Sea Safety Training Squadron
All Royal New Zealand Navy personnel are trained in firefighting, damage control, sea survival and NBC protection techniques. The training is delivered at all stages of career for Officers and Ratings to enable personnel to be fully qualified and confident in the role they will perform onboard our ships.
In order to conduct this essential training, the RNZN has a world class Sea Safety training organisation comprising of:
- Firefighting Training Unit (FTU)
- Damage Control Training Unit (DCTU)
- Protection Training Unit (PTU)
- Communications Training Unit (CTU)
- Sea Survival Training Unit (SSTU)
- Administration and classroom block
The FTU is a section of a ship, three decks high and including a Flight Deck. This unit uses real fires for training students in Fire Fighting and Search and Rescue techniques. On the Flight Deck there is a mock helicopter, which can be used to simulate a Crash on Deck fire.
Fire in Fire Training Unit (FTU). Ratings attack a 'BRAVO' Class fire inside the FTU using 1st Aid appliances.
The DCTU is different unit, also a section of a ship three decks high. It is used to train personnel in Damage Control (leak stopping and removal of flood water) and casualty evacuation. The DCTU uses hydraulics to simulate the rocking motion of a ship at sea, this enables students to experience the problems which can arise from the combination of motion and free surface water.
GRP Dome. Ratings at work in the DCTU carrying out leak stopping drills and procedures.
The PTU is used to train personnel in chemical and biological warfare with the major aim of personal protection.
Sea Survival is instructed in the classroom, the swimming pool and at sea. All RNZN personnel are instructed in the techniques for survival at sea in the unlikely event of having to abandon ship.
Fire team on Outside Fire Pits. Hose teams conduct drills on the fire ground prior to fighting fires inside the FTU.
Escape from flood at the Damage Control School