About
Fire Aid was founded in 1991 specialising in the supply of fire tender vehicles to both commercial and private enterprises on a worldwide basis.
The company quickly developed to encompass many different areas of firefighting and our flagship service has undoubtedly become our Marine Division.
We began by providing a 24 hour emergency response service for detained vessels anywhere in the world to provide vital crew fire training on-board to enable them to obtain the necessary standards required by Port State Control, and we continue to offer this vital service to the shipping industry using UK trained highly qualified Facilitators.
In addition to the emergency response services we provide regular on board scheduled training for many large shipping companies around the world in order to improve crew training, whilst reducing the risk of an emergency occurring and prevent the likelihood of a port state detention.
In 2010 Fire Aid Academy was developed in order to deliver shore based high quality STCW training to Seafarer’s approved by the MCA and Marshall Islands flag.
These facilities have continued to grow and we now deliver a wide range of STCW approved courses, along with bespoke training which includes industrial advanced Fire Fighting. And our STCW training facilities have extended out of the UK to France, Spain and Macedonia.
In 2017 we utilised our extensive knowledge of fire safety, the shipping industry and crew training to develop a complete package for dry dock safety and permit issuing. This continues to grow and we supply services in dry docks around the world.
During 2017 we forged a partnership with Mines Rescue Service (MRS) who we have worked with to design and build a marine Confined Space training unit within our facilities at Southampton. This is the UK’s first facility of its kind and offers a proactive and innovative approach to what is a serious safety issue to all vessels.
We believe the key to our continued success is our extensive knowledge of the Maritime Industry enabling us to understand the needs of all our clients, whether that be a large shipping organisation or a young person wishing to begin a career at sea.
In order to maintain this success we continue to invest into improving our highly specialised team, facilities and equipment to provide first class and cost effective services to all our customers anywhere in the world.
Why Use Us
Fire Aid has provided first class training, consultancy and safety services to the international shipping industry for over 20 years and we have a highly skilled team of UK trained experts who carry out our varied services around the world.
Our team focus not only on the needs of the vessel and shipping industry requirements but on the importance of the personal development of all crew members to ensure that all training delivered whether it be basic safety training or on-board command & control for the officer team, are delivered to support and encourage each individual’s needs.
The safety services provided both at our shore based facilities and on-board are designed to meet the specific needs of our customers and are tailored made to provide an appropriate and cost effect solution giving you not only piece of mind but value for money.
Meet the Team
Simon Rowley founded Fire Aid in 1991 with the prime objective of sending good second-hand fire engines for reuse across the world and this service continues to this day.
In the early 21st Century, he found a niche in the market for firefighting and emergency preparedness training to be carried out on board ships by sending experienced instructors to vessels at home and abroad.
This has developed considerably with several regular customers from major shipping companies using the service and Fire Aid has subsequently developed into the marine training company it is today.
Simon has a background that started in the fire service in the early 1960s and he then developed his knowledge into a freelance press photography business retaining his contacts within the emergency services. For more than 50 years, his work has appeared in the local and national media including newspapers and television.
Tel: +44 (0) 1425 674390
24hr: +44 (0) 1425 402430
e: chris.rowley@fireaid.com
Prior to becoming a Fire Fighter Chris began his working career training as an engineer, where he gained a great in-depth technical knowledge.
Chris took a role in the private sector managing industrial fire fighting teams across multiple sites for a national organisation, which furnished him with a vast amount of management skills. This position developed and he became responsible for Health & Safety and risk assessing across the organisation.
At this time Chris started his own ‘Fire Consultancy’ business which developed into the current family business with his Father, ‘Fire-Aid International Training Ltd‘, providing first class on-board maritime emergency preparedness training around the world.
Chris continues today to carry out training on-board vessels as he has a passion to remain hands on and keep his knowledge of the maritime industry and fire fighting techniques up to date, however he remains at the forefront of the design and development of the dry dock facilities now offered by the company.
In addition, Chris heads up the consultancy and commercial training sectors of the business, where he provides high quality Risk Assessing, Fire Marshal Training and Health & Safety consultancy to industry.
Aimee trained professionally in Musical Theatre at a prestigious performing arts college in London. After graduating she had the opportunity to be involved in the London 2012 Olympic Opening & Closing Ceremonies where she led out the Japanese Olympic team. After numerous dance contracts around the UK, Aimee then went on to be a dancer on a cruise ship that was based in Asia.
Aimee joined Fire Aid in 2015 as an office administrator and has progressed to office manager.
Georgia is our office administrator and the first face you’ll see in the reception when you arrive on your course.
With extensive office experience and knowledge of the industry, she can provide assistance with bookings or any other general enquiries that you may have.
Georgia is a massive Harry Potter fan and loves to get out mountain biking at the weekends.
Rob spent 10 years in the Royal Navy of which 8 years were at sea.
He served for 31 years in Hampshire fire and Rescue Service (HFRS), working for 2 ½ years at Warsash Maritime Academy as an instructor, teaching all aspects of maritime Firefighting.
Whilst working for HFRS he was part of the fire service MERG (Maritime Emergency Response Group) as a third party response for maritime emergencies.
He has now been working with Fire Aid Since 2008 delivering on-board bespoke training and STCW courses
Steve has over 40 years experience at sea with over 20 years as a Master.
He has served on many types of vessel from hovercrafts to bulk carriers, spending the later part of his career on RoRo ferries.
He works with Fire Aid delivering many of our Management and Marine specific courses including PSCRB, Helm(O) and heads up the Train the Instructor course due to his vast experience in teaching.
Terry began his career in the military for 3 years as a military policeman after which he joined the merchant navy and spent 5 years on the QE2 traveling the world before he joined Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS), where he served for 32 years.
He had many roles throughout his career within HFRS one being seconded to Warsash Maritime Academy delivering STCW for 3 years.
On retiring from the fire service he continues to work for Fire Aid delivering training on-board and STCW training at our shore based facilities.
Southampton
Our purpose built new facility is set up to be as real to life on ship as possible. Giving students a sense of what life will be like at sea. Set at the end of a pier on a large football pitch size pontoon within Southampton Water. You couldn’t get a more appropriate setting.
Training Ship – (T.V. Northway Star)
We designed and built our training ship to replicate the types of vessels commonly found at sea, and we can produce a range of various training scenarios and fires to make a truly unforgettable and challenging course.
The Fire Unit
is an extensive number of compartments including, cabins, a galley, corridors, engine room, ships office and various other compartments split over different levels.
Fires can be produced simulating multiple types including:
Oil fires
Bilge fires
Flange fires
Electric motors
Trash bin fires
Cooking pot fires
Electrical computer equipment fires
Storage room fires
By using a combination of combustible and flammable materials to produce our fires, we are able to make conditions both safe for training yet very challenging to give students the real feel of fire and effects from heat.
With our extensive training simulator and highly qualified Maritime Firefighting Instructors, Fire Aid delivers World Leading training.
Skopje
Working in partnership with Kouzon Corporation, Fire Aid assisted in the design and build of a two level live fire unit. The unit uses carbonaceous material and various fuels to create a high level of heat to create a challenging training environment for students. With the use of fully equipped classrooms we can offer all modules of the STCW Basic Safety Training along with other STCW training courses.
In addition to approved training courses we deliver bespoke live fire training for the maritime and commercial industry.
Trusted Partners
We are proud to be working with some of the World’s top companies in both the maritime
and commercial sectors including
Contact Us Today
Please contact us with general enquiries or for more details about our services and courses.