STCW Firefighting Techniques 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of foam is specifically designed for use on polar solvent (alcohol-type) fires such as acetone or ethanol?
- AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam)
- AR-AFFF (Alcohol-Resistant AFFF) (Correct answer)
- Protein foam
- High-expansion foam
Correct answer: AR-AFFF (Alcohol-Resistant AFFF)
Alcohol-resistant AFFF (AR-AFFF) contains a polymer that forms a protective membrane preventing alcohol-type solvents from breaking down regular foam.
Question 2: The International Shore Connection (ISC) used in port firefighting operations has standardized dimensions to allow:
- Ship's crew to connect to shore fire hydrant systems using port fire hoses (Correct answer)
- Transfer of CO2 between shore tanks and ship's fixed systems
- Standardized foam concentrate delivery from shore
- Connection of shore electrical supply to fire pumps
Correct answer: Ship's crew to connect to shore fire hydrant systems using port fire hoses
The ISC provides a universal coupling so shore fire brigades can connect their hoses to a ship's fire main when port assistance is needed.
Question 3: What is 'flashover' in the context of compartment fires?
- When flames travel along a fuel spill trail
- A sudden, simultaneous ignition of all combustible materials in a compartment due to radiant heat (Correct answer)
- When fire jumps from one deck to another via a ventilation shaft
- The initial ignition of fuel vapors above the liquid surface
Correct answer: A sudden, simultaneous ignition of all combustible materials in a compartment due to radiant heat
Flashover occurs when radiant heat raises all room contents to ignition temperature simultaneously, causing instantaneous total-room involvement.
Question 4: When using a dry powder extinguisher on a fire, the operator should aim the discharge at:
- The top of the flames for maximum coverage
- The base of the fire, sweeping side to side (Correct answer)
- The center of the fire at mid-flame height
- Directly at the fuel container
Correct answer: The base of the fire, sweeping side to side
Aiming at the base of the fire and sweeping covers the burning fuel surface, interrupting the combustion chain reaction most effectively.
Question 5: A ship's fire pump must maintain a minimum pressure and flow sufficient to reach:
- Any point on the open deck only
- Any point in the ship simultaneously from at least two nozzles (Correct answer)
- The engine room from one dedicated pump
- The fire main outlet nearest the fire
Correct answer: Any point in the ship simultaneously from at least two nozzles
SOLAS requires fire pumps to deliver simultaneous water supply to at least two hydrants anywhere aboard the vessel.
Question 6: In STCW advanced firefighting training, what does the 'incident command system' principle emphasize?
- Each firefighter operates independently to cover more ground
- A unified command structure with clear roles and communication (Correct answer)
- Senior engineers always lead firefighting operations regardless of training
- Fire response is handled solely by designated fire team members
Correct answer: A unified command structure with clear roles and communication
The incident command system establishes a clear hierarchy with defined roles to coordinate an effective, organized response to emergencies.
Question 7: Which fixed fire detection system uses rate-of-rise heat detectors?
- Smoke detection system
- Thermal detection system (Correct answer)
- Flame detection system
- Gas detection system
Correct answer: Thermal detection system
Thermal detection systems using rate-of-rise detectors trigger an alarm when temperature increases rapidly, even before reaching an absolute threshold.
STCW Firefighting Techniques 4
Which type of foam is specifically designed for use on polar solvent (alcohol-type) fires such as acetone or ethanol?