Personal Survival Techniques

Note: this course is normally provided as part of the 5 Day Basic Training course. This course may be taken separately only upon special request.

Prerequisites:

All trainees are required to swim and keep afloat with and without a lifejacket. Swim suit or shorts are required for the practical assessments in the pool.

Course Details:

This course provides training to mariners seeking to meet USCG or IMO requirements for a Personal Survival Techniques (PS) course.   Any student who successfully completes the PS course will satisfy the Personal Survival Techniques training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-1 of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code and 46 CFR 10.205(1)(1).

This course will also be of value to others operating vessels on the water who may not be seeking U.S. Coast Guard Credentials, licenses or endorsements, or whose experience is not up to the minimum requirements established under ideal conditions

A trainee successfully completing this course will be able to react in the correct manner during emergency situations, take measures appropriate to his/her own survival and to the survival of others, and use survival equipment correctly.  The trainee will also acquire knowledge that in some instances will enable him/her to identify and correct defects and thereby prevent emergencies.  The course consists of both classroom and in-water training.
The following topics are covered in the course:

• Safety and principles of survival at sea
• Emergency situations at sea
• Evacuation
• Survival craft
• Personal life-saving appliances including demonstration of use
• Survival at sea
• Emergency radio equipment
• In-water survival assessment

Examination:

One written examination is administered during the course that requires a minimum passing score of 70% and a series of in-water practical assessments, which are pass/fail, must be completed by all trainees (student must be able to swim or tread water for 1 minute without a life jacket).