Back in the days before STCW, “Lifeboatman” was simply another qualified rating that a mariner could obtain. The mariner went to the Coast Guard, documented at least one year of service in the deck department (or two years in any department), took a written exam, and demonstrated the procedures for launching a lifeboat on a 1/4 scale model located in the Coast Guard Regional Examination Center. If all of that was successful, they added "Lifeboatman" to the mariner's Merchant Mariner's Document (MMD). When a mariner wanted to qualify directly for an ABLE SEAMAN (AB) rating, Lifeboatman was and is part of that process. Among many other skills required of an AB, they were and continue to be the primary crew members that assist the licensed officers in lowering the lifeboats on a merchant vessel.
In yet another change brought on by STCW, the certification of Lifeboatman has become a bit more complicated. The Coast Guard can no longer administer the practical exams on a ¼ scale model. STCW now requires all mariners to be “assessed” on an actual lifeboat or complete an approved course that uses a full-scale model. This is a common STCW "theme". STCW requires knowledge based ‘assessments’ (testing) and practical based assessments for almost all duties and skills a watchstander might perform. STCW also requires ALL ships officers (both engineers and deck officers) to be “proficient in the use of survival craft”.
Since all vessels are not required to be equipped with LIFEBOATS, the Coast Guard and STCW has allowed mariners to qualify for a rating that does not include being proficient in their use. If you work on a vessel that is equipped with Inflatable LIFE RAFTS instead of LIFEBOATS, then you don’t require the full LIFEBOATMAN rating. However, you would be limited to vessels that don't use LIFEBOATS. There are two types of courses that cover each level and you should be careful before deciding on which one you should take. There are on board assessment options you can complete as well, but that still requires a written exam with the Coast Guard.
Although not all mariners may be required to complete this training, it's well worth the effort and the time to learn how to use ALL types of survival craft! Basic Safety Training (BST) gives you an introduction to Inflatable Life Rafts, but a full PSC OR Lifeboat course provides more in depth training and the chance to qualify for a rating under both the Coast Guard and STCW system. The time to "learn" about these types of survival craft is not when you need to abandon ship!!
Back in the days before STCW, “Lifeboatman” was simply another qualified rating that a mariner could obtain. The mariner went to the Coast Guard, documented at least one year of service in the deck department (or two years in any department), took a written exam, and demonstrated the procedures for launching a lifeboat on a 1/4 scale model located in the Coast Guard Regional Examination Center. If all of that was successful, they added "Lifeboatman" to the mariner's Merchant Mariner's Document (MMD). When a mariner wanted to qualify directly for an ABLE SEAMAN (AB) rating, Lifeboatman was and is part of that process. Among many other skills required of an AB, they were and continue to be the primary crew members that assist the licensed officers in lowering the lifeboats on a merchant vessel.
In yet another change brought on by STCW, the certification of Lifeboatman has become a bit more complicated. The Coast Guard can no longer administer the practical exams on a ¼ scale model. STCW now requires all mariners to be “assessed” on an actual lifeboat or complete an approved course that uses a full-scale model. This is a common STCW "theme". STCW requires knowledge based ‘assessments’ (testing) and practical based assessments for almost all duties and skills a watchstander might perform. STCW also requires ALL ships officers (both engineers and deck officers) to be “proficient in the use of survival craft”.
Since all vessels are not required to be equipped with LIFEBOATS, the Coast Guard and STCW has allowed mariners to qualify for a rating that does not include being proficient in their use. If you work on a vessel that is equipped with Inflatable LIFE RAFTS instead of LIFEBOATS, then you don’t require the full LIFEBOATMAN rating. However, you would be limited to vessels that don't use LIFEBOATS. There are two types of courses that cover each level and you should be careful before deciding on which one you should take. There are on board assessment options you can complete as well, but that still requires a written exam with the Coast Guard.
Although not all mariners may be required to complete this training, it's well worth the effort and the time to learn how to use ALL types of survival craft! Basic Safety Training (BST) gives you an introduction to Inflatable Life Rafts, but a full PSC OR Lifeboat course provides more in depth training and the chance to qualify for a rating under both the Coast Guard and STCW system. The time to "learn" about these types of survival craft is not when you need to abandon ship!!