Course Purpose Statement
The Proficiency in Survival Craft Full certification establishes comprehensive competency in the operation of all types of survival craft, including motor-propelled enclosed lifeboats carried aboard large commercial vessels. This advanced program develops expert-level skills in lifeboat operations, gravity davit systems, and complex survival craft procedures essential for officers and crew members serving on vessels requiring full survival craft proficiency under international regulations.

Comprehensive Learning Outcomes
Students master complete lifeboat operations including engine starting procedures, mechanical systems operation, and maneuvering techniques for motor-enclosed fiberglass lifeboats in varying sea conditions. The curriculum encompasses gravity davit operation with on-load release hooks, frapping lines, tricing pendants, painter lines, control lines, and gripe systems used in lifeboat launch and recovery procedures. Participants demonstrate proficiency with free-fall lifeboat operations, emergency steering systems, and ballast tank management. Training covers comprehensive survival equipment utilization including sea anchors, Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), Search and Rescue Transponders (SARTs), emergency food and water provisions, and medical supplies management. Students develop command competencies for organizing survivors, managing hypothermia prevention protocols, and maintaining crew morale during extended survival situations while coordinating rescue efforts.

Advanced Marine Equipment and Lifeboat Facilities
Training utilizes authentic motor-enclosed lifeboats equipped with diesel engines, steering systems, and complete survival equipment inventories identical to vessels operating internationally. Students operate actual gravity davit systems with on-load release mechanisms, winch controls, and rigging systems under realistic marine conditions. Seafarers Worldwide's specialized lifeboat training facility features working davits positioned over water, allowing comprehensive launch and recovery practice with full-size survival craft. The program includes hands-on experience with free-fall lifeboat simulators, emergency steering systems, engine maintenance procedures, and survival equipment inspection protocols. Water-based training exercises utilize protected marine environments that replicate emergency abandonment scenarios while maintaining stringent safety standards.

Regulatory Compliance Framework
This course satisfies comprehensive requirements established under the International Maritime Organization's STCW Code Section A-VI/2 Table A-VI/2-1 for Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats, including all categories of survival craft operations. The program meets stringent United States Coast Guard standards outlined in 46 CFR 12.10-5 and incorporates competency requirements specified in 46 CFR 11.201 for unlimited survival craft endorsements. Training components comply with SOLAS Chapter III regulations for life-saving appliances and align with IMO Resolution MSC.48(66) guidelines for lifeboat performance standards. All practical assessments meet international standards for survival craft proficiency demonstration including LSA Code requirements for lifeboat equipment and procedures.

Certification and Professional Advancement
Upon successful completion, graduates receive a United States Coast Guard-approved Proficiency in Survival Craft endorsement with no limitations, qualifying them for survival craft responsibilities aboard any vessel of any tonnage operating on any waters worldwide. This comprehensive certification is mandatory for deck officer positions aboard vessels carrying enclosed lifeboats and serves as an essential qualification for advancement to Chief Mate and Master licenses. The PSC Full credential enhances career opportunities aboard large commercial vessels, cruise ships, cargo vessels, and offshore installations requiring expert survival craft competency.

Expert Maritime Safety Leadership
The Proficiency in Survival Craft Full certification represents the highest standard of survival craft competency within the maritime industry, ensuring graduates possess the advanced technical knowledge, practical skills, and leadership abilities necessary to command complex survival operations during the most critical emergency situations. This comprehensive training prepares mariners to assume ultimate responsibility for crew and passenger safety while demonstrating the professional expertise essential for successful survival craft operations in life-threatening maritime emergencies.