Volume 4

GENERAL
Boat Crew Personal Qualification
Standards
7M Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat

Rev 10/21
Trainee Guide to PQS This PQS Belongs to:____________________________________________

Purpose

1. The purpose of this manual is to set a boat crew certification procedure for members assigned to the
NSCC.

Process

1. This document serves as the Personal Qualification Standard (PQS) for general crew requirements.
Mentors are those who train and certify you on certain requirements. Those persons must include their
name on the mentor list attached to this PQS. Crew mentors are Cadets or Officers who are themselves
qualified as at least crew. They must have passed their board in order to become a mentor.
2. No mentor may adjust or modify the standards at any time without approval from program manager.
3. The document shall be filled out in blue or black ink only.
4. Once the PQS has been completed, a request chit for a board must be submitted. Verbal requests for a
board will not be granted.

Oral Board

1. The oral board will consist of 3 qualified officers up to 1-2 qualified cadets.
2. The board will ensure proper knowledge of skills is present. The board will pose questions on whatever
they deem necessary to ask.
3. This can be done at any location and does not require an Underway Check Ride.

Mentor Tracking Form

Mentor Name Mentor Signature Initials Date

Boat Crew PQS Page 2

 Task Mentor Initials Date
Section I Prerequisite Tasks
1.1 Boat Crew Prerequisites
1.2 Boat Nomenclature
Section II Shore Side Tasks
2.1 Crew Fatigue
2.2 Heat and Hypothermic Emergencies
2.3 Controlling Bleeding
2.4 Don Type III PFD and V PFD
2.5 Signaling for Help
2.6 Throw Rescue Heaving Line
2.7 Tie Various Knots
2.8 Secure Lines to Boats or Cleats
2.9 Secure Lines to a Samson Post
2.10 RHIB Maintenance
Section III Navigation
3.1 Identify Common Navigational Aids
3.2 Identify Local Landmarks on a Nautical Chart
3.3 Plot Points on a Chart
3.4 Speed, Time, & Distance Calculations
3.5 Determine Distance & Direction on a Chart
3.6 Chart a Course
Section IV Underway Tasks
4.1 Cast Off and Stow Lines/ Secure Deck
4.2 Preform Duties as Lookout
4.3 Act as a Helmsman
4.4 Communications with VHF Radio/Cell Phone
4.5 Assist in Anchoring the Boat
4.6 Assist in a Man Overboard as Pointer
4.7 Assist in a Man Overboard as Recovery
4.8 Perform a Stern Tow
4.9 Start the Vessel in an Emergency Situation
5.1 Perform Tactical/ Rescue Maneuvers
6.1 Complete Oral Board

Boat Crew PQS Page 3

Section 1: Shore Side tasks

Task 1.1 BOAT CREW PREREQUISITES

Conditions This condition MUST be met before certification. The member may however work
on these requirements before eligibility.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Cadet must be Seaman Apprentice (E-2)

__________ 2. Cadet must be current in PRT requirements.

__________ 3. Cadet must be Navy Class III Swimmer qualified

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Task 1.2 BOAT NOMENCLATURE

Conditions Performed at any time ashore, at the dock, or afloat. Trainee must accomplish task
without prompting or use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Describe Port/ Starboard

__________ 2. Describe Fore/ Aft

__________ 3. Locate the Sponson and Transom

__________ 4. Describe the Keel

__________ 5. Locate Helm

__________ 6. Locate Console and Throttle

__________ 7. Locate Battery

__________ 8. Locate Engine Compartment

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Boat Crew PQS Page 4

Section 2: Dockside Tasks

Task 2.1 Crew Fatigue

Conditions Performed at any time ashore, at the dock, or afloat. Trainee must accomplish task
without prompting or use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Described the primary symptoms of fatigue.

__________ 2. Described the prevention measures.

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Task 2.2 HEAT AND HYPOTHERMIC EMERGENCIES

Conditions Performed at any time ashore, at the dock, or afloat. Trainee must accomplish task
without prompting or use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Define dehydration. Describe the symptoms, preventive measures and treatment.

__________ 2. Define heat exhaustion. State the causes, preventative measures, and treatment.

__________ 3. State the signs and treatment for hypothermia.

__________ 4. State protective measures against hypothermia.

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Boat Crew PQS Page 5

Task 2.3 CONTROLLING BLEEDING

Conditions Performed at any time ashore, at the dock, or afloat. Trainee must accomplish task
without prompting or use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Demonstrate direct pressure method.

__________ 2. Identify and demonstrated at least three pressure points.

__________ 3. Demonstrate tourniquet method.

__________ 4. Describe when a tourniquet should be used

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Task 2.4 DON TYPE III and V PFD

Conditions Performed at any time ashore, at the dock, or afloat. Trainee must accomplish task
without prompting or use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Inspect and correctly don the proper size PFD.

