Commanding Officer 4200 Wilson Blvd.

Suite 630
United States Coast Guard Arlington, VA 22203-1804
National Maritime Center Staff Symbol: STCWIT
Phone: 202-493-1022
FAX: 202-493-1060

16721
NMC Policy Ltr. No. 08-01
6 Apr, 2001

From: Commanding Officer, National Maritime Center

To: Distribution

Subj: IN-SERVICE QUALIFICATION AS A LIFEBOATMAN AND CERTIFICATION AS

PROFICIENT IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS

Ref: (a) Title 46, Code of Federal Regulations (46 CFR), Section 12.10
(b) International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for
Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW), Regulation VI/2
(c) Guide for Administration of Merchant Marine Deck Examinations, COMDTPUB
P16721.35A

1. This policy letter provides:

a. Guidance for applying reference (a) to applicants for a lifeboatman's endorsement;

b. Guidance for applying reference (b) to applicants for STCW certification as proficient in survival craft
and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (PSC). It applies to all applicants who began the service or
training on or after 1 August 1998 and to all applicants beginning 1 February 2002; and

c. Updated procedures for demonstration of the practical abilities required by the references.

2. This letter will be distributed by electronic means only and is available on the Web at
http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/marpers/pag/policy.htm. It supersedes and cancels Policy Letter
6-99, Qualification as a Lifeboatman. Units with a Regional Examination Center attached should:

a. Annotate the sample master's letter of competency, appendix B of reference (c), to indicate "Not
acceptable for use by mariners who begin the service or training to qualify for a lifeboatman's endorsement
on or after 1 August 1998. Not acceptable for use by any applicant on or after 1 February 2002"; and

b. Notify vessel operators, industry groups, unions, and similar maritime affiliated organizations of this
policy letter.

3. This policy letter applies to applicants who qualify for the lifeboatman and PSC qualifications entirely
through in-service experience. Applicants who qualify for these ratings through attendance at an approved
or accepted training program must comply with the requirements set forth in the letter that accepts or
approves the program.
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Subj: QUALIFICATION AS A LIFEBOATMAN AND CERTIFICATION AS PROFICIENT IN

SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS

4. In addition to the traditional lifeboatman qualification, and equivalent PSC certification, changes in
lifesaving equipment installations, technology, and lifesaving equipment have eliminated a need for many
mariners to be qualified to handle a lifeboat. If a mariner does not demonstrate the knowledge and skills
required to launch and handle a lifeboat, the lifeboatman/PSC qualification will be limited to service on
vessels that are not equipped with lifeboats. The following table indicates the training and requirements to
qualify for each certification:

QUALIFICATION ⇓ ELEMENTS* ⇒ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
LIFEBOATMAN/PSC X X X X X X
LIFEBOATMAN INLAND X X X X X
LIFEBOATMAN LIMITED** / PSC X X X X X
LIFEBOATMAN LIMITED INLAND. X X X X
*The elements are: 1. Lifeboatman written exam; 2. Survival craft written exam; 3. Lifeboat
demonstrations; 4. Rescue craft demonstrations; 5. First aid element of basic safety training (BST);
6. Personal survival techniques element of BST; 7. All other BST training.
**Limited means limited to service on vessels not equipped with lifeboats.

5. Qualification as a lifeboatman is an essential element of qualification as an able seaman. A mariner who

seeks an able seaman endorsement will be required to at least qualify as a lifeboatman limited. He or she
will then be limited to service on vessels not equipped with lifeboats. If the mariner wishes to remove the
lifeboat restriction, he or she must demonstrate the competencies and complete the assessments required
for the handling of a lifeboat (or similar survival craft).

6. The mariner must be assessed as proficient in the launching and handling of survival craft by a
designated examiner. Enclosure (1) contains the assessment standards and supporting check-off lists for
the demonstrations of skills. The assessment standards are divided into two parts. The first part, which
includes related check-off lists, apply to those mariners who wish to qualify as lifeboatman without any
limitations. The required assessments all pertain to the launching and handling of lifeboats or a similar type
survival craft. The second part applies to any applicant for a lifeboatman endorsement and relate to the
handling of other survival craft an rescue craft. Enclosure (2) includes a record of completion that an
assessor may use to record the successful completion of an assessment.

