SOLAS Fire Safety Rules Course for Ships
Online 300-hour course on SOLAS fire safety rules for ships. 6 modules covering the SOLAS Convention, Chapter II-2, the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code) and FDS (Fire Dynamics Simulator). Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
SOLAS Fire Safety Rules Course for Ships — studying from Ireland
Ireland's maritime sector spans shipping services, offshore energy, marine research and sports boating, with ports such as Dublin, Cork and Shannon Foynes supporting trade and logistics. The offshore wind and marine renewables sector is growing, creating demand for engineers in structures, marine systems and subsea technology. Marine research institutions such as the Marine Institute contribute to ocean science and offshore technology. Oversight is provided by the Irish Maritime Administration within the Department of Transport and by classification and safety bodies.
Fees for Ireland: €546 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Ireland
Typical roles
Questions from Ireland
Which bodies in Ireland regulate or recognise marine and offshore engineering professionals?
In Ireland, marine matters fall under the Irish Maritime Development Office and the Irish Maritime Administration, while the Marine Survey Office handles vessel safety. Professional engineering membership is usually sought through Engineers Ireland. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by these bodies, so they do not grant certificates of competency or professional status.
How do employers in Ireland's marine and offshore sectors view private online qualifications?
Employers in Ireland's offshore energy, shipping and nautical industries generally prioritise certified competencies and sea-going or project experience. A private online qualification may complement your background but is judged at each employer's discretion. There is no guarantee it will be accepted for any particular role.
Can I study this online from Ireland and do I need a visa or to relocate?
You can study from home in Ireland, as the programme is fully online and taught in English, so no student visa is needed to study from home. Programme lengths are 300, 800 or 1,900 hours depending on the course. Fees can be paid in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible. Each student is assigned a technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain fire behaviour in confined spaces on board.
Interpret the structure and requirements of SOLAS Chapter II-2.
Design fire compartmentalisation using Class A and B divisions.
Select detection and extinguishing systems compliant with the FSS Code.
Plan the maintenance and testing of fire protection systems.
Organise fire drills and exercises on board.
Verify a ship's regulatory compliance with respect to fire risk.
Who it's for
- Ship safety officer who wants to specialise in SOLAS fire safety rules for ships.
- Maritime safety inspector who wants to specialise in SOLAS fire safety rules for ships.
- Naval fire protection engineer who wants to specialise in SOLAS fire safety rules for ships.
- Fleet superintendent who wants to specialise in SOLAS fire safety rules for ships.
- Firefighting trainer who wants to specialise in SOLAS fire safety rules for ships.
- Maintenance technician for fixed systems who wants to specialise in SOLAS fire safety rules for ships.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to join passenger shipping companies.
What you'll work with
- SOLAS Convention, Chapter II-2
- International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code)
- International Code for Application of Fire Test Procedures, 2010 (PEF/FTP Code)
- MSC.1/circ.1432 reviewed guidelines for the maintenance and inspection of fire protection systems and appliances
- MSC/Circ.1165 Guidelines for Water mist systems in Machinery Spaces
- STCW Convention, Regulation VI/3
- Directive 2014/90/EU on Marine Equipment
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Fire triangle and tetrahedron1.2Fire classes and extinguishing agents1.3Heat transfer by conduction, convection and radiation1.4Typical fuels in engine rooms1.5Fire development and flashover1.6Smoke and toxic gas production1.7Ignition sources on board1.8Analysis of historical maritime fires1.9Human factors in fire response1.10Practice: analysis of the cause of an engine room fire
2.1Objectives and functional requirements2.2Parts A to G of Chapter II-22.3Requirements by ship type2.4Alternative designs and arrangements2.5Relationship with the FSS Code and the FTP Code2.6Specific requirements for passenger ships2.7Carriage of dangerous goods2.8Ro-ro ships and vehicle spaces2.9Recent amendments to Chapter II-22.10Case study: reading the requirements for a cargo ship
3.1Class A, B and C divisions3.2Main vertical zones3.3Non-combustible and low-flame-spread materials3.4Fire exposure tests under the FTP Code3.5Cable and pipe penetrations3.6Fire doors and their control3.7Ventilation and closing of spaces3.8Protection of escape routes3.9Smoke control in public spaces3.10Workshop: fire integrity plan of a deck
4.1Smoke and heat detection systems4.2Alarms and centralised control panels4.3Fixed CO₂ systems in engine rooms4.4Automatic sprinklers in accommodation spaces4.5Water mist and local protection systems4.6High and low expansion foam4.7Fire pumps and the fire main4.8Portable extinguishers and firefighter's equipment4.9Maintenance under MSC.1/Circ.14324.10Laboratory: testing a fixed CO₂ system
5.1Evacuation analysis for passenger ships5.2Low-location lighting systems5.3Fire-fighting plan and muster list5.4Crew training under STCW5.5Fire exercises and drills5.6Coordination with port services5.7Post-fire investigation5.8Lessons from real ferry cases5.9Internal safety audits5.10Case study: galley fire drill
6.1Selection of the ship and study area6.2Identification of fire risks6.3Design of structural divisions6.4Selection of detection systems6.5Selection of extinguishing systems6.6Evacuation study6.7Maintenance and exercise plan6.8SOLAS compliance verification6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the course with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is FDS (Fire Dynamics Simulator), Smokeview, Pathfinder, AutoCAD, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real inspection procedures for a fixed CO₂ system in an engine room, a fire drill with self-contained breathing apparatus, and a review of a fire-fighting plan. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain fire behaviour in confined spaces on board.
Interpret the structure and requirements of SOLAS Chapter II-2.
Design fire compartmentalisation using Class A and B divisions.
Select detection and extinguishing systems compliant with the FSS Code.
Plan the maintenance and testing of fire protection systems.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient command of Spanish to follow technical regulatory reading.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 300 total hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with FDS (Fire Dynamics Simulator), Smokeview, Pathfinder, AutoCAD. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. This is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
Wave Tank Testing Instrumentation Course
Online 300-hour course in instrumentation for wave tank testing. 6 modules covering ITTC 7.5-02-07-02.1 Seakeeping Experiments, ITTC 7.5-02-07-03.1 Floating Offshore Platform Experiments and NI LabVIEW. Assigned…
Course in Wearable Technology in Sports Sailing
Online 300-hour course in wearable technology in sports sailing. 6 modules covering Regulation (EU) 2016/679 on general data protection, Organic Law 3/2018 on Personal Data Protection…
Static and Dynamic Ship Stability Course
Online 300-hour course in static and dynamic ship stability. 6 modules covering the International Code on Intact Stability 2008 (IS Code 2008), SOLAS Convention, Chapter II-1…
More in Naval, Offshore & Sports Nautical
All Naval, Offshore & Sports Nautical programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships