What is an important activity for surface RS personnel according to OPNAVINST 3130.6?

Conducting proficiency training is a crucial activity for surface rescue swimmer (RS) personnel as outlined in OPNAVINST 3130.6. This training ensures that personnel are consistently honing their skills and enhancing their abilities to perform rescues effectively and safely. Proficiency training includes practicing various rescue techniques, familiarizing oneself with equipment, and engaging in realistic scenarios that simulate actual rescue operations. This ongoing training is essential for building confidence, maintaining readiness, and ensuring that rescue swimmers can perform under the pressures of real-life situations.

Effective proficiency training also minimizes the risks that can arise from being out of practice, which is vital in high-stakes environments like search and rescue operations. Ensuring that all team members are up-to-date with their skills adds to the overall effectiveness and safety of rescue missions, reinforcing the importance of this training as a key component of surface rescue operations.

In contrast, activities like watching videos on rescue techniques, maintaining rest cycles, or planning social events do not contribute directly to the immediate skill development and readiness required for the role of a surface rescue swimmer. Therefore, while these activities have their place in the broader context of personnel well-being and professional development, they do not meet the operational training needs specified in OPNAVINST 3130