REFRESHER BASIC TRAINING(2019-05) 1

Course Introduction

REGULATION VI-1

Mandatory minimum requirements for safety familiarization, basic training and instruction for all
seafarers

 1. Seafarers shall receive safety familiarization and basic training or instruction in accordance
with section A-VI/1 of the STCW Code and shall meet the appropriate standard of
competence specified therein.

 2. Where basic training is not included in the qualification for certificate to be issued, a
certificate of proficiency shall be issued, indicating that the holder has attended the course in
Basic Training.

Section A-VI/1 - Mandatory minimum requirements for safety familiarization, basic training and
instruction for all seafarers

Safety Familiarization Training

 Before being assigned to shipboard duties, all persons employed or engaged on a seagoing
ship, other than passengers, shall receive approved familiarization training in personal
survival techniques or receive sufficient information and instruction, taking account of the
guidance given in part B, to be able to:

 communicate with other persons on board on elementary safety matters and understand
safety information symbols, signs and alarm signals;

 know what to do if:

 a person falls overboard,

 fire or smoke is detected, or

 the fire or abandon ship alarm is sounded;

 identify muster and embarkation stations and emergency escape routes;

 locate and don lifejackets;

 raise the alarm and have basic knowledge of the use of portable fire extinguishers;

 take immediate action upon encountering an accident or other medical emergency before
seeking further medical assistance on board; and

 close and open the fire, weathertight and watertight doors fitted in the particular ship other
than those for hull openings.

Basic Training

 Seafarers employed or engaged in any capacity on board ship on the business of that ship as
part of the ship’s complement with designated safety or pollution-prevention duties in the
operation of the ship shall, before being assigned to any shipboard duties:

1. receive appropriate approved basic training or instruction in:

 1. Personal Survival Techniques as set out in table A-VI/1-1

 2. Fire Prevention And Fire Fighting as set out in table A-VI/1-2,

 3. EFA and

 4. PSSR

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2. be required to provide evidence of having achieved the required standard of competence to

undertake the tasks, duties and responsibilities listed in column 1 of tables A-VI/1-1, A-VI/1-2, A-VI/1-
3 and A-VI/1-4 through:

1. demonstration of competence, in accordance with the methods and the criteria for evaluating
competence tabulated in columns 3 and 4 of those tables, and

2. examination or continuous assessment as part of an approved training programme in the

subjects listed in column 2 of those tables.

3. Seafarers qualified in accordance with paragraph 2 in basic training shall be required, every five
years, to provide evidence of having maintained the required standard of competence, to undertake
the tasks, duties and responsibilities listed in column 1 of tables A-VI/1-1 and A-VI/1-2.

4. Parties may accept onboard training and experience for maintaining the required standard of
competence in the following areas:

1. Personal Survival Techniques As Set Out In Table A-VI/1-1:

1. don a lifejacket;

2. board a survival craft from the ship, while wearing a lifejacket;

3. take initial actions on boarding a lifeboat to enhance chance of survival;

4. stream a lifeboat drogue or sea-anchor;

5. operate survival craft equipment; and

6. operate location devices, including radio equipment;

2. Fire Prevention And Fire Fighting As Set Out In Table A-VI/1-2:

1. use self-contained breathing apparatus; and

2. effect a rescue in a smoke-filled space, using an approved smoke-generating device

aboard, while wearing a breathing apparatus.

OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE

 This Refresher Course on Basic Training aims tomeet the requirement in paragraph 3 of
Section A-VI/1of the STCW Code which states that “seafarers qualified in accordance with
paragraph 2in basic training shall be required, every five years, to provide evidence of having
maintained the required standard of competence to undertake the tasks, duties and
responsibilities listed in column 1 of Table A-VI/1-1 and A-VI/1-2.”

 This requires a total of sixteen (16) instructional hours to cover the topics enumerated in Part
B - Course Outline.

