3rd-Class Swim Test

This test is to determine if you can stay afloat and survive without the use of a personal flotation device (PFD) in open water long enough to be rescued in a man-overboard situation. The 3rd-Class swim test consists of TWO modules:

Module One

  • A deep-water (abandon ship) jump off a platform of approximately 10 feet
  • A 50-yard swim (using any stroke)
  • A 5-minute prone float

Module Two — Shirt and Trouser Inflation

  • Stay at the surface by inflating shirt with “bubble” of air
  • Remove trousers
  • Fill trousers by any method in order to float motionless and stay on the surface