Six RCMSAR stations recently took part in an on-water mass rescue operations training exercise jointly managed by the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Coast Guard with coordination at the provincial level provided by Emergency Management BC.

On October 25, a simulated fire took place onboard BC Ferries MV Coastal Renaissance in Trincomali Channel off Salt Spring Island, forcing the evacuation of over 1,300 people. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Victoria tasked all nearby assets to assist, and RCMSAR provided on-water response with vessels from six stations: Brentwood Bay, Gulf Islands, Ladysmith, Mill Bay, Pender Island and Saanich. Other first responder groups included the Canadian Coast Guard, the US Coast Guard, RCMP, Transport Canada and Royal Canadian Air Force.

After the MV Coastal Renaissance deployed their inflatable slides and passengers evacuated to life rafts, rescue crews transferred them to waiting ground crews on Salt Spring Island. First responders from BC Emergency Health Services, local fire rescue, local ground SAR and many other groups coordinated triage and support for the evacuees.

The exercise continued on October 26, focusing on environmental response, coordinated by the Canadian Coast Guard and the BC Ministry of Environment as well as local and Indigenous government representatives.

This exercise served as an excellent opportunity for multiple agencies to work together in a maritime emergency scenario and practice a coordinated response.

“Careful preparation and practice ensure first responders are ready to spring into action when emergencies arise,” said the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. “These exercises build and strengthen the working relationships that are essential to effectively coordinate with partners to quickly and effectively deploy resources to support Canadians when disaster strikes.”

Did you know?

• This two day exercise involves approximately 500 people from more than 20 government and non-governmental organizations – including local Indigenous peoples from several Coastal First Nations.
• A total of 15 vessels and four aircraft were employed.
• Canadian Coast Guard personnel joined this exercise from both Central & Atlantic Canada, while personnel from both the United States Coast Guard and the Korean Coast Guard also attended.

By Chris Wickham, Coxswain, RCMSAR Station Mill Bay

This winter I had the privilege of attending the IMRF Lifeboat Crew Exchange Programme in Germany, hosted by the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS). The objective: to share experiences, ideas, and best practices and to improve training and operational capacity.

Our group had volunteer professionals from Greece, Sweden, Norway, France, Estonia, UK, Ireland and Canada. Over the week we visited SAR stations, training centres and maritime and navy memorial museums. We toured the DGzRS shipyard, national headquarters and MRCC (our Marine Communications and Traffic Services) as well as a U-Boat and did sea to air exercises with the German Air Force. We also went to sea on so many vessels I do not have a count. All this was done while being fully engaged in advanced training and exercises in:

• First aid and transport
• Damage control
• Navigation
• Bridge resource management
• Seamanship
• Vessel handling
• Marine communication (International Maritime Organization Standard Marine Communication Phrases)
• Firefighting
• Searching
• Air to sea rescue

I knew I was in for a rich and unique experience from our first day together. We were assigned to an in-depth simulated search, with four ships working together and a two-manned marine communication centre. After a short intro to the bridge and tools, the exercise began.

The call came over the radio, with SAR vessel positions confirmed and ETAs given. Four vessels coming together for what they call a complex situation, with members from eight countries having never worked together­-what could go wrong? Well apparently, when you bring people from an international stage to train together, very little. The shared best practices and camaraderie were so natural; we aced it and had fun.

Working throughout the week with volunteer and paid professionals from around Europe, I was encouraged by how common many of our best practices are. I was very impressed with the trainers’ ability to facilitate challenging situations that fostered success, and respected the willingness of the masters on the larger ships to hand over the controls to those wishing to take the challenge.

Our final exercise was in the Baltic involving a search for a vessel in distress and two missing crew. We had four agencies and seven vessels execute the exercise. Canada and Estonia (Team Zulu) were handed the 28-metre SAR vessel Berlin and the role of the on-scene commander (OSC). After receiving the Mayday, all vessels in the area reported to MRCC. MRCC immediately handed the search and communication to the Berlin as the OSC. The next hours were very engaging in terms of both communication and navigation.

