Course Purpose Statement
The Proficiency in Survival Craft Upgrade certification bridges the competency gap between limited and full survival craft qualifications, enabling mariners to transition from restricted to unlimited tonnage vessel operations. This specialized program develops advanced skills in motor-enclosed lifeboat operations while building upon existing survival craft knowledge to meet the comprehensive requirements for vessels carrying fiberglass enclosed lifeboats with gravity davit systems.

Comprehensive Learning Outcomes
Students advance from basic survival craft operations to master complex motor-enclosed lifeboat procedures including diesel engine starting, mechanical systems troubleshooting, and advanced maneuvering techniques in challenging sea conditions. The curriculum focuses on gravity davit operation with on-load release hook systems, frapping line management, tricing pendant procedures, and control line handling specific to enclosed lifeboat operations. Participants develop proficiency in lifeboat-specific equipment including ballast systems, emergency steering mechanisms, and enclosed craft ventilation systems. Training emphasizes the operational differences between open rescue boats and enclosed lifeboats, covering enhanced survival equipment inventories, extended provisions management, and leadership responsibilities unique to enclosed craft operations during prolonged survival scenarios.

Specialized Lifeboat Training Equipment and Facilities
Training utilizes authentic motor-enclosed fiberglass lifeboats equipped with complete diesel propulsion systems, steering assemblies, and survival equipment inventories meeting international standards. Students practice with actual gravity davit installations featuring on-load release mechanisms, winch controls, and rigging systems identical to those found aboard large commercial vessels. The program provides hands-on experience with lifeboat-specific equipment including sea anchors sized for enclosed craft, enhanced EPIRB and SART systems, and comprehensive survival provisions suitable for extended operations. Seafarers Worldwide's waterfront lifeboat facility enables realistic launch and recovery training with full-size enclosed lifeboats, allowing students to experience the operational complexities unique to motor-propelled survival craft under controlled marine conditions.

Regulatory Compliance Framework
This upgrade course satisfies the differential requirements between STCW Code Section A-VI/2 Table A-VI/2-1 limited and unlimited survival craft proficiency certifications. The program addresses United States Coast Guard regulatory gaps outlined in 46 CFR 12.10-5 for advancement from restricted to unrestricted survival craft endorsements. Training components comply with SOLAS Chapter III enhanced requirements for vessels carrying enclosed lifeboats and incorporate IMO Resolution MSC.48(66) advanced guidelines for motor-propelled survival craft operations. All competency demonstrations meet international standards for the operational differences between open and enclosed survival craft systems.

Certification and Career Enhancement
Upon successful completion, graduates receive United States Coast Guard approval to upgrade their existing PSC-L endorsement to full Proficiency in Survival Craft certification without limitations. This upgrade qualifies mariners for survival craft responsibilities aboard any vessel of any tonnage operating on any waters worldwide, including vessels carrying motor-enclosed lifeboats. The PSC-U pathway provides efficient advancement for experienced mariners seeking to expand their operational capabilities while meeting mandatory requirements for positions aboard large commercial vessels, cruise ships, and offshore installations requiring unlimited survival craft competency.

Strategic Career Advancement
The Proficiency in Survival Craft Upgrade represents an efficient pathway for experienced mariners to enhance their qualifications without repeating foundational training elements. This targeted approach recognizes existing competencies while ensuring graduates possess the specialized knowledge and practical skills necessary for advanced survival craft operations, positioning them for career advancement opportunities requiring comprehensive survival craft expertise in the commercial maritime industry.