For cutters without flight decks, how many surface swimmers are required?

• A. 0
• B. 1
• C. 2
• D. 3

Answer: (B)

Having a person trained as a surface swimmer provides immediate water rescue capability and helps manage any overboard situations or water work during deck operations. The number needed scales with the vessel’s flight operations. When a cutter has a flight deck and helicopters are involved, more surface swimmers are required to support hoists, maintain safety during flight operations, and respond quickly to water emergencies. Without a flight deck, the workload related to aircraft handling isn’t present, so only one surface swimmer is necessary to monitor the water, assist a swimmer, and stay ready to respond if someone goes overboard or if line-handling tasks involve water contact. That's why one surface swimmer is the standard requirement for cutters without flight decks.