The Refresher Course in Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (RPFRB) is a specialized mandatory training program for seafarers designated as crew members or coxswains of a Fast Rescue Boat (FRB). Regulated by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), India, and strictly aligned with the STCW Convention (Table A-VI/2-2), this 1-day course is part of the five-year revalidation cycle required to maintain the validity of a seafarer's Certificate of Proficiency (CoP). Fast Rescue Boats are the primary assets used in critical Man-Overboard (MOB) situations and complex search and rescue operations, demanding a level of skill and composure that can only be sustained through regular, intensive training.The curriculum is designed to refresh the practical and theoretical competencies of seasoned mariners, focusing on the operation of FRBs in varying and adverse sea conditions. Trainees revisit advanced maneuvers including high-speed berthing, search patterns, and the righting of a capsized boat. A significant portion of the training covers the technical operation of specialized equipment such as water-jet propulsion systems, VHF radio communication, and SART/EPIRB locating devices. Following the latest DGS Training Circular 4 of 2025, the physical exit exam for this refresher has been discontinued, placing a greater emphasis on the mandatory e-learning module and continuous practical assessment during the course.Successfully completing the RPFRB ensures that rescue teams remain prepared to execute life-saving missions with precision and speed. It signifies a professional commitment to safety and operational readiness on board high-tech vessels like offshore supply crafts, tankers, and passenger ships. By mastering these tactical recovery skills, maritime professionals safeguard their crewmates and uphold the highest international standards of maritime survival and rescue.
