Firefighting Training

Nothing is more dangerous on board a ship or submarine than fire – confined spaces, toxic substances, intense heat, claustrophobia, ammunition ‘cooking off’.

Every sailor receives fire-fighting training at a state-of-the-art purpose-built fire school on Whale Island.

It replicates compartments on board a warship such as engine rooms, machinery control rooms, mess decks, galleys and passageways.

The fires inside are gas-powered – making them environmentally-friendly – and supported by smoke generators, can be controlled by tutors.

Courses offered to sailors range from two days to a week for more experienced fire-fighting team leaders.