NIMASA STCW PSSR

It certifies that you can take charge of a survival craft or rescue boat other than a fast rescue boat, including launching, handling and recovering it and caring for the people on board. It is normally required for officers and for ratings assigned to survival craft or rescue boat duties under the muster list.

Expect a written or multiple-choice knowledge paper plus a practical assessment on the craft, davits and release gear. Practicals typically require you to demonstrate launch preparation, boat handling and recovery of a person from the water. Confirm the exact components with NIMASA before you book.

NIMASA sets and publishes the current paper structure, duration and question count for each session, so check its official examination guidance rather than relying on second-hand figures. Structure can change between sessions, so verify shortly before your booking.

The passing mark and retake rules are set by NIMASA and published in its current examination guidance. Ask your training provider or check the NIMASA site for the applicable figure and the procedure for a re-sit, including any waiting period.

Knowledge questions are manageable with structured study. Most candidates lose marks in the practical, especially on release gear checks, hook operation and heavy-weather handling. Candidates who have genuinely operated the equipment under supervision find it far easier than those who only read about it.

Start with construction and equipment so the vocabulary is familiar, then launching arrangements and release gear, since these carry the most practical risk. Add handling and heavy weather, then abandon-ship and survival, maintenance and drills, rescue boat work, radio and signalling, and finish with first aid and hypothermia.

Weak spots tend to be on-load versus off-load release operation, pre-launch checks, painter and bowsing tackle handling, and recovery of a casualty without injuring them or capsizing the boat. First aid for hypothermia and correct use of pyrotechnics and portable radio also cause avoidable lost marks.

Get supervised hands-on time with the actual craft, hooks and davits, and rehearse the full sequence aloud: checks, crew briefing, launching, clearing the ship, manoeuvring and recovery. Practise man-overboard approaches and casualty handling until the steps are automatic, and review the ship's training manual.

No. This is independent study content written to help candidates revise, and it is not affiliated with or endorsed by NIMASA. Always treat the administration's current regulations, examination guidance and your approved training provider's instructions as authoritative.