Use of Tugs in Firefighting

Use of Tugs in Firefighting is a BTA e-learning course for crews of firefighting tugs. It gives you a working understanding of how these vessels operate, the legislation that governs their use, and the practical skills needed in a real emergency at sea.

The course begins with a short history of shipboard firefighting and the legal framework, including the duty to assist. It then examines the role of firefighting tugs, training standards, key operational risks and how command and control works during an incident. Later modules cover extinguishing techniques and the specific challenges posed by alternative fuels. Real-world case studies show how the theory applies in practice.

By the end, you will know when and how a tug is deployed in a firefighting role, and what is expected of its crew from the first call-out to the end of an operation. A final quiz lets you confirm your readiness.