We established our area of search from the last known position and local weather reports (two hours before the call) and ran a hybrid mid-channel search with the Berlin as the lead. We then advanced to a shore approach on the windward shore, returning on our course offset by two cables. Both OSCARs were found in our return search. The week ended with success and camaraderie, just as it had begun.

The solid training and support I have had over the past seven years was put into practice and allowed this exercise on a European platform to be successful. I know that we at RCMSAR will continue to build on our history. Being in Germany gave affirmation to our foundations and current direction.

I am encouraged by how aligned we are with so many other maritime rescue organizations with respect to practice and training. I was proud and grateful to have had the opportunity to represent Canada at the exchange, and look forward to the opportunity for RCMSAR to host the International Maritime Rescue Federation Congress in Vancouver in 2019.

On Friday, March 9^th, RCMSAR CEO, Pat Quealey and Director of Operations, Jason van der Valk, along with two colleagues from Emergency Management BC (EMBC), departed Victoria by plane to begin our 5-day tour to visit our members in the Northern RCMSAR Stations which are located in Kitimat, Hartley Bay, Prince Rupert, Lax Kw’alaams , Masset and a visit with the Station Leader from our Kitkatla Station.

Landing in the he small northern town of Terrace, our journey began with long-time Kitimat RCMSAR member, Duncan Peacock, graciously delivering us Kitimat where we met with members of that station.

Diving right in, over the next couple of hours discussing the operations of their station, the station crew engaged us with discussions about their membership, area of operations and their challenges and successes within their station. Reciprocally, Pat and I delivered key information to the membership on the newly developed Coxswain Leadership courses, information on the recent EMBC MOU and housed a successful question and answer period.  Our EMBC colleagues took the opportunity to further engage with the members in discussion around the PrepardnessBC “High Ground Hike” program which is being implemented across coastal BC.

There was plenty more opportunity to continue our discussions during the next morning and early Saturday departure from the Kitimat boat house, heading south down the snow-capped mountainous peaks of the Douglas Channel, and to our next northern RCMSAR Station visit, located approximately 100km from Kitimat; the small Gitga’at First Nation village of Hartley Bay.

Around 1030am, the two vessels from Kitimat moored in Hartley Bay and greeted dockside by the RCMSAR crews and the Orme G Stuart, the RCMSAR Type 2 from Station 64 in Prince Rupert, who joined us on the visit and arrived in Hartley Bay before us.

Making his way down the dock, Eddie Robinson, a long time RCMSAR member and leader of the Hartley Bay Emergency Services Division, warmly welcomed us into his close-knit community.  Meandering through the network of wooden boardwalks lined with homes; we strolled past a prominent red-roofed church and entered the building where we’d sit to discuss RCMSAR operations, which has been tightly integrated into their emergency services programs in their community for many years. With an agenda, much like the previous night’s with Kitimat, we took the opportunity to learn more about this remote community. We all sat with admiration and respect after listening to the RCMSAR members who, almost 12 years ago to the day, rescued 99 persons after the fateful voyage of the BC Ferries “Queen of the North” which struck Gil Island late at night and sank below the surface into the dark frigid waters.

After our conversations, we walked to their local fire station and viewed their equipment and vehicles which support their community with first response and medical assistance.  We then gathered in front of the community centre, took photos, shook hands, and thanked everyone for their time and shared knowledge. We made our way down to the docks where we said our goodbyes to the Kitimat Station, hopped on-board the Orme G Stuartand began our next leg of our journey, the city of Prince Rupert.

Heading north, we charted our course up the Grenville channel, passing by the diving site of the Brig.-Gen. M.G. Zalinski vessel which sunk in 1946. This wreck is worthy of our attention as it notoriously has continued to leak oil after all these years and has been the subject of recent remediation efforts.

