Stream Marine Training (SMT) is expanding its course catalogue, and due to industry demand is launching a one-day safety and awareness course for vessels carrying vehicles which are powered by batteries.
SMT says shipping companies are set to have new challenges around the dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries. It has been found that vessel fires caused by these batteries and fuel cells can be extremely violent and difficult to control. SMT has created this emergency response and awareness course to help shipboard crews prepare for the possible dangers.
Martin White (pictutred), CEO SMT, said: “Car carriers and ro-ro ferries are carrying vehicles powered by batteries both within our ferry networks and as cargo. This presents a fresh challenge to the industry and our seafarers. SMT aims to help delegates gain understanding of how to handle this particular type of new-fuelled vehicle, both in terms of safety, emergency response, and the environmental impacts.”
The new Batteries and Fuel Cells course at SMT will provide delegates with:
- An understanding of battery powered vehicles
- An understanding of the fire properties of battery powered vehicles
- An understanding of how to extinguish and protecting against thermal runaway
- An understanding of environmental impacts of battery fuelled cars should the vehicle be compromised
- An understanding of the impact on the vessel structure and surrounding cargo
- How to deal with a battery fire from a battery powered vehicle.
In addition to this course, SMT has developed its existing STCW Fire Prevention Fire Fighting training and STCW Advanced Fire Fighting course to cover elements of emergency response to battery fires and fuel cells.
