Updating Survival Craft & Rescue Boat (UPSCRB)
Required every five years to maintain your STCW Advanced Fire Fighting certificate. Essential for officers or designated crew in charge of fire parties and onboard fire response systems.
Practise managing fire teams, coordinating onboard response, and using fixed installations in advanced scenarios.
18 years old
Certificate must be issued by a maritime authority of an IMO White List country
If AFF certificate is expired, candidate must have 6 months of documented sea service within the last 5 years or retake the full AFF course
Advanced Fire Fighting Updating is the STCW refresher course for seafarers who already hold an Advanced Fire Fighting certificate and need to revalidate it to remain legally compliant. It refreshes command-level firefighting knowledge and practical leadership skills.
AFF Updating is required for officers and senior crew who hold Advanced Fire Fighting and are renewing their STCW certification as part of CoC revalidation or employer requirements. This typically includes OOW, Chief Mate, Master, and senior yacht crew.
Yes. The course is delivered in accordance with Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) requirements and complies with STCW 2010 Manila Amendments. MCA approval ensures international recognition by flag states, yacht operators, insurers, and port authorities.
The Updating course refreshes advanced firefighting command and control, including fire leadership, team coordination, breathing apparatus management, boundary cooling, casualty handling, and tactical decision-making during complex onboard fire scenarios.
If you do not meet the required standard, you are allowed to take a resit. Instructors will explain what needs improvement before reassessment. The objective is competence and safety, not elimination.
English is essential — both written and verbal. You must understand complex briefings, issue clear commands during firefighting scenarios, and complete written exams in English. Communication is a critical leadership skill at this level.
After successful completion, your Advanced Fire Fighting certification is revalidated for five years, in line with STCW and MCA requirements.
For fire training, bring long socks covering your legs up to the knees. Wear suitable clothing for practical training. Students without appropriate protective clothing may not be permitted to participate in live-fire exercises.