A few hours later, we docked the boat alongside their 733 Zodiac Hurricane, at the new moorage facility for the Prince Rupert Station. Later that night we visited the Prince Rupert Community Centre and took part in their station in-water training exercises which included a life raft deployment presentation and PFD competency testing. Crews also donned survival suits and entered the water to further their experiences in a range of approved PPE options. The station graciously hosted MLA Jennifer Rice, and her partner, to a wonderful catered dinner where crews mingled, shared stories and asked questions. This blend of training, socializing and kinship epitomized the strength of RCMSAR volunteering that simply can’t be measured by a statistic.

On Sunday, crews gathered at the Prince Rupert dock to prepare for of our 1-hour voyage north to the Lax Kw’alaams station.. When we arrived, we were welcomed by Jim Henry, the Station Leader. Along with Jim, was an RCMP officer who would also take part in our meeting at the local Fire Hall, where Jim is also the Fire Chief in their community. Furthermore, many of the RCMSAR members are also First Responders within their local fire service. For the next few hours we learned more about their community and how RCMSAR integrates into their community emergency preparedness plans.

That evening we enjoyed exploring areas around Prince Rupert, including a drive up the Skeena River to see Bald Eagles feasting on the Ooligans during their spawning run which is a First Nations staple around here.

The following day was spent in Prince Rupert attending meetings shoreside. We met with the Prince Rupert Fire Chief to go over the EMBC MOU and then met with the Prince Rupert Port Authority and toured their new operations building. Finally, Pat met with an old colleague, Maurie Hurst, who is the Northwest Regional Manager with EMBC.  These meetings are one more step towards RCMSAR ability to respond to humanitarian aid emergencies in support of local and Provincial authorities.

The next day, Pat and I, hopped on-board a float plane and took off for Masset, located approximately 45 minutes by air. We were met at the float plane dock by RCMSAR member, Chris Ashurst, who escorted us to their training and meeting facility, which is shared with the local BCEHS station. It is just a stone’s throw from the RCMSAR rescue vessel launch. At the station, The Station Leader, Ross Hayes, was onhand to make us feel welcome.  Chris works full time with Parks Canada as well he is a member with the Ground Search and Rescue established in Masset and Ross is is a full-time paramedic with BCAS in Masset. Many of the other members are also first responders. the trend here in our Northern Regions was not lost on us. Many members are well integrated into their community providing first response in many capacities, many wearing different hats.

Unfortunately, the visit with Masset was too short, but it was well worth the time spent with our volunteers and it certainly provided us with a better understanding of this station on Haida Gwaii, who has just placed an order a new Type II vessel. With the passion of the members and the capabilities of a Type 2, Station 45 is on the cusp of an exciting future.

If I could sum up what this trip meant to me and what I experienced and learned, I would have to say a much better understanding of the challenges faced with our more remote, northern stations. These are remote operating stations who are, for the most part, the only first responders on the waters in very remote areas. Safety is imperative. Without our members dedicaitons to public safety, help, if required, would take many, many hours.

But one thing that stuck out is the sheer sense of unity and community within. Personally, RCMSAR for me, is very focused. I play a small part in my town’s emergency plans. We are not nearly as integrated as our northern colleagues.

Many of these people also wear many first responder hats. We met members who were not just volunteers with RCMSAR, but were involved with their local Fire Rescue, Ground SAR, Paramedics, Parks Canada and who work in their cities Emergency Operations Centre. RCMSAR is only one small part for these people and many have a tremendous amount of knowledge around community preparedness. This is not just volunteering, this is a way of life for them.

I brought back a better understanding of their challenges, from training to logistics to support. I also brought back a lot of fond memories and made some new friends. Station members also got to understand RCMSAR corporately and had the opportunity to comment on the alignment of that to northern operations.

I will never forget this experience. I thank each of our stations for their time and welcoming us with open arms. I hope it was as beneficial to them as it was to me.