7. An applicant for a lifeboatman qualification that includes authority to serve on lifeboat equipped vessels
must complete one-year of sea service in the deck department or two years of service in any other
department. The sea service must have been on lifeboat-equipped vessels engaged on voyages on any of
the following routes: oceans, near coastal, Great Lakes, lakes, bays, or sounds. During the sea service, the
mariner must participate in 24 boat drills, of which 8 of those boat drills include a boat being placed in the
water and the mariner being exercised at oars and, if the boat is so equipped, also with the mechanical
propulsion or motor propulsion. The check lists in enclosure (2) include a convenient form for recording
sea service, boat drills, and boat drills that included exercising the crew at oars.

2
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Subj: QUALIFICATION AS A LIFEBOATMAN AND CERTIFICATION AS PROFICIENT IN

SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS

8. An applicant for a lifeboatman qualification limited to service on non-lifeboat equipped vessels must
complete six-months sea service in the deck department or one year of service in any other department.
The sea service must have been on vessels engaged on voyages on any of the following routes: oceans,
near coastal, Great Lakes, lakes, bays, or sounds. During the sea service, the mariner must participate in
12 abandon ship drills in which the crew is instructed in abandon ship procedures and the launching,
boarding, and handling of inflatable liferafts. The check lists in enclosure (2) include a convenient form for
recording sea service and drills.

9. A designated examiner for the assessments of skills related to the lifeboatman and PSC certifications is
a licensed deck officer who is serving as such on the vessel upon which the assessments occur. The deck
officer must have had at least one year of sea service in a licensed capacity within the past five years.

//s//
M. S. BOOTHE

Encl: (1) Assessments of practical demonstrations to qualify as proficient in survival craft and
lifeboatman
(2) Records

Dist: All District Commanders (m)

Comdt (G-MSO)
All COs MSOs
All Activity Commanders
All RECs

3
 Assessments of Practical Demonstrations
to Qualify as Proficient in Survival Craft and Lifeboatman

1. Skill demonstrations

a. Each applicant for STCW certification as Proficient in Survival Craft must meet the standards of
competence set out in STCW Code, Table A-VI/2-1. Similar skills must be demonstrated by an applicant
for an endorsement as lifeboatman in accordance with 46 CFR Subpart 12.10. A mariner who completes
a U. S. Coast Guard approved or accepted course will meet these standards because the demonstrations
are required to be included as part of the course's approval.

b. Using actual equipment, each student must correctly demonstrate all the skills listed on the
assessment standards on the following pages. Assessment standards establish the conditions under which
the assessments will occur, the performance or behavior the student is to accomplish, and the
measurements against which the performance is judged.

c. Some of the assessments are supplemented by and referenced to checklists to ensure thorough
coverage of skills that require the performance of numerous individual tasks. Where referenced in the
assessment standards, the examiner must use the appropriate checklist in conducting assessments of
practical demonstrations of skill to ensure that critical tasks are not overlooked when evaluating a student’s
performance. The checklists are located immediately following the assessment standards. Applicants must
meet the criteria in both the assessment standards and the checklists to be considered proficient in the
applicable area.

d. Checklists for less complex skills have not been developed; however, individual assessors should
consider the development of appropriate checklists for those areas to ensure that all areas are fully
assessed.

e. Applicants seeking a lifeboatman’s endorsement valid for service on lifeboat equipped vessels must
complete all of the assessments listed in this enclosure. Applicants for a lifeboatman’s endorsement valid
for service only on vessels not equipped with lifeboats are required to complete only the assessments for
handling and launching of a rescue craft beginning on page 10 of this enclosure. All applicants must also
complete the personal survival element of basic safety training.

f. Applicants must also provide proof of training during lifeboat drills and sea service

2. Knowledge require ments

Knowledge based competencies must be assessed through a written multiple-choice examination

administered at a U. S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center.

