There are four exercises that evaluate stamina and water skills, each rated by points. There is no passing score for any single exercise, but a combined score of 12 or more is required prior to certification. In addition, candidates must complete all exercises prior to certification. Candidates who fall short of a combined score of 12 may be given time to practice and develop their abilities while continuing in other areas of the course.

Stamina Exercise 1: 400 Metre/Yard Swim

The candidate must swim 400 metres/yards without stopping using no swimming aids and using any stroke or combination of strokes desired. If a candidate stops, the exercise is incomplete and must be repeated.

Stamina Exercise 2: 15 Minute Tread

Using no aids and wearing only a swimsuit, the candidate will stay afloat by treading water, drown proofing, bobbing or floating for 15 minutes, with hands (not arms) out of the water during the last 2 minutes. A candidate with a physical challenge that makes it difficult/impossible to hold hands out of the water is exempted from that portion of the exercise with no effect on the score.

Stamina Exercise 3: 800 Metre/Yard Snorkel Swim

Using a mask, fins, snorkel and swimsuit only (no BCD or flotation aids) and swimming with the face in the water, the candidate must swim nonstop for 800 metres/yards. The candidate may not use arms to swim, unless the candidate has a physical challenge that limits leg use and arm-swimming is the individual's normal swimming method while diving. If a candidate stops, the exercise is incomplete and must be repeated.

Stamina Exercise 4: 100 Metres/Yard Inert Diver Tow

Wearing full scuba equipment, the candidate must push or tow an inert diver in full scuba at the surface 100 metres/yards nonstop without assistance. Note that this is a swimming power evaluation (speed-against-drag) not a rescue evaluation. If a candidate stops, the exercise is incomplete and must be repeated.