MCO 1500.52E — Marine Corps Water Survival Program (mcwsp)

MCO 1500.52E governs the Marine Corps Water Survival Program, including aquatic training, underwater egress, qualifications, and safety.

Search MCO 1500.52E

• Publication number: MCO 1500.52E
• Title: MARINE CORPS WATER SURVIVAL PROGRAM (MCWSP)
• Date: 2 Mar 2026
• Proponent: 01000 Military Personnel
• Status: Current

View MCO 1500.52E on armypubs.army.mil

---

It establishes progressive swim and survivability training, UET prerequisites and standards, qualification intervals, reporting, and facility requirements. It requires approved training, safety controls, medical screening, and tracking of training and qualifications.

Topics covered

• Marine Corps Water Survival Program
• Underwater Egress Training
• Water survival qualification
• Aquatic training facilities
• UET safety structure
• Qualification intervals
• Mobile Training Teams

Questions and answers

What must Marines complete to earn an underwater egress qualification?

Marines and FMF Sailors must successfully complete all stages of the training to earn an UET qualification. (paragraph 4)

How long do underwater egress training qualifications last?

UET qualifications expire four years after the certification date unless a shorter sustainment interval is directed. (paragraph 5)

What swim qualification is required before underwater egress training?

Marines must have a current MCWSP swim qualification to conduct UET. FMF sailors must have a current MCWSP or Navy swim qualification. (paragraph 3)

What happens when a water survival qualification expires?

Expired water survival qualification levels will revert to WSU. Units must ensure WSU is entered into MCTIMS, in accordance with chapter 2 of this Order, when a Marine’s qualifications expire. (paragraph 3)

When is a certified lifeguard required for submerged breath-holding activities?

Do not conduct submerged breath holding activities without a certified lifeguard present. (paragraph 5)

Ask Reggie.Bot a question about MCO 1500.52E