1
Enclosure (1)
 Assessments of Practical Demonstrations
to Qualify as Proficient in Survival Craft and Lifeboatman
Competence Knowledge, Performance Condition Performance Be havior Performance Standard
understanding
and proficiency
Take charge Command Given a lifeboat properly When hearing an abandon 1. Commands are issued in proper
of a lifeboat launching the stowed on a gravity davit ship signal or the order in sequence.
during and lifeboat system, when hearing the English to lower the lifeboat, 2. All tasks to launch the boat are
after launch abandon ship signal or the the student will command verified.
Another type of order to lower the lifeboat, launching the boat. 3. The boat is launched in ten
survival craft that the student will give the minutes.
permits the correct commands to launch (Use check-list #1)
applicant to the boat.,
demonstrate the
required skills
may be
substituted for a
lifeboat

Prepare and Given a lifeboat properly The student will perform the 1. Remove boat cover and strong
safely launch a stowed on a gravity davit following tasks: backs; plug drain; ready man
lifeboat system, when given orders to 1. Ready the boat to ropes; ship tiller; check painter is
perform tasks necessary to launch; secure to thwart; and remove
prepare and launch a lifeboat, 2. Pass the sea painter; gripes.
the student will correctly 3. Secure sea painter; 2. Lead painter inside falls; and
perform the tasks. 4. Attend the frapping outboard of all obstructions.
lines; 3. Remove slack; and secure well
5. Release tricing forward by a round turn and figure
pendants; eights on the bitts.
and, 4. Pass frapping lines around falls
6. Operate winch and after the tricing pendants pull boat
brake. into side of the ship; slack as
ordered during the boat‘s decent.
5. On command, let go tricing
pendants.
6. On command, lift brake release
and lower boat.
(Use check-list #2)

2
Enclosure (1)
 16721
NMC Policy Ltr. No. 08-01

Subj: QUALIFICATION AS A LIFEBOATMAN AND CERTIFICATION AS PROFICIENT IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE
BOATS

Knowledge, Performance Condition Performance Behavior Performance Standard

understanding
and
proficiency
Safely recover a In a lifeboat in the water, the student will command: 1. Commands are issued in proper
lifeboat 1. bringing the lifeboat sequence.
under the falls;
2. hooking the boat to the 2. All tasks needed to recover the
falls; boat are verified.
3. raising the boat to the 3. The boat is recovered and secured
embarkation deck; within 15 minutes.
4. raising the boat to its
stowed position; and, (Use check-list #3)
5. securing the boat.
Steer In a lifeboat in the water, the student will: 1. Commands are issued in proper
(command) a 1. get the boat underway; sequence.
lifeboat under 2. steer a course by LB
oars compass; 2. Courses are within ± 6°of direction
3. turn to port in the given by examiner.
shortest possible 3. Oarsmen carry out commands
distance; together.
4. turn to starboard turn to
starboard in the shortest (Use check-list #5)
possible distance;
5. stop; and
6. go astern while steering
as straight a course as
possible using both a
rudder and oars.
Operate a Method of In a lifeboat equipped with an the student will start and 1. Student checks that oil and cooling
lifeboat starting and inboard engine, operate the lifeboat engine. water levels are in accordance with
engine operating a manufacturer’s recommendation
lifeboat engine
and its 2. Actions taken to start the engine
accessories are in accordance with operator’s
manual for the engine's starting
system (hand crank, electric, or
hydraulic).
3. The engine is operated in forward,
neutral and reverse.

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Subj: QUALIFICATION AS A LIFEBOATMAN AND CERTIFICATION AS PROFICIENT IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE
BOATS

Knowledge, Performance Condition Performance Behavior Performance Standard

understanding
and proficiency
Manage a Row a lifeboat In a lifeboat in the water, the student will respond 1. Actions in response to the
lifeboat after correctly to the following commands are correct.
abandoning commands:
ship 1. Stand by the oars; 2. The oarsmen carry out together
2. Out oars; the actions in response to
3. Stand by to give way; commands.
4. Give way (Use check-list #6)
5. Oars;
6. Hold water;
7. Back water;
8. Way enough; and,
9. Boat the oars.
Use lifeboat Using a SOLAS approved the student will demonstrate 1. The bilge pump is readied for
equipment lifeboat, the correct use of the pumping and operated.
following equipment: 2. The device is correctly deployed.
1. Bilge pump; 3. Simulates correct deployment of
2. Rainwater collection the sea anchor.
device; 4. A TPA is correctly donned.
3. Sea Anchor; and,
4. Thermal Protective Aids.
Use locating Rig devices to aid Given a lifeboat radar reflector the student will correctly rig 1. The radar reflector is rigged to
devices location and a SART, the following devices to aid maximize its radar return.
location:
1. The boat’s radar 2. The SART is positioned to
reflector; and, maximize its signal output.
2. The lifeboat SART.

