STCW Firefighting Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When using a CO2 extinguisher in an enclosed space, what is the primary hazard to personnel?
- Toxic fumes from the CO2 reacting with fuel
- Oxygen depletion creating an asphyxiation risk (Correct answer)
- Extreme heat generated by the discharge
- Electrical shock from the discharge nozzle
Correct answer: Oxygen depletion creating an asphyxiation risk
CO2 displaces oxygen in enclosed spaces, creating a life-threatening asphyxiation hazard for anyone inside.
Question 2: In the STCW framework, what does 'boundary cooling' refer to during a shipboard fire?
- Cooling the fire's base with water fog
- Applying water to bulkheads and decks adjacent to the fire to prevent heat spread (Correct answer)
- Cooling personnel near the fire perimeter
- Reducing air supply at compartment boundaries
Correct answer: Applying water to bulkheads and decks adjacent to the fire to prevent heat spread
Boundary cooling prevents heat transfer through steel structures, stopping fire spread to adjacent compartments.
Question 3: Which class of fire involves energized electrical equipment?
- Class A
- Class B
- Class C (Correct answer)
- Class D
Correct answer: Class C
Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment and require non-conductive extinguishing agents.
Question 4: A fire team member notices the fire is in a liquid cargo hold. Which extinguishing agent is MOST appropriate?
- Water jet stream
- Dry powder or foam (Correct answer)
- CO2 only
- Sand
Correct answer: Dry powder or foam
Foam smothers flammable liquid fires by blanketing the fuel surface and preventing vapor release, while dry powder interrupts the chemical chain reaction.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a 'fire patrol' as required by SOLAS?
- To extinguish small fires immediately without calling for help
- To conduct regular rounds to detect fire or smoke early (Correct answer)
- To test fire detection equipment weekly
- To escort passengers to muster stations
Correct answer: To conduct regular rounds to detect fire or smoke early
Fire patrols make regular rounds to detect signs of fire early, especially in passenger and cargo areas.
Question 6: When fighting a fire in a machinery space using fixed CO2 flooding, crew must first:
- Activate CO2 and then evacuate
- Evacuate all personnel and secure ventilation before releasing CO2 (Correct answer)
- Release CO2 while maintaining one crew member inside
- Increase ventilation to push smoke out
Correct answer: Evacuate all personnel and secure ventilation before releasing CO2
All personnel must evacuate and ventilation must be stopped before CO2 release to ensure effectiveness and prevent casualties.
Question 7: The 'triangle of fire' (fire triangle) consists of which three elements?
- Fuel, oxygen, and ignition source (heat) (Correct answer)
- Fuel, pressure, and temperature
- Oxygen, nitrogen, and fuel vapor
- Heat, smoke, and carbon monoxide
Correct answer: Fuel, oxygen, and ignition source (heat)
Fire requires fuel, oxygen, and heat; removing any one of these three elements extinguishes the fire.
STCW Firefighting Techniques 2
When using a CO2 extinguisher in an enclosed space, what is the primary hazard to personnel?