Training Outcomes

 Upon completion of this training course, the trainee shall fulfill the requirements in Section A-
VI/1 paragraphs 3 and 4of the STCW Code.

 In view of the acceptance of onboard training and experience as a means for maintaining the
required standards of competence, seafarers must be able to demonstrate the following
competences upon successful completion of this course:

Personal Survival Techniques

 don and use an immersion suit;

 safely jump from a height into the water;

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 swim while wearing a lifejacket;

 right an inverted liferaft while wearing a lifejacket; and

 keep afloat without a lifejacket.

Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting

 use various types of portable fire extinguishers;

 extinguish smaller fires, e.g., electrical fires, oil fires, propane fires;

 extinguish extensive fires with water using jet and spray nozzles;

 extinguish fire with foam, powderor any other suitable chemical agent;

 enter and pass through, with lifeline but without breathing apparatus, a compartment into
which high-expansion foam has been injected;

 fight fire in smoke-filled enclosed spaces wearing self-contained breathing apparatus;

 extinguish fire with water fog or any other suitable fire-fighting agent in an accommodation
room or simulated engine-room with fire and heavy smoke; and

 extinguish oil fire with fog applicator and spray nozzles, dry chemical powder or foam
applicators.

1. Survival Principles - PST

THE IMMERSION SUIT

The immersion suit shall be constructed with waterproof materials such that:

 it can be unpacked and donned without assistance within 2 min, taking into account any
associated clothing*, and a lifejacket if the immersion suit is to be worn in conjunction with a
lifejacket;

 it will not sustain burning or continue melting after being totally enveloped in a fire for a period
of 2 seconds;

 it will cover the whole body with the exception of the face. Hands shall also be covered unless
permanently attached gloves are provided;

 it is provided with arrangements to minimize or reduce free air in the legs of the suit;

 following a jump from a height of not less than 4.5 m into the water there is no undue ingress
of water into the suit.

An immersion suit which has buoyancy and is designed to be worn without a lifejacket shall be fitted
with a light and the whistle complying with the requirements for life-jackets. If the immersion suit is to
be worn in conjunction with a lifejacket, the lifejacket shall be worn over the immersion suit. A person
wearing such an immersion suit shall be able to don a lifejacket without assistance. In that case
immersion suit shall permit the person wearing it:

 to climb up and down a vertical ladder at least 5 m in length;

 to perform normal duties associated with abandonment;

 to jump from a height of not less than 4.5 m into the water without damaging or dislodging the
immersion suit, or being injured;

 to swim a short distance through the water and board a survival craft.

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 An immersion suit made of material with inherent insulation, when worn either on its own or
with a lifejacket, if the immersion suit is to be worn in conjunction with a lifejacket, shall
provide the wearer with sufficient thermal insulation, following one jump into the water from a
height of 4.5 m, to ensure that the wearer's body core temperature does not fall more than
2°C after a period of 6h immersion in calm circulating water at a temperature of between 0°C
and 2°C.

 A person in fresh water wearing either an immersion suit or an immersion suit with a
lifejacket, shall be able to turn from a face-down to a face-up position in not more than 5
seconds.

 Seafaring working away on ships especially in cold weather have little chance of survival if
they fall overboard or have to abandon a sinking ship. Humans rapidly lose heat in cold water
and can die in a matter of minutes.

 Immersion suits, or survival suits can significantly improve survival time in cold water.

 Immersion suit works properly only when you are wearing it in the water.

 First attempts can be awkward and exhausting but with practice you should succeed in
getting into a suit in one minute or less. Practice seated donning of suit. This will be the most
convenient method in actual high sea, emergency situation.

 STEP 1. Roll suit out on deck and sit on it. Insert your legs into suit using plastic bags to
make it easier. Leave on boots and other clothing for insulation and protection in the water.

 STEP 2. Place non-dominant arm into suit first (lefties-right and righties-left). Pull hood over
head with free hand.

 STEP 3. Place dominant arm in last. Pull the zipper up with care and secure flap over your
face.