British Columbia—60% of water-related fatalities occur during the summer months,¹ and The Community Against Preventable Injuries (Preventable) wants to remind British Columbians that drowning and other boating-related injuries are preventable.

Starting the May long weekend and running until Labour Day, recreational boaters will be reminded to have a word with themselves before they go out and enjoy BC’s beautiful lakes, rivers, and oceans this summer. Messaging will be displayed at select marinas, in nearby restaurants and pubs, on billboards and transit stops, and online.

Volunteers from the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR) will engage directly with recreational boaters to remind British Columbians of the risks of drinking alcohol while boating, to wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD), and to make sure they have equipment that is in good working condition and accessible, and that they know how to use it.

“No one expects to fall overboard when enjoying a day out on the water,” says Pat Quealey, CEO of RCMSAR. “Too often we rescue people who have fallen into the water without wearing a lifejacket. Having the right equipment and wearing a lifejacket can save lives.”

“32% of water-related fatalities in BC occur while boating, higher than the national average of 26%,”^1,5  says Dr. Ian Pike, spokesperson for Preventable. “We want to remind British Columbians that drowning and boating-related injuries don’t just ‘happen’—they are preventable.”

This campaign is aimed at recreational boaters, which includes paddlers and other operators of human-powered crafts; operators of small power boats (under 6 metres) and sailboats, and operators of other pleasure crafts.

The campaign is part of a three-year project with Preventable, BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, and the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue. Funding is provided by Transport Canada. To learn more about preventable injuries, visit www.preventable.ca. To learn more about RCMSAR, visit www.rcmsar.com.

We are now one step closer towards the successful execution of the much-anticipated World Maritime Rescue Congress, planned for June 2019 in Vancouver at the Vancouver Convention Centre’s East Building.
It is with great pleasure that I share the announcement of our project partners: International Conference Services. International Conference Services, or ICS as they are more commonly known, have been a professional conference organizer in Vancouver since 1976. They were chosen from a short list of four of the top professional conference organizers in the province.
The decision was difficult as the quality of service that we enjoy from all of these organizations in Vancouver is exemplary. However, after exhaustive interviews, it was determined that ICS was the organization that best aligned with RCMSAR’s goals and objectives for this event.

ICS come highly recommended and have delivered many events in the city with a specialty leaning toward non-profit organizations.
Our CEO, Pat Quealey, was hosted by the International Maritime Rescue Federation at their Mass Rescue Operations Conference in June where Pat invited our colleagues from around the world to join us at this important event in 2019. Enthusiasm was high and we look forward to hosting the global maritime community in Vancouver along with our partners. We are fortunate to have such a qualified team in ICS to help ensure the World Maritime Rescue Congress is a resounding success.

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When and why did you join RCMSAR?

I joined RCMSAR Station Squamish in the summer of 2015. I joined during a gap year between high school and university. Throughout high school I was a member of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, getting my first exposure to first aid, survival and leadership training as I worked through the ranks. Becoming increasingly interested in a career in pre-hospital care, I continued my training, completing my Occupational First Aid Level 3, Wilderness First Responder tickets and my Emergency Medical Responder licence. After graduating high school without much of a plan, I decided to go to Thailand to complete an internship, getting my PADI Master Scuba Diver rating with specialties in rescue diving, search and recovery and underwater navigation. After coming home, I began working in residential construction and was looking for something productive to do in my free time. Taking my passion for first aid and my love of the ocean together, I began investigating RCMSAR. My former cadet commanding officer was also a member, so he put me in touch with the recruitment officer in Station Squamish–and the rest is history.

What roles do you hold in your station and/or society?

Currently I am an active member with Station North Vancouver and president of the Howe Sound Marine Rescue Society, supporting Station Squamish. After moving to Vancouver for university, I transferred stations to maintain operational standby while studying. As for my society responsibilities, the preceding president stepped down shortly after I joined RCMSAR as a new crewmember. With nobody in our small station able to fill the position, I wanted to help out and learn more about the administration of the station. This may have been ill-advised as I was leaving to begin my first year at Simon Fraser University three weeks later, but with help from the rest of the board of directors, I was quickly read in on the society functions and did my best to hit the ground running.

