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Online Lithium-ion Battery Safety on Ships Course

ABS Approved, Maritime Safety Training for Crew & Staff for the Handling, Use and Safe Storage of Lithium-ion Batteries, Compliant with ISM Code 6.3 & 6.5, and STCW Reg. I/14 – 5

Course Introduction

Lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly common on ships, powering everything from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and cargo. While they offer many benefits, these batteries can also present significant dangers if handled improperly. The Lithium-Ion Battery Safety on Ships for Seafarers Course empowers maritime professionals with the knowledge and skills to mitigate risks and ensure safe operations.

Course Features

  • Tailored specifically for a shipping audience
  • Delivered entirely online for convenience and flexibility
  • Five comprehensive lessons that can be completed at your own pace
  • Incorporates real-world maritime examples and case studies
  • Follows a detailed course outline developed by industry experts
  • Supports regulatory compliance with ISM Code and STCW Convention requirements
  • Focuses on prevention and promoting a strong safety culture
  • Includes knowledge checks and a final assessment to reinforce learning

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About the Course

With the ever-growing numbers of fires directly attributed to lithium-ion batteries, understanding the risks and hazards associated with them is paramount to the safety of vessels at sea, and the lives of crew and passengers on those vessels. VIRSEC provides maritime training for an online “Lithium-Ion Battery Safety on Ships” course which empowers maritime professionals with the knowledge and skills to mitigate risks and ensure safe operations. This course is created in partnership with Mariner House, a consultancy run by established maritime author Captain Gerard Pollock, a Master Mariner with over 25+ years of experience in shipping, Port State Control (PSC) and maritime operations.

Target Audience

This essential maritime training course is tailored for ship crew, officers, port personnel, MAIB, DPAs, emergency response teams, and shoreside managers interacting with lithium-ion batteries and EVs in the maritime environment. Whether you use battery-powered equipment, oversee EV loading or charging operations, or need to provide confident leadership in implementing safety procedures, this course is for you.

Learning Aim

This course aims to educate learners about the conditions by which lithium-ion batteries become unsafe and why. This will help crew members identify hazardous batteries early. Learners will be equipped with knowledge about the general actions which help keep lithium batteries safe onboard ships. Learners will also learn about the industry’s best practices with respect to the loading, stowage and charging of EVs on board RoRo’s, RoPax, Ferries, and PCTCs.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

  • Identify at least five common locations where lithium-ion batteries are found on ships
  • Understand the risks associated with the carriage of EVs on RoRo’s, RoPax, Ferries, and PCTCs
  • Explain the basic functional processes of lithium-ion batteries
  • Recognise battery abuse conditions and at least three types of hazardous battery defects
  • Describe the characteristics of toxic and explosive gases emitted from lithium-ion batteries
  • Understand the hazards of thermal runaway and appropriate responses to battery fires
  • Evaluate the suitability of water-based fire suppression systems for lithium-ion battery fires
  • Identify at least two types of specialist equipment for containing and suppressing lithium-ion battery fires
  • Understand the best practices necessary for the safe loading, stowage and charging of EVs on RoRo, RoPax, Ferries, and PCTCs.

Awarding Body

Once the Learner has successfully completed this online course, they will receive an American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Approved, Lithium-ion Battery Safety on Ships Certificate from VIRSEC.

Compliance and Regulatory Alignment

This course aligns with key maritime regulations and requirements, including:

1. Compliance with the ISM Code

ISM Code 6.3 mandates ship managers to establish procedures for personnel, especially those in safety and environmental roles, ensuring proper familiarisation with their duties. Our course supports 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 with 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 on Ships” course aligns with this mandate, offering in-depth insights into lithium-ion battery safety to ensure all personnel have essential training for safe marine operations.

3. Compliance with STCW Convention Regulation I/14 – 5

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 essential knowledge crucial for routine and emergency situations involving lithium-ion batteries, empowering ship managers to enhance crew competency in line with the STCW Convention.

Course Duration

The duration of the online Lithium-ion Battery Safety on Ships Course is 3 to 4 hours depending on the individual reading speed of the Learner.

Course Brochure Download

You can download a copy of the Course Brochure by Clicking Here.

Buying Bulk Courses

The course may be individually purchased from this page, or you can contact VIRSEC at training@virsec.org to make an alternative means of booking and payment, or to make bulk purchases of the course for crew or staff. Please contact us by email at: training@virsec.org, or by phone on: +44 (0)161 763 4427, asking for Olivia or Cathy.

  • The Development of Li-ion Battery Technology
  • How Li-ion Batteries Function
  • Where Li-ion Batteries can be Found on Ships
  • Recognising & Preventing Li-ion Battery Abuse
  • The Statutory Need for Hazard Identification for Li-ion Batteries
  • Toxic & Explosive Gas Hazards
  • Fire & Thermal Runaway
  • Advanced Equipment & Solutions for Tackling Li-ion Fires
  • Safe Battery Storage Handling & Disposal
  • Safe Loading, Stowage & Charging Practices on RoRo Ferries and PCTCs
  • Firefighting Considerations for EV Fires at Sea

Certificate of Course Completion

Upon successfully completing this online course, Learners will be able to open, save, and download a copy of the ABS Approved, Certificate of Course Completion provided in Partnership between VIRSEC and Mariner House.

  • Can I take breaks, or must I complete the course in one sitting?

    Yes, of course! Each lesson is self-contained and focuses on one specific subject related to Li-ion battery safety. You can work through all five lessons in one sitting or take individual lessons separately, even on separate days. It’s entirely up to you.

  • Is there an Assessment?

    When you have completed all five Learning Outcomes, there is a short multiple choice, and true or false questions assessment at the end; you must attain 70% to pass this assessment.

  • What happens if I don’t pass the Assessment?

    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 quiz!

  • Do I need to take notes?

    You do not need to take notes as we will provide notes for download in each lesson. However, if you feel you want to, there is a note-making facility on the Learning Management System (where you take the course), or you can make notes the old fashioned way. The choice is yours.

  • How long do I have to complete my online course?

    You have six months to complete this course. The licence duration commences from the date of purchase of the course, not the date you start the course. Should you start to run out of time, course licence extensions can be purchased from your Learner Portal.

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VIRSEC are dedicated to delivering only the very highest standard of cost-effective, flexible, online training to our customers.