 STEP 4. Make sure that all straps and hoses are secure to avoid being snagged or injured.
Do not inflate air bladder until you are in the water.

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JUMPING SAFELY FROM A HEIGHT INTO THE WATER

Avoid entering the water if possible. Try to keep dry. Unless unavoidable, do not jump from higher
than 5 meters into water.

Try to minimize the shock of sudden cold water immersion. A sudden plunge into the cold water can
cause rapid death. Or sudden plunge can cause an uncontrollable rise in breathing rate that may
result in an intake of water into the lungs.

OTHER PRECAUTION WHEN ENTERING INTO THE WATER

 Never dive, and do not jump unless you have to. Use a ladder, cargo net, line, or fire hose. If
you must jump, do so feet first, legs together, and body erect. (First, check the water so you
will not land on debris or on other personnel.) Except when jumping into flames, be sure your
life preserver is fastened securely, including the leg straps. If you are wearing a vest-type
preserver, place one hand firmly on the opposite shoulder to keep the preserver from riding
up sharply when you hit the water (in a long drop, the force of impact might hurt your chin or
neck). Hold your nose with your other hand. If you are wearing an inflatable preserver, inflate
it after you have entered the water.

IF YOU MUST JUMP INTO THE WATER:

• Make sure lifejacket is secured properly

• Cover your nose and mouth with one hand

• Hold the life jacket with the other

• Keep feet together

• Check below for obstructions

• Jump feel first attempt to land near and slightly ahead of the survival craft.

• Do not jump into boats or on top of raft canopies. You may injure yourself or other people
already in the survival craft.

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QUICK REMINDER

 An adult life jacket should have sufficient buoyancy and stability in calm fresh water:

 Raise the head of an exhausted or unconscious person by at least 120 mm from the water
with the body tilted back at an angle of at least 20 ° from the vertical position;

 Turn the body of an unconscious person in water from any position to a place where the
mouth is cleaned of water in no more than 5 seconds.

 Should allow a person wearing it to swim for a short distance and board a rescue boat.

SURVIVAL BACKSTROKE

1. Main a laying down position in the water.

2. Move your arms in a circular motion simultaneously.

3. Remember to move your hands only. Feet should not be move and be maintained on a
straighten position.

4. As you move into the water, use the gliding motion. This saves energy and covers much more
distance.

5. Once you are about to stop into the water, move your hands again into a circular motion. No
need to rush in doing the survival backstroke. The point of doing this is to swim towards a
survival craft or co-survivor or move away from danger.

UPRIGHTING AN INVERTED LIFERAFT

FLOAT FREE ARRANGEMENTS

 Where a survival craft requires a launching appliance it is also designed to float free, the float-
free release of the survival craft from its stowed position shall be automatic.

 The disadvantage of the operation of the float free system is that the possibility of the liferaft
inflates in an inverted position. Then inverting the liferaft will have to be done by one or two
person. With no wind or weather to deal with, righting was pretty easy for all the rafts, but it
was obvious that under real world conditions, some might be much more difficult than others,
particularly when dealing with larger capacity rafts.

 One person can easily right a capsized raft if it is done soon enough, before the canopy fills
with water.

 Swim to the marked right here. If there is no marking, go to the side with CO2 cylinder

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 Maneuver the cylinder side of the raft so that it is downwind, then reach up and grab the
righting strap.

 Climb the ladder on the side onto the raft where the CO2 cylinder can be found.

 • Stand on the float and while holding the turning line gently lean backwards.

 • If you are lying on your back with the (soft) raft on you, pull yourself from under the raft with
the turning line .Then climb into the raft.

Keeping afloat without a lifejacket

 Trying to stay alive at sea during emergency situations requires a lot of hard work,
perseverance and definitely a lot of patience. Before being rescued by the rescue party, one
has to take-on the wrath and agony of the sea and improvise on every different situation that
persists.

