The Refresher Training for Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (R-PSCRB) is a mandatory one-day course for seafarers whose five-year PSCRB certificate is nearing expiry. In the fast-paced maritime industry, it is easy for technical skills—especially those related to rarely used emergency equipment—to become rusty. The R-PSCRB course is designed to combat this skill fade, ensuring that the officers and crew members in charge of survival crafts remain absolutely proficient in their operation. This course is essential for maintaining the validity of your Certificate of Competency (CoC) and is a non-negotiable requirement for active seafarers.
The refresher focuses heavily on the practical side of lifeboat and rescue boat operations. Trainees must demonstrate their ability to safely launch and recover a survival craft using the latest davit systems and on-load release mechanisms. The course also updates seafarers on any recent changes to international SOLAS regulations and the latest search and rescue (SAR) techniques. In India, the RT-PSCRB curriculum includes a mandatory e-learning component that must be completed before the physical practical session, ensuring that the limited time at the institute is spent on high-impact, hands-on drills.
Successfully completing the RT-PSCRB signifies that you are still capable of leading an evacuation and managing a survival craft in rough seas. It provides the peace of mind that comes from knowing your skills are up to the latest standards. For many seafarers, this refresher is a welcome chance to re-familiarize themselves with life-saving equipment, ensuring that if an "Abandon Ship" order is ever given, their response will be automatic, professional, and successful.
