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Online Lithium-ion Battery Safety Awareness for Superyachts (LIBSAS) Course

ABS Approved, Superyacht Crew Maritime Safety Training, Compliant with STCW Reg 1/14-5, Lithium-ion Competent Person (MGN 681), & ISM Code 6.3 & 6.5

Course Introduction

Lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly common in everyday items such as smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles. They are also found on yachts, in power tools, remote controls, UPS, servers, personal watercraft, and tenders. Despite their many benefits, these batteries can also present significant dangers. Tailored specifically for yacht crew, officers, captains, and yacht managers, the Lithium-ion Battery Safety Awareness on Superyachts course helps Learners identify and implement suitable Li-ion fire prevention measures and considerations for responding to battery-related emergencies.

Course Features

  • American Bureau of Shipping Approved Training Course
  • Course Tailored for a Yachting Audience
  • The Course is Delivered Entirely Online
  • Incorporates Real-World Examples
  • Flexible Duration – Take at Your own Pace
  • Follows a Comprehensive Course Outline
  • Adheres to Regulatory Compliance
  • The Course Instructs a Preventative Focus
  • The Course Promotes a Safety Culture

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About This Course

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Approved, Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Awareness for Superyachts is essential for all yacht crew, staff and shoreside managers of yachts that carry Lithium-ion battery-powered tenders, toys, and equipment. Entirely online, the course consists of eight short lessons that provide an in-depth study of the electrochemistry and hazards of Li-ion batteries. The philosophy underpinning this course is that prevention is better than a cure, and the course sets out best practices that can be easily implemented to mitigate any risks associated with Li-ion technology.

Who Should Take This Course

This course is ideal for anyone involved in yacht operations who wishes to improve their knowledge of Li-ion battery safety and is specifically helpful for:

  • Superyacht crew who use Li-ion battery-operated equipment.
  • Competent Persons responsible for battery charging operations.
  • Safety Officers and Emergency Response Teams.
  • Yacht Captains and Officers who must provide confident leadership in implementing safe operating procedures for Li-ion batteries.
  • Yacht Managers who must manage and document their safety culture for Li-ion batteries.

Li-ion Competent Person – MGN 681

In their recent MGN 681, the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency introduced the requirement that competent persons undertake battery charging operations. Drawing from the UK’s Code of Safe Working Practices and MGN 681, this course helps define the role and duties of this person when working with Li-ion batteries. The course will provide the Learner with the detailed knowledge required to safely conduct battery charging operations, identify hazardous or suspect batteries and recognise the necessary steps to mitigate the risk until these batteries are removed from the yacht.

Course Learning Outcomes

Selected learning outcomes of this course include:

  • Identifying where lithium-ion batteries may be encountered on yachts.
  • Understanding the basic electrochemical processes of lithium-ion batteries
  • Understanding the requirements for identifying hazards on yachts.
  • Appreciating the toxic and explosive gases emitted from Li-ion batteries.
  • Understanding the hazards of thermal runaway and battery fire.
  • Recognising the challenges of responding to a thermal runaway event.
  • Recognising the suitability of water-based fire suppression systems for battery fires.
  • Introducing specialist equipment for containing and suppressing Li-ion fires.
  • Identifying battery abuse conditions and hazardous battery defects.
  • Appreciating their requirements for battery stowage compartments.
  • Understanding the requirements for battery charging stations.
  • Appreciating the knowledge required of the Competent Person overseeing battery charging operations.

Compliances

1. Compliance with ISM Code

ISM Code 6.3 mandates yacht managers to establish procedures for personnel, especially those in safety and environmental roles, ensuring proper familiarisation with their duties. Our course addresses this by offering comprehensive lithium-ion battery safety training, showcasing a commitment to fulfilling ISM Code obligations and keeping personnel updated on safety protocols.

2. Meeting ISM Code 6.5 Requirements

ISM Code 6.5 stresses the importance of identifying and providing necessary training to support safety management systems. The “Lithium-ion Battery Safety Awareness for Superyachts” course aligns with this mandate, offering in-depth insights into lithium-ion battery safety to ensure all personnel have essential training for safe superyacht operations.

3. STCW Convention Regulation I/14 – 5 Compliance

STCW Convention Regulation I/14 – 5 highlights the need for companies to familiarise seafarers with their duties, ship arrangements, equipment, and relevant procedures. Our course surpasses theoretical frameworks by providing practical knowledge crucial for routine and emergency situations involving lithium-ion batteries, empowering yacht managers to enhance crew competency in line with the STCW Convention.

Course Bulk Purchase Options

If you are looking to purchase this course in bulk for your crew, please contact us at training@virsec.org before purchasing online, as we have several offers available for bulk purchases.

This course is delivered in Partnership with Seascope France.

  • The development of Li-ion battery technology
  • How Li-ion batteries function
  • Where Li-ion batteries can be found on yachts
  • Recognising and preventing Li-ion battery abuse
  • The statutory need for hazard identification for Li-ion batteries
  • Toxic and explosive gas hazards
  • Fire and thermal runaway
  • Basic fire theory as applied to Li-ion battery fires
  • Fixed firefighting systems on yachts
  • Advanced equipment and solutions for tackling Li-ion fires
  • Safe battery storage handling and disposal
  • Safe battery charging practices

American Bureau of Shipping Approved Certification

Upon successful completion of this online course, the Learner will receive a certificate Approved under the American Bureau of Shipping, available to download in electronic format.

  • What happens if I don’t pass?

    Don’t worry! If, for some reason, you do not pass the assessment, you can revisit the section that you were unsure of to update your knowledge. Then, once you are ready, you can simply retake the assessment.

  • Is there an assessment?

    When you have completed all eight lessons, there is a short 30-question multiple choice assessment at the end; you must attain 60% to pass this exam. You will have 30 minutes to complete the assessment.

  • Do I need to take notes?

    You do not need to take notes as we will provide notes for download in each lesson, but it is up to you.

Lithium-Ion Course Testimonial – Daniel O.

Another outstanding course from VIRSEC!!! 10/10

Lithium-Ion Course Testimonial – Ross H.

Excellent course. Very easy to follow. Highly recommended.

Lithium-Ion Course Testimonial – Darren S.

I undertook this course, due to the lack of in-depth rules and regulations currently in the market. After taking this course, I feel I have a lot clearer understanding of what is expected, and I will be taking this knowledge and understanding onboard. So much so, to be the CP on board my current vessel.

Lithium-Ion Course Testimonial – Kale C.

Great course material providing up to date and relevant information.

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