Cold Water Survival Training & Certification

Three Different Types of Trainings

Whether you want training and certification in as little as two hours with our online training or a more robust, customizable option like you get with our DIY training kits or on-site training, we can help you get the training certificate you need in the way you want it and at a price you can afford.

Online Training

Online is for those who prefer self-paced training from any location or for employers who need to assign and monitor employee training progress and exam scores. Online training is also eligible for bulk pricing discounts for groups of 16+ trainees.

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Training Kits

The kit is for those who want to do the training themselves. It’s a reusable training presentation that is used to train groups of people all at one time in one location. If you need to train a trainer to use the kit we offer a train the trainer online course.

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Train the Trainer

Train the trainer courses are online and meant to certify a single individual to use the training kit to train others. The kit is included with the train the trainer online course for no additional cost and is reusable. The result is a lifetime certification.

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What's in the Training?

Our Cold Water Survival training course is Canada compliant, and our online version fulfills classroom training requirement. This course contains sections on Cold Water Immersion, Safety Equipment, and Survival Techniques.

This training briefly presents the hazards of exposure to cold water that may endanger life, and provides advice based on the latest medical and scientific opinion on how to prevent or minimize those dangers. Knowing what is likely to happen if you are immersed in cold water is a survival aid in itself. The presentation includes intermittent practice quiz questions to prepare for the final written exam included with the course. In addition to the written exam, this course also includes a checklist for employers to use when administering a practical exam.

Though you will still need to familiarize yourself with all other applicable federal, state, and local standards, this training encompasses the following maritime standards:

Canada Standards

SOR 93(1) – Emergency Procedures
SOR 93(2) – Training
SOR 144 – Fall Protection Systems
SOR 147 – Protection Against Drowning
SOLAS 3 – Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements

Why Do I Need Training?

Employers must provide training for crew members aboard commercial vessels. You should be taught how to identify, prevent, and respond to hazards specific to your ship and the job at hand. This includes instructions on how to don and care for PFDs and immersion suits.

When it comes to refresher training, OSHA’s standard in some instances (like forklifts) are very specific: operators must be re-evaluated every three years to see if they are still competent to operate the equipment. Best practices say to apply this same rule to all types of safety hazards. A so-called “free-pass” cannot be awarded based on experience, age, or time on the job. The extent of the evaluation is to be determined by the employer but should include a written and practical examination that prove continued competency.

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Stay Informed On All Things

Did You Know?

Cold water carries the body’s heat away 25 times faster than air of the same temperature.

“Cold water” is any water that is 70 degree F or colder. (Source: Nat’l Water Safety Congress)

The 1-10-1 rule says you have one minute to control your breathing, less than 10 minutes for self-rescue, and one hour before you become unconscious due to hypothermia. (Source: Nat’l Water Safety Congress)

Safety Videos

Cold Water Survival How to Survive Cold Water Shock

In the News

Tips to Survive a Fall Into Cold Water Hypothermia Prevention: Survival in Cold Water

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can someone survive in cold water?

A person’s survival in cold water depends on a number of factors, including the following:
• Body size and build
• Ability to swim
• Cold tolerance
• If they’re wearing a lifejacket or PFD (personal floatation device)

What is the most important thing to do when immersed in cold water?

Conserving your body heat is the most important thing you can do if you are in cold water. Use the HELP position to do this.

What is the HELP position?

HELP stands for Heat Escape Lessoning Position. It is when you cross your legs, raise your knees to your chest, and hug yourself.

Can lifejackets really help?

The USCG estimates that 80% of boating fatalities could be prevented if people would wear life jackets. (Source: USCG)