R 041346Z MAR 26
MARADMIN 084/26
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC T&E//
SUBJ/IMPLEMENTATION GUIDANCE FOR MCO 1500.52E MARINE CORPS WATER
SURVIVAL PROGRAM AND CANCELLATION OF MCO 1500.52D//
REF/A/MSGID: MCO/CMC/DC T&E/02MAR2026//
NARR/REF A IS MARINE CORPS ORDER 1500.52E MARINE CORPS WATER SUVIVAL
PROGRAM (MCWSP).//
POC/HUMAN PERFORMANCE BRANCH/QUANTICO/TEL: 703-432-2285/E-MAIL:
TECOM.FORCEFITNESS@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  This MARADMIN announces the publication of MCO
1500.52E and major revisions to the Marine Corps Water Survival
Program (MCWSP) and Underwater Egress Training (UET).  This MARADMIN
provides interim guidance until Marine Corps systems are revised to
reflect the changes required by ref (a). 
2.  Background.  The Marine Corps, as an amphibious force in
readiness, is strengthening its emphasis on water survival and
UET to increase unit readiness and enhance capabilities in maritime
environments across the Fleet Marine Force (FMF), while improving
individual Marine comfort level in the water. 
3.  Major Revisions.  Ref (a) introduces the following changes:
3.a.  Combines formal guidance for MCWSP and UET into a
comprehensive MCO. 
3.b.  Directs the use of range facility management support system
(RFMSS) to schedule all pool training tank and UET use. 
3.c.  Announces the following Water Survival Qualification
standards:
3.c.1.   Water survival qualification levels will be standardized
as: Basic (Recruit Training only), Novice, Competent, Proficient,
and Advanced. Each qualification level above Basic has increased
requirements as identified in ref (a), chapter 4 pages 4-1 through
4-5.
3.c.2.  The changes to water survival during recruit training are
minimal; however, a Marine Corps Recruit Depot Commanding General
waiver is now required for any recruit that does not meet the Water
Survival Novice qualification prior to graduation.     
3.d.  Exemption and waiver criteria are updated. Marines in the FMF
or with specific MOSs will have mandatory currency requirements.
3.d.1.  General exemptions for senior officers (O-4 and above) and
Staff Non-Commissioned Officers (E-7 and above with 13 or more years
of service) will apply if they hold a current Water Survival
Proficient qualification level and a periodic water survival
re-qualification is not an MOS requirement.
3.e.  UET Prerequisites and Continuum:
3.e.1.  A current water survival qualification, including the 365
day validity of the water survival basic qualification from
recruit training, is now a prerequisite for all UET.
3.e.2.  A progressive UET continuum is established for various
platforms using the Shallow Water Egress Trainer (SWET), Submerged
Underwater Egress Training (SVET), Modular Underwater Egress
Training (MUET), and Modular Amphibious Egress Training (MAET). UET
qualification will be valid for four years.
3.f.  Administrative Guidance. Effective 1 October 2026, water
survival qualifications listed in ref (a) will be in effect. 
3.f.1.  Marines will be required to train to the new standards
starting 1 Oct 2026.  All Marines with a water survival
qualification will remain current until their water qualification
expires except for those whose only qualification is Water Survival
Basic.  Those Marines will revert to Water Survival Unqualified on
1 Oct 2027. 
3.f.2.  Marines with a water survival requalification date occurring
after 1 Oct 2026 will be required to meet the new water survival
qualification within 180 days of their water survival
requalification expiring or reverting to Water Survival Unqualified. 
3.f.3.  Administrative counseling is required for active-duty and
reserve Marines whose water survival qualification date remains as
unqualified, without a valid exemption or waiver, for 180 and
365 days, respectively for active duty and reservists. 
3.f.4.  Performance Evaluation Integration:  Water survival
qualifications will be incorporated into the Junior Enlisted
Performance Evaluation System (JEPES) and the Performance Evaluation
System (PES).  Implementation guidance will be published via
separate correspondence. 
3.f.5.  Instructor Recertification:  Water Survival Instructors
(WSI) who possess the 0918 MOS, with an expired water survival
certification, may recertify by updating their Red Cross
certification and demonstrating instructor proficiency via the
requirements outlined on NAVMC Form 11629.
4.  This MARADMIN is applicable to the Total Force.  Commanders will
ensure all Marines are aware of the forthcoming changes. 
5.  Release authorized by LtGen Benjamin T. Watson, Deputy
Commandant for Training and Education.//