How did this exchange come about?

That’s a bit of a long story. I’m currently working towards a degree in international studies specializing in security and conflict analysis. After learning more and more about the state of environmental degradation and the impacts it would have on the Canadian Arctic, I became increasingly interested in Arctic security and sovereignty issues. As Canada holds the second-largest claim in the Arctic after Russia, we as a country have plenty of reasons to look north. With an increase in traffic and access due to climate change and interest in renewable (fish) and non-renewable resources (oil, gas and minerals), competition among Arctic and non-Arctic states is increasing the odds for conflict in this newly-regulated arena. Political, economic, social and cultural interests all seem to coincide directly on our northern frontier. Looking to the future, I began exploring options for after graduation. I found a Master’s program at the University of the Arctic in the city of Tromso, Norway, specializing in Arctic Maritime Law.

These ideas hung around for a while as a bit of an unlikely objective. The wheels started turning after I found out at the SAREx that RCMSAR will be hosting the World Maritime Rescue Congress and the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) will be having their AGM in Vancouver in 2019. Not knowing what the IMRF was or who was involved, I did a bit of background research. Once I saw the Norwegians were members of the IMRF as well, it kind of clicked. I sent the IMRF an email, and said I was interested in finding a university co-op or something to get some exposure to Norway and a taste of SAR operations in the far north. They in turn put me in touch with the Redningsselskapet (Norwegian Sea Rescue Society). I asked them if they had any positions in Tromso and unfortunately they said they were full at that station but they could offer me a specialized training program as a pilot project. Specifically, this would include a crash course in Arctic operations, as well as their standard operating procedures and general protocols for marine SAR in the south as well. As this is the first time they have taken a member from a foreign organization for an extended period of time, much of it will be route-finding, but I am confident it will be worthwhile.

Can you provide a brief itinerary of your trip?

This part is a bit up in the air at the moment due to some scheduling changes, but the rough framework I have been working with thus far is to arrive in Oslo and get some exposure to the organization at their headquarters there. Following these first few days, I will be flying up to the north, arriving in Narvik and travelling to their stations in Svolvær, Balstad and Myre to see the challenges that come with operating in an Arctic environment. My primary focus will be to expand my understanding of the major issues involved in operating in such austere environments, as well as the policy questions that come from a warming Arctic environment.

I’ll then be serving in their southern stations Skjærhalden, Arendal, Oscarsborg and Oslo. At some point in between, I’ll be undergoing training at their newly-built training facility in the town of Horten. I have yet to find out what they have in store for me in the south, but I have no doubt that comparing our protocols and practices to theirs will significantly enhance the skills I have already gained through RCMSAR curriculum.

I feel that with the skills and experience I have gained through our noble domestic pursuits, I must act where I can to impact some incremental difference as best I can abroad.

Following my trip to Norway, independent of any RCMSAR involvement or endorsements, I will be travelling of my own accord to the Greek island of Lesvos. Here I will be working with a non-profit non-governmental organization called Refugee Rescue. This group has been operating in the Mediterranean since 2015, searching for any vessels in distress along the increasingly high traffic corridor. With the unprecedented influx of human migration stemming from armed conflict and environmental degradation across the Sahel, North Africa and of course the conflicts in Iraq and Syria, vulnerable people have been dying in abhorrent and unacceptable numbers. Unscrupulous actors such as human traffickers have been exploiting this demand illegally and immorally by overloading vessels, selling fake PFDs and navigating without due care or regard for the souls onboard. The dangers these travellers face would be unconscionable in Canada and for all members of our organization as a sea rescue organization. Thus, I feel that with the skills and experience I have gained through our noble domestic pursuits, I must act where I can to impact some incremental difference as best I can abroad.

