(1) Regular swimming classes shall be held in the training establishments. All boys and newly entered men shall be encouraged to learn swimming and to pass the Standard Test (which is a compulsory qualification for advancement to Leading seaman, Acting Artificer 4th class in the case of Artificers) before leaving the training establishments.
(2) In all ships, instruction in swimming shall be given under proper supervision whenever suitable opportunity arises.
(3) There are two tests of ability to swim, namely, “Provisional Test” – To be carried out in a swimming bath shallow water or suitable swimming pool.
“Standard Test” – To be carried out in the open sea.
Passing of any of these tests will be accepted as a “Pass” for advancement purposes. In each c ase, the test consists of swimming 50 yards in a duck suit and remaining affoat thereafter for three minutes.
(4) Qualifications in both tests shall be awarded as follows:- “Fair” – Meaning the man only just managed to pass and should be given more practice.
“Good” – Meaning an average swimmer “Very Good” – Meaning a strong swimmer.
“Cannot Swim” – and the date.
(5) Notations in respect of sailors who have passed either the Standard or Provisional Swimming Test shall be made on page (1) of their service certificates as follows:- “P.P.T” –(Passed Provisional Test) followed by qualification.
“P.S.T” –(Passed Standard Test) followed by qualification.
(6) Sailors who have passed the Provisional Test shall be put through the Standard Test in the sea, when opportunity occurs. Failure shall not entail any penalty as regards advancement, but the sailor concerned shall be given further instruction and opportunity to pass the test in sea.
(7) The tests shall be supervised by an officer, who shall furnish to the Captain of the ship or establishment concerned a list showing the results and qualifications obtained by each candidate.
(8) Life saving should be taught to the more proficient, advanced classes being held for this purpose as opportunity occurs.
(9) A record of swimming instruction showing the number of sailors who have passed the swimming test since the last inspection and the number of non-swimmers remaining in the ship shall be produced at all inspections, and shall be examined and signed by the Inspecting Officer who shall satisfy himself that junior sailors who have not passed the test are receiving all possible instruction.
SECTION VI. – TRAINING OF SAILORS