engine room fire or onboard compartment fire, to complex situations involving disorientation, explosion hazards, or teamwork under breathing apparatus.

Target Audience

This training environment is used by maritime personnel, offshore teams, industrial emergency responders, and company emergency response officers who must be prepared for fire incidents. Both individual skills and team dynamics are central: participants practice communication, leadership, and decision-making under pressure.

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What You Will Practice

Instructors will guide you step by step in the correct approach to and suppression of fire outbreaks. You will learn, among other things:

  • The correct use of breathing apparatus

  • Orientation and safety in dense smoke

  • Deployment of hoses and extinguishing agents in confined spaces

  • Teamwork during heat and smoke development

  • Leading fire-fighting operations (for advanced participants)

All activities take place under strict safety protocols, with real-time monitoring and a debriefing after each scenario. This way, you learn not only what to do, but also why, and how to improve as a team.

Interested in Using This Facility?

Would you like to use this training environment for your team training or a specific exercise scenario?
Please contact us for tailor-made programs or group options.

Practical training with portable fire extinguishers

Small Fire Extinguisher Training Area

Participants learn how to safely and effectively extinguish fires using handheld and portable fire extinguishers. Training takes place in realistic outdoor fire scenarios, allowing trainees to experience firsthand how different extinguishers work and what their limitations are.

What makes this facility unique is the hands-on approach to a variety of fire situations — from small liquid and gas fires to solid materials. Participants not only practice firefighting techniques but also learn to assess safety, distance, and the appropriate extinguishing strategy.

Who is it for

The Small Fire Extinguisher Training Area is used by maritime personnel, offshore teams, industrial emergency responders, and emergency response officers (BHV) who need to know how to control small fires quickly and effectively.

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What you’ll practice

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, participants will learn to:

  • Identify different types of fires and select the appropriate extinguishing agent

  • Use portable extinguishers (powder, foam, CO₂) effectively

  • Extinguish small liquid and gas fires

  • Approach safely and aim extinguishers accurately

  • Understand the limitations and capabilities of portable fire extinguishers

  • Ensure personal safety and assess risks during firefighting

All exercises are

Training with gas fires under safe conditions

Gas Fire Field

At the Gas Fire Training Area, participants learn how to approach and extinguish gas fires safely and in a controlled manner. This facility uses realistic setups where pressurized gas is ignited, allowing trainees to experience how dangerous and unpredictable a gas fire can be.

What makes the Gas Fire Training Area unique is the expert guidance and focus on a variety of attack techniques, extinguishing agents, and safety strategies. The emphasis is not only on extinguishing the flames but also on understanding the risks and safely shutting off the source.

Who is it for

The Gas Fire Training Area is used by maritime personnel, offshore teams, industrial emergency responders, and firefighters who may encounter gas installations or pipelines in their work and want to learn how to respond safely during such incidents.

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What you’ll practice

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, participants will learn to:

  • Approach a gas fire safely

  • Identify the risks associated with gas leaks and fires

  • Apply the correct extinguishing agents and techniques

  • Shut off the gas source and prevent escalation

  • Work effectively as a team when combating gas fires

  • Maintain personal safety and use protective equipment properly

All exercises are conducted under strict safety protocols, with thorough briefings and debriefings. This ensures that participants not only develop practical skills but also gain a solid understanding of the underlying principles of gas fire suppression.

For your organization

Would you like to train your employees in the safe suppression of gas fires?
Contact us — we’ll create a program tailored to the specific risks and needs of your organization.

Our instructors

The people behind the training.

Our experienced trainers challenge you to bring out the best in yourself. Our program coordinators are available to provide you with all information and to answer any practical questions regarding the training.

Jorian Schut
Maritime Instructor
Maarten Janse
Senior Maritime Instructor
Emile van Dooren
Instructor
Ruud Kathagen
Maritime Instructor

Let them convince you

Frequently asked questions

DRTC provides a wide range of accredited safety courses for the maritime, offshore, wind and industrial sectors.

  • STCW – including Basic Training, Advanced Fire Fighting, Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSCRB/FRB), Medical First Aid, Medical Care and Security Awareness.
  • GWO – Basic Safety Training (BST) and individual modules such as Working at Height, First Aid, Fire Awareness, Manual Handling, Sea Survival and Enhanced First Aid.
  • NOGEPA – Basic Offshore Safety, Helicopter Underwater Escape (HUET), Sea Survival, Fire-fighting and specialised refresher courses.
  • BHV/First Aid/VCA – Basic and refresher courses in Emergency Response, First Aid and Safety Certification for all sectors.

See the current course overview on our website or contact drtc@drtc.nl for advice on the right training for your needs.

For seafarers and maritime professionals who must comply with international STCW requirements.

Yes, our STCW courses are recognised by the Dutch flag state (the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate – ILT). Each certificate includes the relevant STCW reference, ensuring international recognition.

We offer Basic Training (BT), Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF), Medical First Aid (MFA), Medical Care (MC), Proficiency in (Fast) Rescue Boats (PSCRB/FRB), and Security Awareness/Designated Duties.

Most STCW certificates must be renewed every 5 years (depending on the module and sea time requirements). Check the course page for exact details.

Yes, a valid maritime medical certificate is mandatory for participation.

Bring valid identification, a medical certificate (mandatory), and swimwear/towel if the course includes a pool module. PPE and rescue equipment are provided by DRTC.

 

Courses are available in Dutch or English. Additional support for reading difficulties can be arranged on request.

You will receive a digital and/or physical certificate in compliance with STCW standards. The format may vary by course.

Yes, we can. You can request this when booking or contact us by email or phone. We will arrange a suitable hotel and package for your stay.

You can cancel your booking by contacting us via email or phone. For open enrolment courses you may cancel free of charge up to 5 working days before the start. For customised training you may cancel free of charge up to 14 working days before the start. If you cancel within those deadlines the full course fee will be invoiced.

Visit our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ page for more information, or contact us at +31 118 463 382 or email drtc@drtc.nl.