 However, certain life threatening situations need a different approach and informed
adaptation to the basic survival skills, and one of them is to – stay afloat at the sea!

 In the same way, staying afloat at sea with no boat or life raft in sight is no different a survival
basic. It depends upon the ability of the survivor to use the available survival techniques and
in lieu with the improvised ones.

 The greatest danger to a life floating in sea is its submission to cold water or if considered
precisely, it is death due to something known as “Hypothermia” – a condition where a
survivor, when immersed in cold water, experiences substantial loss of body heat to the
surroundings, lowering the core body temperature to below the normal survival temperature.

 When one is not with a life jacket then floating horizontally with the head above water is the
best option to stay afloat. One can also float in a vertical position and swim to short distances
using buoyancy from trapped air underneath the clothes and also by expansion and
contraction of air in the lungs. See below for further explanation

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AIDS FOR STAYING AFLOAT

 Several articles of clothing, including the hat, provide some flotation when used properly. The
most useful article is your trousers or slacks, which you can inflate to serve as water wings.

 1. To remove your trousers, lean forward in the water and slowly slip them down over your
hips and legs. Don’t let go of them—they may sink. To inflate your trousers

 2. Zip them; then float them on the surface with the fly or front turned down.

 3. Tie a knot in each leg as close to the cuff as possible.

 4. Work the garment around on the surface until the legs are over your shoulders and the
knots are behind you, leaving the crotch in front of you.

 5. Grasp the waist of the trousers with one hand on each side; then extend your arms straight
upward, kicking your feet to get your body as high out of the water as you can.

 6. When this position is reached, pull the trousers downward smartly on the surface, trapping
a pocket of air in each leg.

 7. Then gather the waist under the water and hold in one hand. Keep the trousers legs wet by
splashing water on them to reduce the loss of the trapped air.

 You may use mattress covers, sea bags, laundry bags, and pillowcases in a similar manner.
A large amount of debris, such as pieces of wood, empty shell boxes, powder cans, and so
forth, is usually present. You can use this debris to stay afloat.

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2. Fire Fighting Elements - FPFF

 An extinguisher is an appliance containing an extinguishing medium, which can be expelled

by the action of internal pressure and be directed into a fire. This pressure may be stored
pressure or be obtained by release of gas from a cartridge.

 A portable extinguisher is one, which is designed to be carried and operated by hand, and
which in working order has a total weight of not more that 23 kg.

 Extinguishing medium is the substance contained in the extinguisher which is discharged to

cause extinction of fire.

 Charge of an extinguisher is the mass or volume of the extinguishing medium contained in the
extinguisher. The quantity of the charge of water or foam extinguishers is normally expressed
in volume (litres) and that of other types of extinguishers in mass (kilograms).

 Different types of fire extinguishers are used on ships depending on the type of material
acting as fuel. As fires are classified on the basis of the type of fuel which sources them, fire
extinguishers are also classified on the same grounds.

 Extinguishers are classified according to the type of extinguishing medium they contain. At
present the types of extinguishers and the uses for which they are recommended are as
follows:

 Fire classifications are generally indicated as A, B, C, D and F (or K). There are currently two
standards, defining classes of fires according to the nature of the material undergoing
combustion, as follows:

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Type of Portable Fire Extinguisher used in a ship:

 When it comes to choosing a ship fire extinguisher, we need to keep in mind different types of
combustible material and fluids which are located in different parts of the ship along with the
fire extinguisher reaction with the source of a fire. Based on the above-mentioned
classification, portable fire extinguishers are classified and used according to the classes of
fire as per IMO.

The portable type onboard fire extinguisher used in the marine or maritime setup is also
known as plunger type fire extinguishers because of the plunger mechanism used to release
the extinguishing agent. Below are the types of fire extinguishers used on ships:

 Water Extinguisher

 Foam Extinguisher – Chemical and Mechanical

 Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher

 Dry Powder Extinguisher

 To counter the A-Class fire, portable water type fire extinguisher of 9Ltr are used. The outer
container is filled with water and fitted with a CO2 Cartridge (inner container) which forces the
water out of the container with pressure.