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Subj: QUALIFICATION AS A LIFEBOATMAN AND CERTIFICATION AS PROFICIENT IN

SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS

Checklist 1. While serving as the person-in-charge, give correct commands for PASS FAIL
launching a lifeboat or take appropriate steps to complete the listed actions
Muster crew and verify boat assignment
1. Verify that individuals know their tasks as identified in the station bill Υ Υ
2. Reassign tasks as necessary for missing or injured individuals Υ Υ
Visually inspect crew and passengers
1. PFD's are properly worn Υ Υ
2. Crew brings their survival suits, if required Υ Υ
3. Hard hats are worn by launching crew; remainder have appropriate head covering Υ Υ
Verify crewmembers bring equipment identified in their station bill as assigned
1. Radio Officer/Deck Officer – Radio, L/B VHF, SART Υ Υ
2. GSU – Blankets Υ Υ
3. Boat Engineer – Tools Υ Υ
Prior to launch, visually inspect the following:
1. Hull Υ Υ
2. Davits Υ Υ
3. Sea painter Υ Υ
4. Tricing pendants Υ Υ
5. Releasing gear lever in closed position Υ Υ
6. Vessel list to determine if lifeboat can be launched Υ Υ
7. Davit tracks for damage or obstructions Υ Υ
8. Obstructions below in way of boat Υ Υ
9. Drain plug is in place Υ Υ
10. Oars and Compass Υ Υ
Prepare the lifeboat for launch
1. Remove cover and strongback from lifeboat (if fitted) Υ Υ
2. Install boat plug Υ Υ
3. Check releasing lever in the non-release position Υ Υ
4. Lower man ropes Υ Υ
5. Lead sea painter forward and makes fast Υ Υ
6. Ship rudder Υ Υ
8. Release gripes Υ Υ
Lower boat to the embarkation deck
1. Raise winch brake handle to lower away to embarkation deck Υ Υ
2. Reduce rate of descent and apply brake before tricing pendants take boat's weight Υ Υ
3. Pass the frapping lines and make them taut Υ Υ
4 Order crewmembers into boat and to be seated Υ Υ
5. Order launch crew to release tricing pendants Υ Υ
Lower boat to the water
1. Release brake and allow lifeboat to lower to the water Υ Υ
2. Order crewmember to release boat from falls by changing the release lever position. Υ Υ
3. Order crewmembers to manually release the falls in the correct sequence according to
Υ Υ
sternway or headway if lifeboat does not have automatic releasing gear
4. Complete task in 10 minutes Υ Υ

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Subj: QUALIFICATION AS A LIFEBOATMAN AND CERTIFICATION AS PROFICIENT IN

SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS

Checklist 2. While serving a member of a boat crew, prepare and safely launch
Pass Fail
a lifeboat
Ready the boat for launch
On command, the student will:
1. Remove the boat cover and strong backs (if fitted) Υ Υ
2. Insert the drain plug Υ Υ
3. Ready the manropes Υ Υ
4. Ship the tiller Υ Υ
5. Check that the painter is secure to the thwart Υ Υ
6. Remove gripes Υ Υ
Pass and secure the sea painter
On command, the student will:
1. Lead painter inside falls and outboard of all obstructions Υ Υ
2. Remove slack Υ Υ
3. Secure to a bitt on the main deck well forward by a round turn and figure eights Υ Υ
Attend frapping lines and tricing pendants
On command, the student will:
1. Pass frapping lines around falls after the tricing pendants pull boat into side of Υ Υ
the ship
2. Secure with figure eights to cleat on davit arm Υ Υ
3. Slack as ordered during the boat's descent Υ Υ
4. When ordered, release tricing pendants Υ Υ
Operate winch and brake during lowering the boat
On command, the student will:
1. Lift brake release and lower boat as directed by person-in-charge Υ Υ

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SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS

