The Maritime Training Council course module for Shore-Based Fire Fighting as required under paragraph 1, Regulation V/1 of the revised STCW-78 Convention has been approved.

In this connection, the following guidelines are issued for its implementation:

1. All seafarers enrolling in the General Tanker Familiarization Course shall be required to complete the Shore-Based Fire Fighting Course to be taken immediately after completion of the former.
   
   
2. Seafarers who have completed at least three months of approved seagoing service onboard tanker as specified in paragraph 1.1, Regulation V/1 of the said Convention shall also be accepted for enrollment to the Shore-Based Fire Fighting Course in order that appropriate certificate may be issued in accordance with paragraph 4 of the aforementioned Regulation.
   
   
3. Seafarers who have completed only the General Tanker Familiarization Course before August 01, 1998 are also required to take the Shore-Based Fire Fighting Course as prescribed by the Convention.

It is further emphasized that the intention of this course is to provide training on fire fighting for seafarers who would be working on board tankers of all types. Training on fire fighting must therefore be focused on tanker conditions and peculiarities. This training requirement is in addition to the basic and advance fire fighting courses which seafarers must have completed in compliance with other requirements for shipboard employment.

Authorized training centers may now secure a copy of the course module from the MTC Secretariat for guidance in applying for the accreditation of the course.

For compliance.

Adopted: 23 July 1998

(SGD.) LORNA O. FAJARDO
Executive Officer