# Advanced FF? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maritime Training & Licensing\ **Created:** [December 29, 2018, 11:05pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/advanced-ff/50136 "2018-12-29T23:05:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![saltedsea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@saltedsea](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/saltedsea)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2018, 11:05pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/advanced-ff/50136/1 "2018-12-29T23:05:16Z")
I recently upgraded to 2M unlimited and there was no need to show proof of advanced fire fighting as it was “previously met” by getting my 3M license. So I have kind of fallen off on keeping it up to date or even if I need to be. In the process now of joining a union and they ask for training certs, so I’m wondering about my FF. I took the course in 2011. And then I took another basic fire fighting course when I joined MSC in 2015 for whatever reason. What’s the ruling on ADvanced FF now? I guess I could check with the NMC but I seem to get mixed answers there. ---
**Author:** ![jdcavo](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/jdcavo/32/108_2.png) [@jdcavo](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/jdcavo)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2018, 3:25am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/advanced-ff/50136/2 "2018-12-30T03:25:54Z")
Things changed on Jan 1, 2017. You need to show continued competency, either 1 year of sea time in the last five AND a REVALIDATION course, or if you don’t have that sea time, a longer REFRESHER course. See Encl 1 of [NVIC 9-14.](https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO%20Documents/5p/5ps/NVIC/2014/nvic-09-14_adv_firefighting_final_20140125.pdf) ---
**Author:** ![saltedsea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@saltedsea](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/saltedsea)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2018, 8:09pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/advanced-ff/50136/3 "2018-12-30T20:09:32Z")
Thanks! So if I already have advanced FF on my MMC and my MMC doesn’t expire until 2020, am I good until 2020? Would I only need it now if I was to apply for a raise in grade? ---
**Author:** ![jdcavo](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/jdcavo/32/108_2.png) [@jdcavo](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/jdcavo)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2018, 8:36pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/advanced-ff/50136/4 "2018-12-30T20:36:56Z")
If you want a new MMC and 5 more years on the MMC, you need the revalidation/refresher. If you upgrade and do not renew the MMC, you shouldn’t need it. Most want the renewal and 5 more years, so make sure NMC knows that you do not want to renew.