 Water type fire extinguisher diagram:

Foam Extinguisher – Chemical and Mechanical

Foam extinguishers are used to extinguish Class B fires and are located near flammable liquids.
There can be two types of foam fire extinguisher depending upon its contents-

 Chemical foam type fire extinguisher

 Mechanical foam type fire extinguisher

Chemical foam extinguisher – The chemicals used in this foam type fire extinguisher are sodium
bicarbonate and aluminium sulphate. The main container is filled with sodium bicarbonate, whereas
the inner container is filled with aluminium sulphate.

Chemical foam extinguisher diagram:

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 Mechanical foam – This extinguisher type also consists of two containers- the outer one is
filled with water, whereas the central one has carbon dioxide charge and foam solution. The
mechanical foam fire extinguisher uses a long hosepipe connected to the dip tube inside the
internal structure of fire extinguisher which allows it to use the foam portable fire extinguisher
upright.

 Mechanical foam type fire extinguisher diagram showing different foam extinguisher parts:

 The central container has a plunger mechanism at the top which when depressed releases
the carbon dioxide and allows foam and water to mix.

 The foam and water come out of the nozzle, creating mechanical foam. This extinguisher is
operated in an upright position.

Carbon Dioxide extinguisher

 Carbon dioxide extinguishers are mainly used for class B or class C fires. They are not used
for accommodation areas and confined spaces because of the gas used in lethal. These are
widely used as engine room fire extinguisher.

 CO2 type fire extinguisher diagram:

DRY POWDER EXTINGUISHER

 Sodium bicarbonate powder is used to extinguish almost all types of fires. It is mainly located
in the engine room and near electrical equipment.

 Dry powder extinguisher contains sodium bicarbonate powder in the outer container.

 DCP extinguisher diagram:

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Extinguishing smaller fires, e.g. electrical fires, oil fires, propane fires

 If the fire is small, the person discovering it should attempt to extinguish it by the nearest
suitable available means, after raising the alarm. Should it not be possible to retard the fire's
progress, the discoverer should report to their muster station.

 It must be emphasized that although prompt action of this kind may be successful in
extinguishing a fire before it takes hold or spreads, valuable time can be wasted by one
person trying to extinguish an established fire, instead of raising the alarm and alerting other
personnel to the location and extent of the fire. Also, if a space is filling with smoke and
fumes, the person attempting to fight a fire may become a casualty. In this situation, the best
thing the person discovering a fire can do is get out quickly and, if necessary, escape should
be made by crawling on hands and knees as the air close to deck level is likely to be relatively
smoke free.

The four stages in successful fire fighting are:

REMEMBER THE WORD F.I.R.E.

 Find - Even if a fire is only suspected, it is essential that the alarm is raised immediately so
that the maximum fire fighting potential of the ship can be mustered immediately

 Inform - This includes prompt reporting of the location of the fire and immediate sounding of
the alarm, or confirmation of an automatically generated alarm, and notifying the engine room
and/or bridge of the location. Fire alarm switches are located at strategic points around the
ship.

 Restrict - The most effective initial action may be to reduce the flow of air to the fire by closing
doors and other openings, followed by prompt application of the appropriate extinguishing
medium. Having established the location of the fire, the officer in charge of fire fighting
operations must quickly decide:
Whether any person is at risk.

o What is burning?

o The extent of the fire.

o What combustibles are in the immediate vicinity and the surrounding spaces adjacent to the
area on fire?

o What vents or other channels are present that would assist the spreading of the fire.

o What method or methods of extinguishing are appropriate?

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o What is the best technique to adopt to prevent the fire spreading and to extinguish it.

o Extinguish or Escape – THE IMPORTANT thing to remember if you have to extinguish if by

your professional judgment the fire in front of you can be extinguished by 1 PORTABLE
EXTINGUISHER, then go for EXTINGUISH.

o But if doubt arise if you can extinguish the fire in front of you by 1 extinguisher then go for
ESCAPE.