Checklist 3. Safely recover a lifeboat PASS FAIL

1. Recover the sea painter and secure to forward thwart Υ Υ
2. Check that falls are not twisted and hooks are facing each other Υ Υ
3. Ease frapping lines out Υ Υ
4. Order crewmember to connect forward fall if vessel is making headway
Υ Υ
or to connect aft fall if vessel is making sternway
5. Order crewmember to connect remaining fall Υ Υ
6. Secure releasing gear Υ Υ
7. Order boat raised by electrical hoist to just above the embarkation deck so
Υ Υ
that tricing pendants can be made fast
8. Lower boat to embarkation deck to disembark passengers and crew Υ Υ
9. Remove drain plug Υ Υ
10. Order boat raised by winch Υ Υ
11. Check limit switches Υ Υ
12. Resume raising boat by winch until stopped by limit switches; turn off power to
Υ Υ
the winch
13. Order the boat raised to the boat cradle using hand cranks for the last 12
inches
Υ Υ
(Don’t allow winch brake to be used when hand cranks are in place or being
used)
14. Secure locking bars Υ Υ
15. Pass the gripes and tighten the gripe turnbuckles until boat is pulled in
against keel stops
16. Lower boat until it rests on keel stops Υ Υ
17. Release sea painter from forward deck and stow in boat Υ Υ
18. Replace strongback and boat cover, if fitted Υ Υ

19. Complete task in 15 minutes Υ Υ

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Subj: QUALIFICATION AS A LIFEBOATMAN AND CERTIFICATION AS PROFICIENT IN

SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS

Checklist 5. Steer (command) a lifeboat under oars Pass Fail

Give the command to fend off the bow
Give the command "Stand by the oars"
1. Crew picks up the oars at the loom so that the blade rests flat on
Υ Υ
the forward gunwales, pushes oars forward until the handles are over
the respective thwarts
Give the command "Out oars"

1. Crew lifts the oars and places them in the oar locks Υ Υ
Give the command "Stand by to give way"

1. Crew holds oars horizontally, blades perpendicular, with the wrists

Υ Υ
straight and arms extended full length; leans forward until knuckles
almost touch the backs of the persons in front
Give the command "Give way"

1. Crew dips three-quarters of the blade into the water, braces feet
Υ Υ
against the stretcher, leans back, and draws the handle up to the
chest
2. At the end of the first stroke, crew feathers the oars by rotating the wrist
downward
3. Leans forward and repeats steps 1 and 2
Steer the lifeboat in a straight line by compass
Υ Υ
Turn the lifeboat to port in the shortest distance.

1. Turn rudder to port (put tiller to starboard)

Υ Υ
2. Hold water port
3. Give way starboard
4. Backwater port
Turn the lifeboat to starboard

1. Turn rudder to starboard (put tiller to port)

2. Hold water starboard Υ Υ
3. Give way port
4. Backwater starboard
Stop the lifeboat

1. Hold water all

Υ Υ
Steer astern

1. Backwater all
Υ Υ
2. Adjust steering as necessary to achieve a course within ± 6° of the
desired heading

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Subj: QUALIFICATION AS A LIFEBOATMAN AND CERTIFICATION AS PROFICIENT IN

SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS

Checklist 6. Row a lifeboat PASS FAIL

On the command "Stand by the oars"
1. Pick up the oar at the loom so that the blade rests flat Υ Υ
on the forward gunwales, push oars forward until the
handle is over the respective thwart
On the command "Out oars"
1. Lift the oar and place it in the oar locks Υ Υ
On the command "Stand by to give way"

1. Hold oar horizontally, blade perpendicular with the wrists Υ Υ

straight and arms extended full length; lean forward until
knuckles almost touch the back of the person in front
On the command "Give way"
1. Dip three-quarters of the blade into the water, brace feet
against the stretcher, lean back, and draw the handle up to Υ Υ
the chest
2. At the end of the first stroke, feather the oar by rotating the
wrist downward
3. Lean forward and repeats steps 1 and 2
On the command “OARS”
1. Complete the stroke, stop rowing, and bring the oar horizontal at right angles to Υ Υ
the keel with the blades held flat
On the command “HOLD WATER “
1. Complete the stroke, stop rowing, dip the oar about half way into water and hold Υ Υ
water to stop the way on the boat
On the command “BACK WATER”
1. Row in astern motion Υ Υ
On the Command “WAY ENOUGH”
1. When rowing ahead, complete the stroke, raise oars with crook of elbow to about Υ Υ
30 degrees swing blade forward, and place oars in the boat
On the command “BOAT THE OARS”
1. From "Oars", place the oars in the boat with blades forward Υ Υ