__________ 2. Explain the purpose for the wearing of a PFD.

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Boat Crew PQS Page 6

Task 2.5 SIGNALING FOR HELP

Conditions Performed at any time ashore, at the dock, or afloat. Trainee must accomplish task
without prompting or use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Describe the most common universal signal for help.

__________ 2. List a minimum of five signaling devices.

__________ 3. Be able to describe when these devices should be used

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Task 2.6 THROW RESCUE HEAVING LINE

Conditions Performed at any time ashore, at the dock, or afloat. Trainee must accomplish task
without prompting or use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Demonstrate proper stowage of heaving line

__________ 2. Throw the heaving line to another boat or person in the water

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Boat Crew PQS Page 7

Task 2.7 TIE VARIOUS KNOTS

Conditions Performed at any time ashore, at the dock, or afloat. Trainee must accomplish task
without prompting or use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Tie a square (reef) knot.

__________ 2. Tie a bowline in the end of a mooring line and around an object.

__________ 3. Tie a round turn and two half hitches.

__________ 4. Secure a line to a rail using a clove hitch.

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Task 2.8 SECURE LINES TO BOATS OR CLEATS

Conditions Performed at any time ashore, at the dock, or afloat. Trainee must accomplish task
without prompting or use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Located all cleats/ fittings on boat.

__________ 2. Placed complete round turn around the base of the cleat.

__________ 3. Led line over the top of the cleat and around the horns to form a figure eight.

__________ 4. Secured additional figure eights until the line is secured.

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Boat Crew PQS Page 8

Task 2.9 SECURE LINES TO A SAMSON POST

Conditions Performed at any time ashore, at the dock, or afloat. Trainee must accomplish task
without prompting or use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Located all Samson Posts on boat.

__________ 2. Brought line to a working turn.

__________ 3. Secured additional figure eights until the line is secured.

__________ 4. Capped the post.

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Task 2.10 RHIB MAINTENANCE

Conditions Performed at any time ashore or at the dock. Trainee must accomplish task without
prompting or use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Stated purpose for warming engines.

__________ 2. Described the basic mechanics of a diesel engine.

__________ 3. Stated purpose for maintaining clean deck.

__________ 4. Described conditions of line and when a line should be removed from service.

__________ 5. Explain some of the special care when working with aluminum boats in different
environments, EX: exposure to salt water, etc.

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Boat Crew PQS Page 9

Section III: Navigation

Task 3.1 IDENTIFY COMMON NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

Conditions Performed at any time ashore, at the dock, or afloat. Trainee must accomplish task
without prompting or use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Identified a nun and a can buoy.

__________ 2. Identified a preferred channel (junction) buoy and stated its purpose.

__________ 3. Identified a day beacon.

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Task 3.2 IDENTIFY LOCAL LANDMARKS ON A NAVIGATIONAL CHART

Conditions Performed at any time ashore, at the dock, or afloat. Trainee must accomplish task
without prompting or use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Identified major piers and docks in local operating area.

__________ 2. Identify prominent navigational landmarks in the local operating area (such as
antennas, towers, buildings, etc.)

__________ 3. Identified all bridges and their types in the local operating area

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Boat Crew PQS Page 10

Task 3.3 PLOT POINTS ON A CHART

Conditions Performed at any time ashore, at the dock, or afloat. Trainee must accomplish task
without prompting or use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Correctly plotted three different positions on the chart.

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Task 3.4 SPEED, TIME, AND DISTANCE CALCULATIONS

Conditions Performed at any time ashore, at the dock, or afloat. Trainee must accomplish task
without prompting or use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Calculated for Speed.

__________ 2. Calculated for Time.

__________ 3. Calculated for Distance.

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Task 3.5 DETERMINE DISTANCE & DIRECTION ON A CHART

Conditions Performed at any time ashore, at the dock, or afloat. Trainee must accomplish task
without prompting or use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Can convert Yards to Nautical Miles and Nautical Miles to Yards.

__________ 2. Correctly measured distance between two points.

Can determine bearing using a parallel plotter.

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Boat Crew PQS Page 11

Task 3.6 CHART A COURSE

Conditions Performed at any time ashore, at the dock, or afloat. Trainee must accomplish task
without prompting or use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Plotted a course with at least three points.

__________ 2. Labeled bearing and distance appropriately.

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Section IV: Underway Tasks

Task 4.1 CAST OFF & STOW LINES/ SECURE DECK

Conditions Performed at any time at the dock or underway. Trainee must accomplish task
without prompting or use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Upon coxswain’s command, bring lines aboard.

__________ 2. Stow lines in proper location.

__________ 3. Secure deck for underway operations.

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Boat Crew PQS Page 12

Task 4.2 PREFORM DUTIES AS LOOKOUT

Conditions Performed while underway. Trainee must accomplish task without prompting or
use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Identified buoys, fixed structures, and other navigational aids.

