im a great swimmer but, without thinking about it i tend to keep my head out of the water. would that be a problem during the swim qualification? shukran.

Won't be an issue with basic swim qualification. If you want to progress in the swim qual, then you're going to have issues. USMC swim quals are divided into several classes (Class 4 through 1). You can also rise above first class to Water Safety Qualified (WSQ) and the highest-- Swim Instructor. These qualifications can affect nominations for certain jobs and positions. Other than that, many people serve (and are satisfied with) a Class 4 qualification (the lowest). Class 2 and higher will require proper demonstration of certain swim strokes (requiring you to put your face in the water) and an underwater swim. Afwan.

PS-- Oddly enough, My WSQ rating got me a job as a lifeguard for six months. At the Lifeguard School they taught me to swim with my face out of the water to keep an eye on the victim.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: patoloco,

how many chances are given to progress in the swim qual in a year?

Far as I know, it's once a year as it is an annual requirement.

You can try to "upgrade" your swim qual every six months. You MUST qual at least once a year (as TheGunny said).

The only exception is WSQ and WSSI. They need to re-certify every three years (although, once at this level and you no longer want to serve as a swimmer or an instructor, you never have to qual again).