U.S. Marine Corps Combat Water Survival

U.S. Marine Corps Combat Water Survival:  Marine Corps Reference Publication (MCRP) 3-02C, 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).  

Tablet of 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