What do you think you’ll gain from this trip? How do you think it might benefit your station?

I believe that this trip is going to increase my SAR IQ ten-fold. The simple experience of working in a new environment, much less on a different SAR platform and with different crews will be challenging but formative. With Norway and Greece taken together, my hope is that the experiences I will gain will make a positive impact on the crewmembers with which I will serve upon my return. By bringing new perspectives, my biggest hope is that these pursuits will make the crucial difference in the event of a distress call here at home.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with the RCMSAR membership?

I’d just like to take this opportunity to thank each and every member that has positively influenced my training and SAR career development. Without the help of the leadership at my home station of Station Squamish, the help of members such as Mike Sheehan (our former station leader), Nelson Dow (current station leader), Chris Scarborough, Scott Shaw-MacLaren, Dan Price and Paul Jones, I would not have received the base skills that have propelled me to even be eligible for these pursuits. Further, the vital members that have supported our Howe Sound Marine Rescue Society operations require mention. Cindy Neilson as treasurer, Sean Soper and all the others that help out with our day-to-day operations have been vital to our station/society development over my tenure. The dedication required to operate a small station such as ours is not always fully understood by those looking from a distance but the difference these members have made in the lives of those they have picked up and those that they have served with is immeasurable.

The support I have received down at Station North Vancouver has dramatically changed my perspectives on SAR operations and the difficulties that come with operating in one of Canada’s busiest ports. The level of training and positive support I have received from Randy Strandt, Kevin Cattell, Dan Wright, Carlos Sepulveda, Chris Schmit and other long-serving members such as Mike de Jong, Dean Rockwell and Tom Stackhouse have prepared me for all the worst-case scenarios we might encounter. Their attention to detail and dedication to the mission is astounding and inspiring.

The help I have received from the Headquarters staff is remarkable. CEO Pat Quealey’s continued and unwavering support for all my formerly pipe dreams has been deeply motivating and inspiring. Without the support of our top leadership and their endorsement to represent our organization abroad I would be at a steep disadvantage. The impact these experiences will have for both my personal and professional life will be broad and all-encompassing. The support of our dedicated operations and training staff members Francois Michaud and Jason van der Valk in curriculum development and safety improvements have set us all up for success in the best way possible. Without the support of all these members and more, the morale and esprit de corps I love and cherish in this organization would not be the same. The sacrifice and commitment of all our members is what inspires me. My highest goal is to return the favour.

As this trip is entirely self-funded, I have been working hard to save up the cash to make this happen. Unfortunately, university tuition has no indication of decreasing soon, and Vancouver is a less than affordable place to call home. With this in consideration, and after having exhausted all other avenues such as grant funding, I have (begrudgingly) started a GoFundMe page. If anybody reading this wishes to support this training experience or knows a friend/relative/significant other that might be interested in donating, I would be eternally grateful.

Click here for more information on the Redningsselskapet and their operations.

Click here for more information on Refugee Rescue and the operations they undertake.

Click here for more information on Raymond and his trip or to sponsor him.

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SAREx 2017 was the biggest and best yet with nearly 170 RCMSAR crew participating plus members of our Board of Governors, Headquarters team and our Canadian Coast Guard SAR partners.
The event, which took place May 12–14 at the Sunshine Coast’s Camp Elphinstone, was an excellent opportunity for members from throughout the region to learn, practice and share new skills.

On the Saturday, members were able to select some of their classes, so they could ‘choose their own adventure’. Sunday included an introduction to mass rescue operations from CEO Pat Quealey and a large-scale field exercise involving the Coast Guard hovercraft crew, Gibsons Fire Department, more than 30 RCMSAR rescuers and nearly 100 ‘casualties’. Crews practiced triage, communication and first aid in a situation designed to overwhelm the available resources.

