Course Overview
Students will learn about orderly abandonment of a vessel in an emergency situation. They will learn the procedures to clear the vessel; proper and effective use of equipment; and how to coordinate survival activities during rescue operations. This course meets the requirements of Table A-VI/2-1 of the STCW Convention Specification, which specifies the minimum standard of competence in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats.
Prerequisite(s)
- (1) Minimum of 16 years of age and must hold a valid MED A1, MED A2, or STCW Basic Safety training certificate. (2) Completion of CCOHS Fatigue Management at Sea course. This course is offered free for all Canadian seafarers with a valid CDN: https://www.ccohs.ca/distributors/transport-canada. Required as per Ship Security Bulletin 15-2025: https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/ship-safety-bulletins/mandatory-fatigue-management-training-ssb-no-15-2025
Credits
2.0
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Domestic fees
$1,467.64
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe the construction and outfit of survival craft and rescue boats, and individual items of their equipment.
- Explain particular characteristics and facilities of survival craft and rescue boats.
- Describe the various types of devices used for launching survival craft and rescue boats.
- Describe methods of launching survival craft into a rough sea.
- Describe methods of recovering survival craft.
- Demonstrate the actions to be taken after leaving the ship.
- Demonstrate methods of launching and recovering rescue boats in a rough sea.
- Explain how to handle survival craft in rough weather.
- Demonstrate the use of painter, sea anchor, and all other equipment.
- Describe the apportionment of food and water in survival craft.
- Explain the action taken to maximize detectability and location of survival craft.
- Demonstrate the method of helicopter rescue.
- Demonstrate the effects of hypothermia and its prevention, and the use of protective covers and garments, including immersion suits and thermal protective aids.
- Use rescue boats and motor lifeboats for marshalling life rafts and rescue of survivors, and persons in the sea.
- Explain how to beach a survival craft.
- Demonstrate the methods of starting and operating a survival craft engine, and its accessories, together with the use of the fire extinguisher provided.
- Describe radio lifesaving appliances carried in survival craft, including satellite EPIRBs and SARTs.
- Demonstrate pyrotechnic distress signals.
- Demonstrate the use of first-aid and resuscitation techniques.
- Explain the management of injured persons, including control of bleeding and shock.
Effective as of Fall 2024
Related Programs
STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft (MEDI 1810) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs with a co-op option.
School of Transportation
- Bridge Watch Rating
Associate Certificate Full-time
- Marine Engineering
Diploma Full-time
- Nautical Sciences
Diploma Full-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of MEDI 1810 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 52209
Dates
Nov 06 - Nov 13 Loading
- CRN 52209
- $1467.64 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 06 - Nov 13 | Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | 08:30 - 16:00 | Marine BMC |
Duration
2 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- To obtain departmental approval, send an email to med@bcit.ca with your Fatigue Management at Sea training, your student ID# and the coursed dates you're interested in. Use this link tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/ship-safety-bulletins/mandatory-fatigue-management-training-ssb-no-15-2025 to complete your Mandatory Fatigue Management Training. Your must purchase the required manuals and text(s) from the BCIT Bookstore: www.bcitbookstore.ca/bcit/ You are required to have the manual with you on your first day at the Marine Campus. You can have the physical, Spiral/Paperback, manual shipped to Marine Campus Library for pick up. Alternatively, you can purchase the Digital Version where available.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.