Lithium-ion Battery Safety Awareness for Superyachts Course

In their latest MGN 681, the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency mandated that competent individuals oversee battery charging operations. This course, based on the UK’s Code of Safe Working Practices and MGN 681, elucidates the responsibilities and obligations of these individuals when handling Li-ion batteries. Participants will gain comprehensive knowledge to safely execute battery charging tasks, identify potentially hazardous or faulty batteries, and understand the essential steps to mitigate risks until these batteries are removed from the yacht.

This course is suitable for individuals engaged in yacht operations seeking to enhance their understanding of Li-ion battery safety. It is particularly beneficial for:

• Superyacht crew members utilising Li-ion battery-powered equipment.
• Competent Persons tasked with overseeing battery charging operations.
• Safety Officers and members of Emergency Response Teams.
• Yacht Captains and Officers responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of safe operating protocols for Li-ion batteries.
• Yacht Managers entrusted with overseeing and documenting safety protocols related to Li-ion batteries.

Key learning objectives of this course encompass:

1. Recognising the locations where lithium-ion batteries may be present on yachts.
2. Understanding the fundamental electrochemical processes inherent in lithium-ion batteries.
3. Comprehending the prerequisites for identifying hazards aboard yachts.
4. Acknowledging the hazardous nature of toxic and explosive gases emitted by Li-ion batteries.
5. Grasping the risks associated with thermal runaway and battery fires.
6. Identifying the complexities involved in responding to a thermal runaway incident.
7. Understanding the effectiveness of water-based fire suppression systems for combating battery fires.
8. Introducing specialised equipment for containing and extinguishing Li-ion fires.
9. Identifying instances of battery abuse and hazardous battery defects.
10. Recognising the requirements for storing batteries safely.
11. Understanding the protocols for establishing battery charging stations.
12. Appreciating the knowledge and skills needed by the Competent Person overseeing battery charging operations.

The course includes the following subjects:

• 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

ADHERENCE TO ISM CODE

According to ISM Code 6.3, yacht managers are mandated to establish procedures ensuring personnel, particularly those in safety and environmental roles, are adequately familiarised with their duties. Our course fulfills this requirement by delivering comprehensive training in lithium-ion battery safety, demonstrating a commitment to meeting ISM Code obligations and ensuring personnel are well-versed in safety protocols.

ALIGNMENT WITH ISM CODE 6.5 STANDARDS

ISM Code 6.5 emphasises 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 directive, offering thorough insights into lithium-ion battery safety to equip all personnel with essential training for safe superyacht operations.

COMPLIANCE WITH STCW CONVENTION REGULATION I/14 – 5

STCW Convention Regulation I/14 – 5 underscores the necessity for companies to acquaint seafarers with their duties, ship arrangements, equipment, and relevant procedures. Our course goes beyond theoretical frameworks by imparting practical knowledge essential for handling routine and emergency situations involving lithium-ion batteries. This empowers yacht managers to enhance crew competency in accordance with the STCW Convention.

The course should take you between 7.5 and 8 hours to complete (on average). However, this greatly depends on your reading speed, the ability to retain and recall information and any breaks you take during the learning phase of this course.

Book your ABS Approved, Lithium-ion Battery Safety Awareness for Yachts at VIRSEC, where you can learn about Maritime Safety Training. If you have any questions about the course or any of our other Superyacht Sector Courses, please contact us to inquire about bulk purchasing and associated discounts. You can also call us on +44 (0)161 763 4427 and ask for Olivia or Cathy who will happily assist you.

Security Encrypted PDF Certificate

Upon successfully finishing this entirely online course, participants will obtain a digital certificate in PDF format jointly issued by VIRSEC Ltd and Seascope France. This certificate serves as evidence of their completion of the online course and the related assessment.

Accessing the Certificate

Participants will have the option to download and save the certificate to their computer or preferred directory from the system. Subsequently, certificates must be printed and signed by the learner in either black or blue ink in the designated space provided.

Certification Renewal

Currently, learners are not required to undergo refresher or re-certification unless mandated by their employer.