Course Purpose Statement

The Surface Rescue Swimmer certification develops specialized competencies for conducting in-water rescue operations during man-overboard emergencies, preparing mariners to serve as trained rescue swimmers capable of entering the water to assist distressed crew members and effecting their safe recovery using shipboard rescue equipment. This intensive program combines physical conditioning with technical rescue skills essential for emergency response situations requiring direct water intervention and victim assistance.

Comprehensive Learning Outcomes
Students master advanced rescue swimming techniques including victim approach methods, defensive swimming positions, and controlled contact procedures for assisting panicked or unconscious persons in the water. The curriculum covers proper donning and operation of specialized rescue equipment including exposure suits, masks, snorkels, and fins designed for rescue swimming operations. Participants develop proficiency in safe water entry techniques from vessel heights, victim assessment procedures while in the water, and towing methods for transporting incapacitated persons to recovery points. Training encompasses victim recovery procedures using shipboard devices including recovery strops, Jason's cradles, and rescue boat transfers while maintaining victim safety and rescue swimmer security. Students learn to deliver basic emergency medical assistance while in the water, recognize and respond to hypothermia symptoms, and coordinate with deck personnel during rescue operations while managing their own safety and endurance during extended water rescues.

Intensive Water Training Equipment and Marine Facilities
Training utilizes professional-grade rescue swimming equipment including exposure suits designed for rescue operations, specialized rescue masks and snorkels, and high-performance fins suitable for rescue swimming applications. Students practice with authentic shipboard recovery equipment including rescue strops, lifting devices, and emergency medical supplies used during water rescue operations. The program features intensive pool training sessions with realistic rescue scenarios, endurance swimming exercises, and victim simulation training using controlled aquatic environments. Practical rescue exercises utilize marine training areas where students practice water entries, victim approaches, and recovery procedures under realistic conditions while maintaining comprehensive safety protocols with qualified safety personnel and emergency medical support.

Maritime Safety Regulatory Compliance Framework
This course satisfies specialized rescue training requirements for vessels requiring designated rescue swimmers and incorporates water rescue standards established by maritime safety organizations. The program meets United States Coast Guard guidelines for rescue swimmer qualifications and aligns with International Maritime Organization recommendations for specialized rescue capabilities aboard commercial vessels. Training components comply with occupational safety standards for water rescue operations and integrate industry best practices for shipboard rescue swimmer programs. All competency demonstrations meet professional standards for water rescue capabilities and emergency response swimmer qualifications.

Specialized Certification and Rescue Credentials
Upon successful completion, graduates receive Surface Rescue Swimmer certification qualifying them for designated rescue swimmer positions aboard vessels requiring specialized water rescue capabilities including passenger vessels, offshore platforms, and commercial ships operating in challenging marine environments. This specialized certification demonstrates competency in advanced water rescue techniques essential for emergency response team positions, maritime safety roles, and vessel assignments requiring enhanced rescue capabilities. The SRS credential enhances career opportunities in offshore operations, passenger vessel services, and maritime organizations requiring specialized emergency response capabilities.

Elite Maritime Rescue Specialization
The Surface Rescue Swimmer certification represents advanced specialization in maritime emergency response, ensuring graduates possess the physical capabilities, technical skills, and emergency response expertise necessary to conduct life-saving water rescue operations while maintaining their own safety and effectiveness during high-stress emergency situations requiring direct intervention to save lives at sea.