Extinguishing extensive fires with water, using jet and spray nozzles

WATER

Water is primarily a cooling agent. It absorbs heat and cools burning materials more effectively than
any other extinguishing agent. It is most effective when it absorbs enough heat to raise its
temperature to 100ºC (212ºF). At this temperature, water absorbs still more heat, turns to steam and
moves the absorbed heat away from the burning material. This quickly reduces the temperature and
the fire goes out.

Aboard ship, water is moved to the fire in 2 ways:

Via the firemain system, through hose lines that are manipulated by the ship’s personnel.

Through piping that supply a manual or automatic sprinkle or spray system.

Straight Stream

The tapering increases both the velocity of the water at the discharge end and the reach.

 Can be aimed accurately

 Has good reach

 Must hit seat of fire to cool efficiently

 Run off water may be excessive

 Generates very little stream

Fog Stream

 Low Velocity Fog Stream. This is obtained by using an applicator along with a combination
nozzle. This is effective in combating Class B fires in space where entry is difficult and
impossible.

 High Velocity Fog Stream. This can be use to reduce heat in compartments, cabin and
cargo spaces. It can also be use to move air in passageways and to drive heat and smoke
away from advancing firefighters. This operation can be used to facilitate the rescue of
persons who are trapped in cabins or other spaces.

Foam

 Foam is a blanket of bubbles that extinguishes fire mainly by smothering. The bubbles are
formed by mixing the water and a foam – making agent (foam concentrate). The result is a
foam solution. The various foam solutions are lighter than the lightest of flammable oil, they
float on the surface of the oil.

 Chemical Foam

It is formed by mixing an alkali (usually sodium bicarbonate) with an acid (usually aluminum sulfate) in
water. Many chemical foam system are still in use aboard the ship and in shore installations.
However, they are being phased out in flavor of the newest mechanical foam or as it is sometimes
called Air Foam.

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 Mechanical (Air) Foam

It is produced by mixing foam concentrate with water to produce a foam solution. The turbulent mixing
of air and the foam solution forms the bubbles. As the name air foam solution implies, the bubbles are
filled with air.

Dry Chemical

Dry chemical extinguishes fire by cooling, smothering, shielding of radiant heat and to the greatest
extent, by breaking the combustion chain.

Precautionary measures to be observed

 Once foam had been used, difficulty in verifying that the fire has been extinguished may be
encountered.

 After a foam attack, problem of removing foam to determine the extent and cause of the fire
and to ensure that the premises were safe so that members of the crew would not be
endangered by entering the foam.

 Leaving foam to break down naturally may take several hours and a residue of foam solution
will drain out which may cause limited damage. However, most methods intended to
accelerate foam breakdown, will add either water or some other agent to the foam residue in
the compartment and this will cause further damage.

 All precautions should be done to the disposal of foam before entering a compartment for
further fire investigation.

 Ensure that the space to be entered is adequately ventilated. In case of insufficient

ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment.

 For personnel entering, wear recommended personal protective equipment like nitrile rubber
gloves of 0.2mm coating thickness, sealed safety goggles, and if possible thermal protective
clothing.

BREATHING APPARATUS

 Breathing apparatus is a device that provides the user with breathing protection and enables
a person to enter a hostile environment with some degree of protection for the respiratory
system.

Breathing apparatus must properly be maintained and crewmember must be trained in its use.
Training should include:

 Instruction on the capabilities and limitations of each type of device carried on board.

 Instruction on the selection of the proper type device, depending on the hazards.

 Handling of the equipment, donning of the face piece and testing of the face piece to face
seal.

 Drills simulating the emergency use of the equipment.

