Advanced Fire Fighting
Code aff · STCW A-VI/3
Advanced Fire-Fighting under STCW A-VI/3 — required of officers and any rating designated to control fire-fighting operations. Covers fire-prevention strategy, fire-fighting organisation, ventilation control, fixed installations (CO2, foam, sprinkler), command of fire teams, post-fire investigation. Practical refresher every five years.
- Prerequisites
- bst
- Duration
- 32 hours
- Validity
- 5 years
- Refresher
- every 5 years
- Typical cost
- ~$450 USD
Where to take this course
Country guides list accredited training centres in the major seafarer-supplying nations:
Related glossary terms
High confidence
Editorial confidence: how we grade. Data sources and methodology: /sources.
Advanced Fire Fighting: FAQ
- What is the Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF) certification?
- Advanced Fire-Fighting under STCW A-VI/3 — required of officers and any rating designated to control fire-fighting operations. Covers fire-prevention strategy, fire-fighting organisation, ventilation control, fixed installations (CO2, foam, sprinkler), command of fire teams, post-fire investigation. Practical refresher every five years. Referenced in STCW table A-VI/3. Category: STCW Advanced.
- Who needs AFF?
- AFF applies to seafarers in roles defined under STCW table A-VI/3. Recommended prerequisites: bst. Without AFF, operators may decline to roster you for the relevant duties.
- How long does AFF take?
- Typical course duration is 32 hours (4 working days at 8h/day). This is face-to-face or blended-learning time at an approved training centre; revalidation refresher courses are usually shorter. Plan against your sea leave window before booking.
- How much does AFF cost?
- Typical cost is around US$450 at an approved provider. Cost varies widely by country and training centre quality; many shipping companies cover the course fee as part of the contract. Check with your manning agent or fleet department before paying out of pocket.
- Where can I get AFF?
- AFF is delivered by approved training centres in most major maritime training countries. Use our /training-centres directory and the certifications-by-country filters to find an approved provider near you. The flag administration of your seaman's book may also publish a list of accepted providers.
- How long is AFF valid?
- 5 years from issue, with a refresher required every 5 years. Plan your revalidation course before the expiry date; lapsed certificates may require re-sitting the full course rather than a refresher, and operators may refuse to extend a contract while a critical certificate is expired.