Fire fighting training for ferry crew

A fire in the engine room was the latest scenario faced by the crew of the Torpoint Ferry during a training exercise conducted by Flagship’s Fire Fighting staff at HMS Raleigh.

The exercise, part of a regular training package, is designed to hone the fire-fighting skills of the crew, who provide the vital link across the River Tamar between Devon and Cornwall, and prepare them to deal with any emergency they may face.

Flagship has been working with the Torpoint Ferry since 2001 and with the recent introduction of new modern ferries a revised training package has been developed.

Deputy Training Manager Frank O’Neill said: ‘We have worked closely with them to develop a package which fits their needs covering a range of scenarios from a main machinery space incident to a fire in the passenger accommodation area and a man overboard.’

As well as providing training for the crews in their own environment onboard the ferries, Flagship also provides the ferry staff with training at HMS Raleigh using our state of the art fire-fighting simulators.

Torpoint Ferry Operations Manager, Tony Whetton, said: ‘This regular training is essential for the ferry crews if they are to have the confidence to deal with any number of emergency situations that could occur. We have built an excellent working relationship with the Flagship trainers and I am impressed with the professionalism with which the training is delivered.’