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Subj: QUALIFICATION AS A LIFEBOATMAN AND CERTIFICATION AS PROFICIENT IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE
BOATS

Assessments for Launching and Recovery of Rescue Boats

Competenc Knowledge, Performance Condition Performance Behavior Performance Standard
y understanding
and proficiency
Take charge Command Using a rescue boat properly the candidate will command The candidate issued the following
of rescue launching the stowed on single arm davit, the launching of a rescue orders in proper sequence and verified
boat during rescue boat. mounted on a pier or a ship, boat. they were properly carried out:
and after when hearing an order in 1. removed boat cover and securing
launch English to lower the rescue lines; put in drain plugs if fitted,
boat, check fuel and lube oil levels,
tested engine, and made sure all
rescue gear is aboard;
2. checked that the sea painter is
properly attached;
3. secured control lines (if fitted) at
rescue boat bow and stern;
4. checked that the out drive had
been lowered;
5. swung rescue boat to the
embarkation position*; and,
6. lowered rescue boat to water.
* If it is unsafe for the rescue boat
crew to ride the rescue craft from
the embarkation position to the
water, this task should be
simulated.
Launch the rescue Using a rescue boat properly the candidates, acting as When ordered, the candidate correctly
boat. stowed on single arm davit, members of the launch performed the following tasks:
mounted on a pier or a ship, crew, will prepare and 1. readied the rescue boat for launch;
when hearing the orders in launch a rescue boat.* 2. properly passed and secured the
English to prepare and lower sea painter and control lines (if
the rescue boat, *Candidates must rotate fitted);
through all assigned tasks to 3. lowered the outdrive;
determine if they have 4. positioned the rescue boat at the
achieved competence. embarkation site; and,
5. lowered the boat on command.
Operate the Using a rescue boat, when the candidate will act as The candidate:
rescue boat hearing the order in English to coxswain and operate the 1. boarded the rescue boat;
during launch. man the rescue boat, rescue boat during launch. 2. when afloat, started the engine;
3. ordered the release of the
releasing hook, after control line (if
fitted), forward control line (if

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BOATS

fitted), and painter; and,

4. departed the ship's side at a
shallow angle.
Knowledge, Performance Condition Performance Behavior Performance Standard
understanding
and proficiency
Operate the Using a properly stowed the candidate acting as the The candidate:
rescue boat rescue boat, when hearing the rescue boat crew will carry 1. boarded the rescue boat;
during launch. order in English to man the out all commands during 2. released the releasing hook, after
rescue boat, launch. control line (if fitted), forward
control line (if fitted), and painter;
and,
3. fended off as ordered.
Recover the Given a rescue boat on the the candidates acting a When ordered, the candidate correctly
rescue boat. water connected to the fall of a members of the recovery performed the following tasks:
single arm davit, mounted on crew will recover and stow 1. lowered the painter and control
a pier or a ship, when hearing the rescue boat.* lines to the appropriate height
the orders in English to above the water;
recover and stow a rescue 2. tended the forward and after
boat, control lines (if fitted);
*Candidates will be rotated 3. lowered the hook when the boat
through all assigned tasks to operator signaled to do so;
determine if they have 4. when the boat operator signaled to
achieved competence. begin hoisting, hoisted the rescue
boat to the disembarkation position
while tending the control lines ( if
fitted)*;
5. disembarked the rescue boat crew;
6. swung the rescue boat to its stowed
position; and ,
7. properly secured the rescue boat.
* If it is unsafe for the rescue boat
crew to ride the rescue boat from the
water to the disembarkation position,
this task should be simulated.

