Consistently considered one of the toughest swim qualifications in the United States military, the MCWS course provides a stage for the continuous enhancement of every Marine’s survivability in water. The program is intended to maintain water survival skills throughout a Marine’s career. The main goal is to increase each individual’s confidence in aquatic scenarios, from basic swimming strokes to combat. The course uses a building block approach, incorporating sequential qualification levels of increasing difficulty in order to equip personnel with the knowledge and skills required to negotiate water obstacles and survive in potentially dangerous situations.

All Marines must qualify and periodically re-qualify, as outlined in the following list of qualification levels:

Like any good training program, the curriculum is continuously updated to reflect the ever-changing environment of battle. To prepare for a MCWS course, candidates should obtain and study the Marine Combat Water Survival Handbook (document MCRP 3-02C). This handbook outlines the techniques and procedures taught in the various courses, including abandoning ship, swimming in cold water, rescue techniques for unconscious victims, techniques for rescuing a drowning victim (with emphasis on the avoidance of flailing limbs), treatment of hypothermia, negotiating obstacles and determining the most efficient means for fording a river.

Instructors

MCWS instructors must endure an extremely difficult three-week course, in which countless hours are spent in the water perfecting each water-based technique. They specialize in teaching Marines proper techniques for use in the water. Instructors provide thorough instruction and demonstration while allowing each trainee ample time to display that they can properly perform the techniques. Training is challenging at times, but student questions are always answered. MCWS instructors do whatever it takes to ensure that each and every Marine steadily increases their chances of survival in aquatic situations. Strict safety guidelines govern every training session, and trainers are responsible for ensuring that equipped medics are present.

There are multiple instructor levels, and the program is based on a “trainers-train-trainers” method of advancement.

A Combat Water Safety Swimmer (CWSS) is trained to perform water rescues in training and tactical environments. Trainers with this level of qualification possesses the expertise to advise commanders on conducting aquatic training, and may assist more advanced trainers during instruction. CWSS certification is valid for three years. Candidates must have a current WSQ qualification and receive a recommendation from a current MCIWS or MCITWS. Any rank can obtain CWSS certification

A Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival (MCIWS) conducts water survival training and is authorized to qualify others to the CWSS level. MCIWS certification is valid for three years. Candidates must be ranked corporal or higher (can be waived to lance corporal), hold a current WSQ qualification, and receive a recommendation from a current MCIWS or MCITWS.

A Marine Combat Instructor Trainer of Water Survival (MCITWS) trains and certifies new instructors in addition to conducting normal water survival training. MCITWS qualification requires an additional course, and certification is valid for three years. To qualify to take the course for MCITWS certification, a candidate must be a staff sergeant (can be waived to sergeant) with current MCIWS certification and one year instructor experience (can be waived to nine months). Other requisites include current American Red Cross (ARC) lifeguard and CPR/PR certification, and a recommendation from a current MCITWS.

The Chief Instructor Trainer is responsible for the research, development and deployment of the techniques and procedures taught at the school, and advises a director on the overall progress of the program. The Chief Instructor Trainer is also responsible for monitoring the quality of training throughout the Marine Corps.

Although it may seem like these instructors are on an indefinite poolside vacation, they all take their jobs very seriously and are proud of their responsibility for teaching skills that may some day save the lives of their students.