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: [email protected]// 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.//