Swim qualification changes now in effect

Photo By Cpl. Crystal Druery | Recruits from Company E step into the water as part of the Marine Corps Water Survival Training Program April 18. Company E is the second company to qualify under the new requirements. Now there are only three different levels of qualification; basic, intermediate and advanced. The changes implemented effective, April 15, focus on making swim qualification more realistic. Marines are now required to wear the full camouflage uniform, including boots.  

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES

04.22.2011

Story by Pfc. Crystal Druery 

Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego     

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - As of April 15, the swim qualification requirements have been modified to better prepare Marines for aquatic combat situations.

According to Marine Administrative Message 212/11, the Marine Corps Water Survival Training Program will implement changes outlined in MARADMIN 653/10 published in November 2010.

The Marine Corps Water Survival Training Program, or MCWSTP, now consists of three levels. Marines will now qualify as either basic, intermediate, or advanced swimmers.

However, there are still Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival and Marine Corps Instructor Trainer of Water Survival.

“The new swim qual has been modified to the modern day Marine,” said Staff Sgt. Brian L. Fisher, MCRD pool operations chief.

The full camouflage uniform, including boots, is now required for every level of swim qualification.

“When they revamped the new swim qual, they really took into consideration the combat side of being a Marine,” said Fisher.

“For example, why would you have a swim qual where you don’t have boots on, because when it comes down to it, if you’re in a humvee and it flips over your going to have boots on,” he added.

The MCWSTP employs water survival skills of increasing levels of ability.

It is designed to reduce fear, raise self-confidence, and develop Marines with the ability to survive in water.

Bergeron expressed that weak swimmers could get by before, but now that boots are required it can create a mental barrier. Bergeron hopes this new program puts more emphasis on water qualifications.

“If you know you’re not a strong swimmer you should be attacking the pool on your off time, just like for a physical fitness test,” said Bergeron.

For Marines who need to fulfill annual training requirements, MCRD swim instructors hold water survival qualifications every Friday at 7:30 a.m.

Marines who are current with their swim qualification are good until it expires.

• Date Taken: 04.22.2011
• Date Posted: 05.05.2011 13:35
• Story ID: 69906
• Location: MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, SAN DIEGO, CA, US