Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Awareness for Superyachts

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 Certificate of Completion