 Instruction and practice in stowing the equipment

 A PASS device (Personal Alert Safety System) also known as a distress signal unit (DSU)
or ADSU (Automatic Distress Signal Unit), is a personal safety device used primarily by
firefighters entering a hazardous environment

 A PASS device alarm can be activated manually, if the firefighter realizes that he or she is in
trouble and needs to summon assistance, or, it will activate automatically if the device is

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armed and the firefighter does not move for a predetermined period, usually about 30
seconds.

Extinguishing fire with water fog or any other suitable fire-fighting agent in an
accommodation room or simulated engine-room with fire in heavy smoke

 A major engine room fire is a nightmare for seafarers. Fire in the engine room not only
disables the ship’s propelling plant but also leads to a complete blackout situation, which can
result in collision or grounding of the ship.

 In case of a major engine room fire on merchant ships, CO2 fixed fire extinguishing system is
the most common method used for fire fighting. The chief engineer of the ship is responsible
for operating the CO2 extinguishing system,after taking all precautionary measures regarding
handling of engine room machinery.

 If any of the ship's personnel should discover a fire, they should immediately activate the
nearest fire alarm switch and then contact the bridge or engine room, to report the location of
the fire and should inform anyone met on the way. All other personnel must report to their
muster points on hearing the alarm. The engine room should be advised as soon as possible
of the extent and location of the fire so that all necessary services can be made.

 It is important that the fire may not readily spread to accommodation, bridge, lifeboat stations
and cargo areas. Likewise, a fire in the cargo areas should not be able to gain access to the
engine room, which is "the heart of the ship", where generators and fire pumps, the means to
fight a fire, are located.

 Extinguishing oil fire with fog applicator and spray nozzles, dry chemical powder or
foam applicators

 Firefighting foam is used to form a blanket on the surface of flaming liquids. The blanket
prevents flammable vapors from leaving the surface and prevents oxygen from reaching the
fuel. A fire cannot exist when the fuel and oxygen are separated, and therefore, a properly
placed foam blanket will smother the fire. In addition, the water in the foam also has a cooling
effect, which gives foam the ability to cool surrounding structure to help prevent flash back.

Foam Fire Fighting Application Techniques

 Bounce-off Technique When foam nozzles are used, particular care should be taken to apply
the foam as gently as possible. For straight stream use, the foam should be bounced or
banked off of a wall or other obstruction when available.

 Bank-in Technique Foam can also be rolled onto the fuel surface by hitting the ground in front
of the spill, and allowing the foam to “pile up” in front of the spill. The velocity of the stream
will roll the foam onto the fuel.

 Rain-down Technique The foam nozzle is directed almost straight up and the foam stream is
allowed to reach its maximum height and break into small droplets. The nozzle operator must
adjust the altitude of the nozzle so the fallout pattern matches that of the spill area. This
technique can provide a very fast and effective knockdown. However, if the fuel has had a
significant preburn and a thermal column has developed, or if the weather is severe (high
winds), the Raindown method may not be practical or effective.

 Never Plunge Plunging the stream directly into the fire can splash the fuel causing the fire to
spread. If a foam blanket exists, plunging can break the existing blanket allowing vapors to
escape. This usually results in spreading the fire, reignition or flare ups. Usually, the fire will
lessen in intensity or self-extinguish once the plunging stream is removed.

 If the foam nozzle is equipped with a spray stream attachment, it should be used to provide
the gentlest application possible and reduce the mixing of foam and fuel. Only as a last resort

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REFRESHER BASIC TRAINING(2019-05) 16

should a straight stream be directed into the center of a pool or spill. Under this condition, the
efficiency of the foam will be 1/3 or less than when applied by the recommended methods.

 Conventional AFFFs may be used effectively with standard water spray nozzles under some
conditions although a very unstable foam with relatively poor reignition resistance is formed
from such devices. Do not use water streams in such a way as to physically disrupt a foam
blanket. Water streams may be used for cooling adjacent areas or as a fine spray to reduce
flame radiant heat. However, do not direct water streams where a foam blanket has been or is
being applied.

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