How many surface swimmers are required for a cutter with a flight deck while underway?

• A. One
• B. Two
• C. Three
• D. Four

Answer: (B)

Having a flight deck on a cutter adds the need for immediate water rescue capability and redundancy during underway operations. Two surface swimmers are required so there’s always a ready pair to respond to any person overboard or water-related emergency around the flight deck. With aircraft operations, conditions can change quickly—wind, rotor wash, and movement of crew and gear—and having two swimmers ensures one can reach and assist the person in the water while the other maintains overall safety and can deploy or assist with rescue equipment. This arrangement provides quick, reliable coverage and a backup in case one swimmer is delayed or incapacitated. A single swimmer wouldn’t supply the same level of safety and speed, while more than two isn’t required by standard procedures.