Cold Water Survival Training & Certification
Whether you want cold water survival 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 cold water training you want in the way you want it and at a price you can afford.
What are my options for cold water survival training?
What’s in the Cold Water Survival Training Course?
Our Cold Water Survival training course is CSA compliant, and our online version fulfills classroom training requirements. 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:
- Encompasses these Canada Standards
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SOR 93(1) – Emergency Procedures
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SOR 93(2) – Training
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SOR 144 – Fall Protection Systems
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SOR 147 – Protection Against Drowning
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SOLAS 3 – Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements
What is the cold water survival train the trainer course exactly?
The train the trainer option is used to certify a trainer to teach others using the included training kit. It incorporates the online course with an additional train the trainer module, as well as the training kit. This option results in a CSA compliant lifetime trainer certification from Hard Hat Training. This certification is not company-specific, meaning you can take it with you should you change employers.
Why do I need cold water survival 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, CSA’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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Did You Know?
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Cold water carries the body’s heat away 25 times faster than air of the same temperature.
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“Cold water” is any water that is 70 degree F or colder. (Nat’l Water Safety Congress)
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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. (Nat’l Water Safety Congress)
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Safety Videos
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Cold Water Survival
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How to Survive Cold Water Shock
Browse our other available trainings:
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Canadian Training Kits
in English ONLY -
Canadian Online Training
in English ONLY -
Canadian Online Train the Trainer
in English ONLY
Cold Water Survival FAQs
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. (USCG)