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Subj: QUALIFICATION AS A LIFEBOATMAN AND CERTIFICATION AS PROFICIENT IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE
BOATS

Knowledge, Performance Condition Performance Behavior Performance Standard

understanding
and proficiency
Operate the Using a rescue boat on the the candidate will operate The candidate:
rescue boat water and a single arm davit, the rescue boat during 1. positioned the rescue boat under
during recovery. mounted on a pier or a ship, recovery. the sea painter’s eye;
when hearing the order in 2. directed the crew to grab the sea
English to return to the ship, painter;
3. rode the painter until the boat was
in the appropriate position;
4. directed the crew to secure the sea
painter on his/her command;
5. directed the crew to secure the
forward control line (if fitted), and
the after control line (if fitted);
6. directed the crew to secure the
releasing hook to the rescue boat
bridle; and,
7. secured the engine properly as
safety requires.
Command the Given a rescue boat on the the candidate will command The candidate issued orders in proper
recovery and water connected to the fall of a the recovery and stowage of sequence that resulted in the following
stowage of the single arm davit, when hearing the rescue boat. actions and verified they were properly
rescue boat. the order in English to recover carried out:
the rescue boat, 1. painter and control lines were
lowered to the appropriate height
above the water;
2. forward and after control lines (if
fitted) were tended;
3. the hook was lowered upon signal;
4. when the boat operator signaled to
begin hoisting, ordered the
recovery crew to hoist the rescue
boat to the disembarkation position
while tending the control lines ( if
fitted)*;
5. the rescue boat crew disembarked;
6. the rescue boat was swung to its
stowed position; and,
7. the rescue boat was properly
secured.
* If it is unsafe for the rescue boat

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BOATS

crew to ride the rescue boat from the

water to the disembarkation position,
this task should be simulated.
RECORD OF QUALIFYING SEA SERVICE

This record of the sea service acquired by _____________________________, MMD no.__________________, will be used to qualify for a
lifeboatman's endorsement or certification as proficient in survival craft. It should be signed by the mariner's department head indicating the
dates of service, and the number of abandon ship d rills in which the mariner participated.

VESSEL ROUTE1 SIGNED ON/ DATES OF ABANDON SHIP DATES BOAT SIGNATURE
DISCHARGED DRILLS2 LOWERED TO WATER (Include MMD no.)
AND CREW
EXERCISED3
/

Notes: 1. Insert O for ocean routes; NC for near coastal routes; GL for Great Lakes routes; LBS for other lakes and bays or sounds.
2. Only include dates where the crew was instructed in abandon ship procedures and the launching and handling of survival craft

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NMC Policy Ltr. No. 08-01

Subj: QUALIFICATION AS A LIFEBOATMAN AND CERTIFICATION AS PROFICIENT IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE
BOATS

3. Only include a date in this column if the mariner served as member of the boat crew that was exercised at oars, otherwise insert
NA.

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Subj: QUALIFICATION AS A LIFEBOATMAN AND CERTIFICATION AS PROFICIENT IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE
BOATS

RECORD OF COMPLETION OF PRACTICAL ASSESSMENTS TO QUALIFY AS A

LIFEBOATMAN AND AS PROFICIENT IN SURVIVAL CRAFT

This checklist conveniently groups the STCW's competencies and the supporting knowledge, understandings, and proficiencies that apply to
certification as proficient in survival craft and to issuance of a lifeboatma n certification. Assessors who witness the successful demonstration
of a mariner's competency, performed in accordance with the assessment standards, should sign the appropriate line in this checklist, print
their name, and include their license number.

MARINER'S NAME ________________________________________ MMD NO. _____________________

STCW COMPETENCY DATE VESSEL/ SIGNATURE/LIC. NO.*

TRAINING
FACILITY
I. LAUNCHING AND RECOVERY OF LIFEBOATS
1. Command launching the lifeboat
2. Prepare and safely launch a lifeboat
3. Safely recover a lifeboat
4. Start and operate a lifeboat’s engine
5. Steer (command) a lifeboat under oars
6. Row a lifeboat
7. Use lifeboat equipment
8. Rig devices to aid detection

II. LAUNCHING AND RECOVERY OF RESCUE BOATS

1. Command launching the rescue boat
2. Launch the rescue boat
3. Operate the rescue boat during launch – Act as coxswain
4. Operate the rescue boat during launch – Act as boat crew
5. Operate the rescue boat during recovery
6. Command the rescue boat during recovery
* By signing, I acknowledge that I have had at least one year of sea service in a licensed capacity wit hin the past five years and that I am
serving as a licensed officer on the vessel
upon which these assessments are being performed.

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