Rynda Crewing

Seafarer documentsSafety and security

Advanced fire fighting (STCW VI/3)

  • STCW VI/3
  • Full entry
  • Checked 6 October 2026
Document type
Training certificate
Validity
As issued; competence shown every 5 years
Names in other countries
21 countries
Contents7

1 What it covers

Advanced Fire Fighting (STCW VI/3) evidences training in directing firefighting, organising fire teams and controlling firefighting operations. It is needed by seafarers designated to control firefighting operations. Validity: as issued; competence shown every 5 years.1–3

2 What it consists of

The standard of competence is set by table A-VI/3 of the Code.1,2

3 Validity and renewal

Document validity. The expiry date, if the issuing system sets one, is shown on the document itself. This reference does not calculate personal expiry dates.

Maintaining competence. Every 5 years the seafarer provides evidence of maintaining the required standard of competence.2,3

Refresher training:4

4 Which positions

The need follows from the ship and the duties on board, not from the title of the position. In this reference the document appears in the requirements of these positions:

Show all 20
If you hold one of these certificates

The standard of this training is part of the requirements for the certificates below, so their holders may not have a separate certificate for it. Whether a separate document is needed for a voyage is decided by the flag State and the employer.5–14

Show all 14 certificates

5 Names in 21 countries

How national systems name this document. The original name is given where the source has it; the English name is our editorial rendering.

Same document

CountryName in the issuing country
South AfricaAdvanced fire fightingIssued by: South African Maritime Safety Authority · source
EgyptAdvanced fire prevention and fire fightingIssued by: Egyptian Authority for Maritime Safety · source
NigeriaAdvance firefighting certificateAdvanced Fire FightingIssued by: Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency · source
EstoniaTuletõrjealase laiendatud koolituse tunnistusAdvanced Fire Fighting Training CertificateIssued by: Transpordiamet · source
PhilippinesCertificate of Proficiency – Advanced Fire FightingIssued by: Maritime Industry Authority · source
GermanyBefähigungsnachweis zur Leitung von Brandbekämpfungsmaßnahmen SLBAdvanced fire fightingIssued by: BSH · source
Show all 21 countries

Same document

CountryName in the issuing country
PortugalCertificado de qualificação para o controlo das operações de combate a incêndiosAdvanced fire fightingIssued by: DGRM · source
GhanaAdvance Fire FightingIssued by: Ghana Maritime Authority · source
Hong KongCertificate of Proficiency in Advanced Fire FightingIssued by: Hong Kong Marine Department · source
Japan消火作業指揮者適任証書Fire-Fighting Operation Commander CertificateIssued by: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism · source
United StatesAdvanced FirefightingIssued by: United States Coast Guard, National Maritime Center · source
SwedenCertifikat för avancerad brandbekämpningAdvanced fire fightingIssued by: Transportstyrelsen · source
FinlandPäällystön palokoulutusAdvanced fire fightingIssued by: Traficom · source
CanadaAdvanced Fire FightingIssued by: Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security · source
New ZealandAdvanced Fire-FightingIssued by: Maritime New Zealand · source
BrazilCurso Especial Avançado de Combate a IncêndioAdvanced Fire Fighting Training (ECIA)Issued by: Marinha do Brasil, Diretoria de Portos e Costas · source
ArgentinaTécnicas Avanzadas de Lucha Contra IncendiosAdvanced Fire FightingIssued by: Agencia Nacional de Puertos y Navegación; Prefectura Naval Argentina · source
Cook IslandsCertificate of Proficiency in Advanced FirefightingIssued by: Maritime Cook Islands · source
EcuadorFormación avanzada en lucha contraincendiosAdvanced Fire FightingIssued by: Dirección Nacional de los Espacios Acuáticos (DIRNEA), Armada del Ecuador · source
Sloveniapožarna varnostAdvanced Fire FightingIssued by: Uprava Republike Slovenije za pomorstvo · source

Related document

CountryName in the issuing country
NorwayCertificate of proficiency in advanced fire-fightingAdvanced fire fightingIssued by: Norwegian Maritime Authority / Sjøfartsdirektoratet · source

"Related document" is a national document of its own system that relates to this type but is not automatically equal to it.

Same code STCW VI/3: one code is not always one document. The certificate itself and the limitations written in it show which one you hold. Other types under this code: Updating Training in Advanced Fire Fighting1

7 Frequently asked questions

Who needs Advanced Fire Fighting?

Seafarers designated to control firefighting operations. In this reference it appears in the requirements of 20 positions; whether you need it depends on the ship and your duties.1,2

How long is Advanced Fire Fighting valid?

The expiry date, if the issuing system sets one, is shown on the document itself. This reference does not calculate personal expiry dates. Every 5 years the seafarer provides evidence of maintaining the required standard of competence.2,3

What else is Advanced Fire Fighting called?

Also known as AFF. National names in 21 countries are listed on this page.

Advanced Fire Fighting (STCW VI/3): Validity, Refresher | Rynda Crewing