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Marine Corps Instructors of Water Survival

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The Martial Arts and Fitness Center of Excellence
The Basic School

Facility Notice: Modified Pool Hours | March 23 to March 27

Due to an ongoing Water Survival Advanced (WSA) course, the Ramer Hall Training Tank will operate under the following modified schedule:

  • Open Lap Swim (Mon - Wed): 1100 - 1200
  • Open Lap Swim (Thursday): 1100 - 1300
  • Open Lap Swim & Instruction (Thu - Fri): 0600 - 0800
Have questions? Contact MAFCE Operations.
Mission
The Marine Corps Instructors of Water Survival of the Ramer Hall Training Tank serve to train all Marines within the National Capitol Region in the Marine Corps Water Survival Training Program.
 
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Important Information

Eligibility: The training tank is open to all Service Members within the National Capital Region.

Note: All hours exclude federal holidays and WSA weeks. Hours are subject to change pending scheduled events.

Open Swim Qualifications (WSB+WSI)

Schedule
Monday: 0800 - 1100
Wednesday: 1300 - 1600
Uniform
Utilities with boots, green on green underneath.

Open / Lap Swim

Schedule
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 0600 - 0800
Monday - Thursday: 1100 - 1300
Uniform
Swim attire (green on green, civilian swim attire, utilities, swim gear).

Open Swim Instruction

Schedule
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 0600 - 0800
Uniform
Same as open lap swim.
Contact
Contact the MCIWS Chief to develop a plan or come in during open hours.

Underwater Torpedo League

Schedule
Tuesday & Thursday: 0600 - 0730
Details
Join us for underwater torpedo practice and competition.

Water Survival Advanced (WSA)

Eligibility: Open to all Marines and Sailors serving in the National Capitol Region (Max 20 students).
Attendance: Students must be present for each session.
Hours: 0700-1600.
Why Attend?
  • More competitive amongst your peers
  • An asset to your Commander
  • Deemed a Safety Swimmer
  • Swim qualified for 3 years
  • Increase aquatic confidence
  • Learn valuable lifesaving techniques

Qualification Events
  • 500m swim
  • Survival Strokes
  • Rescues
  • Passive Victim Assist
Required Gear
  • Desert Cammies and Boots (Pool)
  • Woodland Cammies and Boots (Uniform of day)
  • PT gear (Green on Green)
  • Goggles
  • Water Source
  • Shower Shoes
  • Towel
CY 2026 Dates
3-26 January 20 - 23, 2026
4-26 March 23 - 27, 2026
5-26 May 25 - 29, 2026
6-26 July 27 - 31, 2026
1-27 September 28 - October 2, 2026
2-27 November 30 - December 4, 2026
 
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MCIWS Chief
Sgt Sierra Maranzano sierra.bezinque@usmc.mil 703-432-7379
MCIWS Lead Instructor
Sgt Marcus Berman marcus.berman@usmc.mil 703-432-7379
Swim Tank Manager
SSgt Hannah Eckert hannah.eckert@usmc.mil 703-432-7379
MCO 1500.52D
Marine Corps Water Survival Training Program MCRP 8-10B.6
Marine Corps Water Survival
What do I need to bring to a swim qual?
The uniform for WSB/WSI/WSA is deserts or woodland utilities with green on green underneath.

It is recommended to bring a change of clothes, shower shoes, and a towel.
How long does each level of swim qual take?
WSB/WSI: Can take up to 4 hours depending on the number of participants.

WSA: This is a 4-5 day course, typically running 0700-1600 each day.
Where can I see updated hours or closure notices?
Notices will be posted at the top of this page and on the MAFCE page. We will attempt to update these as soon as possible in the event of water quality closures.
Weekly hours updates will be communicated at top of this page.

MCIWS Recertification

When Conducted
We are currently unable to recertify MCIWS. Check back soon.

WSA Recertification

When Conducted
During scheduled WSA Courses.
Requirements
Contact us to ensure you meet all requirements and to get a spot.

American Red Cross Lifeguarding

When Conducted
By appointment only. Please contact the MCIWS Chief.

Water Survival Basic

Water Survival Intermediate

Water Survival Advanced

MCIWS Prep Guides