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  • Home
  • Trainings/Certifications
    • What We Offer
    • Sailing Rescue Swimmer
    • Regatta Crisis Management
    • Regatta Safety Officer
  • Delivery & Logistics
  • Coaching & Speaking
  • Free Resources
  • About Us

Sailing Rescue Swimmer Certification


Learn how to safely enter the water to recover an immobilized crew member when stopping the boat isn’t possible. This training fills a critical gap in modern man-overboard response caused by high-performance sailing and limited maneuverability. Created by the Ministry of Sailing and top offshore sailors, this is the only certification designed to prepare sailors for real-world rescue conditions when every second counts.


Registration Form

Next Training

03/28/2026

Sailing Rescue Swimmer Certification

1pm

-

6pm

Event Details

03/28/2026

Sailing Rescue Swimmer Certification

Annapolis, MD

1pm

-

6pm

Why Sailing Clubs Should Host This Training:

(Note: We have exclusive rates for teams, clubs and events)

  • Close the Safety Gap
    Equip your members with critical rescue skills not covered in standard MOB drills.
  • Stand Out as a Leader
    Offer one-of-a-kind training that reflects your club’s commitment to innovation and safety.
  • Hands-On & Practical
    Taught by experienced offshore sailors with real-world rescue experience.
  • Build Confidence & Readiness
    Empower teams to respond in high-risk scenarios — even when the boat can’t stop.
  • Attract Serious Sailors
    Appeal to offshore racers, ocean cruisers, and safety-minded sailors looking to go beyond basic certifications.

How to Get Started

  • Fill out the Registration Form (button on the top of the page)



  • After you submit the form, we’ll get back to you with available locations & dates.
  • If you do not see a venue near you, ask for a private course. 



PURCHASE "SAILING RESCUE SWIMMER HANDBOOK" (Optional):

  • Handbook


REVIEW ALL MODULES BELOW: 

  • Module (Annex B)  Needs Assessment
  • Module Six - Safety Leadership (Crew Resource Management)


PRACTICE SAILING RESCUE SWIMMER PRE EXAM TEST:

  • LINK to Module Exam


REVIEW ALL MODULES:

  • Link to Modules


Cruising Yacht Club of America MOB


  • Please note PPT Slides are below in the File Downloads (below)



  • Meet with your instructors and become certified.


At Home Modules Downloads

Download and enjoy.  

Annex B Module Rescue Needs Assessment PPT PDF (pdf)Download
Rescue Swimmers Risk Assessment (xlsx)Download
Module 1 RS Introduction (pptx)Download
Module 2 - RS Training and Safety (pptx)Download
RS Section 3 Rigging and PPE (pdf)Download
RS Section 4 Dangers of Dragging and other Safety Tips (pdf)Download
Leadership Safety Teamwork (pdf)Download
Application for RESCUE SWIMMER (pdf)Download

Purchase Sailing Rescue Swimmer Handbook

  1. CPR and First Aid Qualified*
  2. Safety at Sea Certificate* 
  3. Life-Guard Certification or evidence provided of strong swimming skills in open water (the ability to swim 400 meters, and the ability to tread water for 10 minutes).
  4. A Recommendation from a World Sailing, Group Three Professional or Team Captain/Owner providing evidence of experience. 
  5. Sailing experience not less than 150 nautical miles, or a passage not less than 24 hours.


(* as recognized by World Sailing)


(Water & Mold Resistant)


BUY NOW ($50)

Who Developed the Rescue Swimmer Program


  • Nick Bice
  • Carolijn Brouwer
  • Dee Caffari MBE
  • Brian Carlin
  • Marcus Cholerton-Brown
  • Paul Exner
  • Jono Francis
  • Michael McCarty
  • Brett Perry
  • John Poast
  • John Schafer
  • Jordan Spencer
  • Liz Wardley
  • Andrew Waters



  • Dr. Huda Ayas
  • Amelia Infante
  • Tom Ehman
  • Jack Parnell
  • Col. Scott H. Schafer USAF 



  • Bar Karate, Sailing Illustrated., The Maiden Project, Yachts & Yachting, Sailing Poland


Ministry of Sailing

P.O.Box 4595, Annapolis, MD 21403

240 401 8220

Copyright © 2026 Ministry of Sailing - All Rights Reserved. 

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