Entry & progression
Governing: MSN 1865 (M) Amendment 1, sections 1.2, 4.1, 4.4, 4.5 and Annexes A and C; MSN 1858 (M) Amendment 2, section 6; MCA PSCRB (Restricted) Guidelines (updated January 2025). See also: Keeping Your CoC Valid.
The full certificate
MSN 1865 section 4.1: for a CoP in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (other than fast rescue boats) you must:
- be at least 18;
- hold PST (Table A-VI/1-1);
- complete an MCA-approved course meeting section A-VI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4;
- have at least 6 months' approved seagoing service.
Approved seagoing service (section 1.2) is time signed on a vessel of more than 15 m registered length operating in category C and D waters or beyond.
The Restricted certificate
The PSC&RB (Restricted) course was previously known as Advanced Sea Survival. It is intended for yachts not equipped with davit-launched lifeboats.
| PSC&RB (Restricted) | |
|---|---|
| Entry | 18+, PST, 6 months' sea service (training allowed before; certificate withheld until proven) |
| Minimum duration | 3 days, 18 hours of formal instruction |
| Ratios | 1:8 practical, 1:24 theory |
| Outcomes | Take charge of craft; operate rescue boat engine; manage survivors; locating devices; first aid |
| Not valid for | Vessels with davit-launched lifeboats; fast rescue boats |
MSN 1858 section 6:
- The MCA strongly recommends the full PSC&RB for all yacht officers, but permits the Restricted certificate in lieu for yacht CoCs.
- The CoC is then endorsed 'Not for use on ships equipped with davit launched lifeboats'.
- The MCA cannot guarantee acceptance of the Restricted certificate outside the UK.
The Restricted guidance names it as an option for the OOW (Yachts) <3000 GT and engineer officer routes; MSN 1858's table lists PSC&RB for OOW, Chief Mate and Master yacht CoCs.
CAUTION - Career ceiling If you intend to work on the largest yachts, where lifeboats are carried, or want your certificate recognised by other flags, do the full course.
The five-year update
MSN 1865 section 4.4 requires documentary evidence of completing or updating PSC&RB within the last 5 years. Annex A note 1: updating PSC&RB also requires updating PST.
| Course | Self-declaration | Onboard elements done | Shore course |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSC&RB | Annex C | Yes | 3 hours |
| PSC&RB | Annex C | No | 7 hours |
| PST | Annex B | Yes | 4 hours |
| PST | Annex B | No | Full course |
| PSC&RB (Restricted) | Restricted Annex C | Onboard elements done | At least 3 contact hours over half a day |
The Annex C onboard items cover: interpreting markings; commands for launching, boarding, clearing and disembarking; launching and clearing the side; recovering craft; steering by compass; using craft equipment except pyrotechnics; rigging location aids; portable radio; and first aid. MSN 1858 section 6.7 confirms the Restricted certificate must also be updated every five years.
TIP - Log your drills Keep dates and yacht details for every launch and raft drill you take part in. That record is what lets you sign the self-declaration honestly and take the shorter shore course.
WARNING - Check the table for your CoC MSN 1865 Annex A Table 1 does not show a PSC&RB refresher against OOW (Yachts) <3000 GT, while MSN 1858 and the Restricted guidance require updating. Treat the update as required and confirm with the MCA.