This free online course will teach you about the principles of shipboard safety and fighting fires on ships.

It is estimated that more than 50% of packed goods and bulk cargoes transported by sea today can be regarded as dangerous, hazardous or harmful to the Earth’s environment. The cargoes concerned include products that are transported in bulk, such as solid or liquid chemicals, and other types of materials. Gases and products for and from the oil-refining industry and their wastes also belong to this harmful category. According to records, between 10% and 15% of cargoes transported in packed form, including shipborne barges on barge-carrying ships, are considered harmful transport goods. Freight containers, bulk packaging, portable tanks, tank-containers, intermediate bulk containers, unit loads and other cargo transport units fall under this criterion as well. This course seeks to explore the standardized concepts of shipboard safety involved in transporting these harmful materials across the sea. Furthermore, the course explains the workings of different shipboard equipment in managing the successful stowage of such hazardous materials on board different watercraft. Also, the course identifies the hazardous areas of shipboard work and various safe work practices to be adhered to while working on board ships.

Ships are known to be dangerous and regularly feature in the local newspapers for spilling oil, running aground or creating a collision. But this is the bigger picture. Behind this are people who are working 24/7 to successfully take these monsters across the oceans with million-dollar cargoes on board. Combating storms, piracy and being alone as a tiny speck in the vast ocean are the main dangers crew members face. Fewer than 30 people are on board such dangerous watercraft. This includes people of different cultural groups who speak different languages and come with varying skills and levels of education. This is why more than 80% or more of all accidents are due to human error.  The “human element” is a popular discussion point among shippers, mariners and other maritime stakeholders trying to explain why we behave in a particular manner during hazardous situations on board ships. Furthermore, this has motivated the need to be prepared for fires and other emergencies, while always trying to follow correct work procedures that may prevent such occurrences.

This course from Alison is designed to discuss different aspects of shipboard safety relevant to stakeholders in the maritime industry. It broadly analyzes crucial elements of successful firefighting techniques on board different watercraft before, during and after voyages. A combined understanding of the aspects and elements discussed in this course is crucial for the success of maritime safety for all. Workers in specialized companies dealing in shipping businesses will learn discipline and proper organization for ship safety. Therefore, students, mariners, maritime enthusiasts and anyone interested in learning about shipboard safety cannot afford to miss this course. Passengers and other interested individuals who care about preserving lives and property in transit have real-life case studies to learn from in this course. Those who work for agencies that are responsible for overseeing legislation and conventions related to maritime transport would also benefit from taking this course. Register for this course today to improve your understanding of firefighting and shipboard safety.