__________ 2. Identified at least four boats or other watercraft encountered.

__________ 3. Identified other floating hazards to navigation.

__________ 4. Identified sound encountered (such as, whistles, bells, gongs, audio aids to
navigation).

__________ 5. Stated additional considerations for night lookout watches.

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Task 4.3 ACT AS HELMSMAN

Conditions Performed while underway. Trainee must accomplish task without prompting or
use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Checked with coxswain for any special instructions and course to steer.

__________ 2. Monitored the engine and other electronic gear as needed.

__________ 3. Responded to helm and engine speed commands.

__________ 4. Kept careful watch of the surrounding area.

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Boat Crew PQS Page 13

Task 4.4 COMMUNICATIONS WITH VHF RADIO/CELL PHONE

Conditions Performed while underway. Trainee must accomplish task without prompting or
use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Identified on/off switch and radio turned on.

__________ 2. Identified channel selection switch/button and selected channel.

__________ 3. Identified and adjusted volume and squelch controls.

__________ 4. Identified microphone and operating button and demonstrated operation

(transmission light observed).

__________ 5. Identified high/low power switch and explained its use.

__________ 6. Demonstrate knowledge and use of “Pro-words”.

__________ 7. Demonstrate knowledge and use of phonetic alphabet.

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Boat Crew PQS Page 14

Task 4.5 ASSIST IN ANCHORING THE BOAT

Conditions Performed while underway. Trainee must accomplish task without prompting or
use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Crew briefing conducted and information received from coxswain.

__________ 2. Line broken out and anchor secured to vessel (if applicable).

__________ 3. Anchor lowered over the side at coxswain’s command.

__________ 4. Anchor line payed out (veered), coxswain informed of the direction line
tending at all times.

__________ 5. Anchor line secured and tied off at the coxswain’s command.

__________ 7. Described the duties of the anchor watch.

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Task 4.6 ASSIST IN A MAN OVERBOARD AS A POINTER

Conditions Performed while underway. Trainee must accomplish task without prompting or
use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Seeing a person fall overboard sounded the alarm (“MAN OVERBOARD
PORT/STARBOARD SIDE”).

__________ 2. Kept Person In Water (PIW) continuously in sight.

__________ 3. Kept Coxswain informed of the PIW’s position, both vocally and by pointing.

__________ 4. On command from the Coxswain, moved to assist with the pickup of the PIW

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Boat Crew PQS Page 15

Task 4.7 ASSIST IN MAN OVERBOARD AS RECOVERY

Conditions Performed while underway. Trainee must accomplish task without prompting or
use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Hearing the alarm of a Man Overboard, (“MAN OVERBOARD

PORT/STARBOARD SIDE”). Moved immediately to assumed position

__________ 2. Prepared rescue heaving line, or other floatable retrieving device, if Person In
Water (PIW) is conscious.

__________ 3. On command, threw rescue heaving line, or other floatable retrieving device
to PIW.

__________ 4. Simulated pulling PIW alongside the boat.

__________ 5. Simulated pulling the PIW aboard using a personal retrieval line, or other
means (swim ladder, sailboat headsail, etc.).

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Task 4.8 PERFORM A STERN TOW

Conditions Performed while underway. Trainee must accomplish task without prompting or
use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Passed the towline to the disabled boat (a heaving line may or may not be
used).

__________ 2. Tended towline while people on disabled boat made attachment.

__________ 3. Tended towline away from propellers, made fast to towing bitt or cleats (if
not already secured), and paid out towline until proper catenary is obtained as
directed.

__________ 4. Rigged chafing gear where needed and at the command of the coxswain.

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Boat Crew PQS Page 16
Task 4.9 START THE VESSEL IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION

Conditions Performed while underway. The Coxswain is assumed to be in the water as a

result. Trainee must accomplish task without prompting or use of a reference.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Report any casualties VIA coms devices. Enact any Man-Overboard procedures.

__________ 2. Locate starting console

__________ 3. Started motor.

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Task 5.1 PERFORM TACTICAL/ RESCUE MANEUVERS

Conditions Performed while underway. Trainee must accomplish task without prompting or
use of a reference. Performed in succession.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Bring vessel to fastest safe operating speed.

__________ 2. Bring vessel to complete stop using forward/ backward propulsion.

__________ 3. Perform “J Turn” with proper warnings to crew.

__________ 4. Begin Expanding square search technique.

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Boat Crew PQS Page 17

Task 6.1 COMPLETE ORAL BOARD

Conditions Performed ashore. Trainee must accomplish task without prompting or use of a
reference. Performed in succession.

Completed Performance Criteria

__________ 1. Satisfactorily answer questions by board members

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Accomplished Mentor signature________________________ Date_______________

Accomplished COTC signature________________________ Date_______________

Acknowledged Trainee Name (Print) ____________________

Trainee signature________________________ Date_______________

Boat Crew PQS Page 18