Marine Combat Water Survival

Marine Combat Water Survival, provides Marine Corps combat water survival techniques, procedures, and training standards. This publication also teaches Marines to cross water obstacles and perform water rescues correctly and safely. This publication is the foundation for teaching Marines correct water survival techniques and procedures that are used throughout the Marine combat water survival program (MCWSP).



CONTENTS

Chapter 1. Survival at Sea
Abandoning Ship
Jettisoning Equipment
Abandoning Ship Technique
Modified Abandoning Ship Technique
Surface Burning Oil Swim
Surviving With a Pack
Preparing Equipment
Tying Waterproof/Plastic Bags
Packing the Pack
Swimming With the Pack
Staying Afloat With a Life Preserver
Inherently Buoyant Life Preservers
Inflatable Life Preservers
Staying Afloat Without a Life Preserver
Floating With an Inflated Blouse
Floating With Inflated Trousers
Sling Method
Splash Method
Blow Method
Avoiding Heat Loss in Cold Water
Individual Protection From the Cold
Group Protection From the Cold
Drownproofing Methods
Crawl Stroke
T-Method
The Sweep
Breast Stroke
Side Stroke
Elementary Backstroke

Chapter 2. Water Rescues
Reaching Rescue Techniques
Reach
Reach From a Deck
Arm Extension
Leg Extension
Wading Assist
Throw
Lifesaving Approaches
Front Surface Approach
Rear Approach
Approach Strokes
Crawl Stroke Approach Stroke
Breast Stroke Approach Stroke
Level Offs
Front Surface Approach
Single Armpit Level Off
Double Armpit Level Off
Rescue Techniques
Wrist Tow
Single Armpit Tow
Double Armpit Tow
Collar Tow
Cross-Chest Carry
Tired Swimmer's Assist
Defense Against a Drowning Victim
Block
Wrist-Grip Escape/Wrist-Grip Escape Alternative
Front Head-Hold Escape
Rear Head-Hold Escape
Administering First Aid/Rescue Breathing

Chapter 3. Treatment of Casualties and Avoidance of Dangerous Marine Life
Drowning
Symptoms
Treatment
Hypothermia
Symptoms
Survival Time
Treatment
Heat-Related Injuries
Burns
Common Medical Problems Associated with Sea Survival
Seasickness
Saltwater Sores
Blindness/Headache
Constipation
Sunburn and Dehydration
Dangerous Marine Life
Sharks and Barracudas
Sea Snakes
Poisonous Fish
Turtles and Moray Eels
Corals
Jellyfish, Portuguese Man-of-War, Anemones, and Others
Spiny Fish, Urchins, Stingrays, and Cone Shells

Chapter 4. Negotiating Water Obstacles
Tides
Surf
Plunging Waves
Spilling Waves
Surging Waves
Currents
Offshore Currents
Rip Currents
Littoral Currents
Back Bays
Rivers and Canals

Chapter 5. Fording Waterways
Selection of a Ford Site
Determine the Slope
Clinometer
Map
Line of Sight and Pace
Determine the Current Speed
Measure River Width
Calculate Downstream Drift
The Buddy System
Water Crossings
Care of Weapons
ISOMAT Raft
Poncho Raft
Construction of a Pack Raft
Single-Rope Bridge
High and Dry Crossings
Swift Current Crossings
Slow Current Crossings
Removal

Appendix. Knot Tying
Square Knot
Bowline
Hitches
Half Hitch
Two Half Hitches
Round Turn and Two Half Hitches
Butterfly Knot