Navy
MEDICAL
NEC

NEC

801A

Surface Rescue Swimmer

A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.

Description

Surface Rescue Swimmers enter the water from ships or aircraft to recover personnel and equipment in maritime emergencies. They assess conditions, use rescue and survival equipment, provide immediate assistance, and coordinate recovery operations with shipboard and aviation crews.

Core Skills

  • water rescue techniques
  • open ocean swimming
  • helicopter rescue procedures
  • maritime survival
  • casualty handling
  • first aid and cpr
  • rescue equipment operation
  • risk assessment
  • team communication
  • physical conditioning

Common Certifications

  • NREMT Emergency Medical Technician
  • American Red Cross Lifeguarding
  • American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor
  • NAUI Rescue Diver
  • PADI Rescue Diver
  • FEMA Incident Command System Certifications

Civilian Career Paths

  • EMERGENCY MEDICINE
  • EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
  • FIRE PROTECTION
  • PRIVATE SECURITY

Training & Development

Getting Started

  • American Red Cross Lifeguarding
  • NREMT Emergency Medical Technician
  • American Red Cross CPR and AED for Professional Rescuers
  • FEMA Incident Command System Certifications

Career Growth

  • PADI Rescue Diver
  • Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Technician
  • NREMT Advanced Emergency Medical Technician

Data sourced from official Navy publications and public military occupational references. Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.