The accompanying station management program had nearly 30 station and society leaders collaborating on best practices, fundraising and regional goals.
Thanks go to everyone who attended and helped make the weekend a great success. Special thanks go to the organizers: Mike Cupit, Roger Wagstaff, Alistair Duncan, Mark Wenn, Barb Bluschke, Erin Heeney, Vanessa Abbot and many, many more.

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What is the Readiness Project?

The Readiness Project is a multi-year project intended to improve operational readiness across the entire organization in three pillars: training, personnel and support.
Our approach to the project is to use evidence-based information to inform option analysis in each pillar, determining how we can improve our effectiveness through better resource management.

The project has three thrusts. Can you give a brief outline of what each thrust involves?

The project itself will follow a phased approach as we identify areas for improvement inside each thrust. All the thrusts are linked in one way or another so we will address each in turn then take time to stop, measure and adjust the outputs as required.
The three thrusts are the readiness framework, end-to-end training review and validation. There is now a fourth thrust under development, which is related to the support pillar, to examine engineering and equipment and vessel procurement.

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Readiness Framework: This is a policy document that has four main areas:

1. Define readiness for the three pillars.
2. Define readiness profile for stations by grouping them into four categories (heavy weather SAR, ocean SAR, lake SAR, boating safety).
3. Operational restrictions for coxswains, which include new categories for a temporary coxswain limited to day only or day and night, with both being for a set period of time pending a coxswain course.
4. A standard set of training exercises called readiness objectives, which is a menu of standard exercises a station can choose from to meet their needs. They are in three categories: basic, intermediate and advanced, and each describes the 5 W in the conduct of these exercises that a station can tailor to their specific operating area. This training is funded in the same manner that on-water training is currently funded.

End-to-End Training Review: There have been four findings that have influenced the new courses:

• Safety data analysis from 2001–2016 corroborates the station leadership and management team’s assertions that there is a need for a coxswain course that includes leadership training
• Safety data analysis also confirms there is room for improvement in essential SAR skills
• RHIOT is an excellent course but there are insufficient seats available to generate enough coxswains to meet the organization’s needs
• SARNav 1 & 2 are good courses, however, they have components that can be removed that are not specific to navigation

Validation: This is a process in which we would measure and adjust each area of readiness on a cyclical basis. Some of this already exists (safety audits for example) but some of this does not, specifically in areas such as training, recertification, station visits, etc.

What is the project timeline?

The overall project timeline runs to 2020 to allow for each thrust to be developed in turn, observed and adjusted. These timelines are always fluid as we move forward. In the shorter term the readiness framework is ahead of schedule and release is expected by October. We will garner input from station leaders and the Safety & Training Board (STB) and release a revised version in the March 2018 timeframe prior to the start of the 2018/19 fiscal year. The training review and development is ahead of schedule with pilot courses tentatively scheduled before 2018. The schedule will be promulgated by the end of August or sooner. Validation detailed work will commence in 2018 as well as the engineering thrust, with an estimated one year to implement.

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How will the project effect RCMSAR members in the short and long term?

Many aspects of readiness will be transparent to most of the membership but in the short term the four areas that will be noticed the most are:

1. The temporary coxswain policy may provide certain stations relief; in fact, we have already proceeded to implement this policy with two RCMSAR stations.
2. Training: There will soon be three new courses to overcome the limitations of our RHIOT opportunities and consolidate SARNav 1 and SARNav 2. We will retain seats on RHIOT to give us additional capacity and take advantage of this excellent course, but participation will be prioritized towards stations with a heavy-weather readiness profile. We will be acquiring a second training vessel to enhance the training scenarios. The following three courses will be delivered in Sooke and available to all stations:
   SAR Skills—five-day course (over a weekend), includes SVOP certification and has a large on-water component that will use two vessels in order to exercise all core SAR skills such as driving, towing, de-watering, emergency procedures, casualties etc.
   SARNav—five-day course (over a weekend), focused on SARNav with most of the time on water alternating with the simulator.
   Coxswain Leadership—five-day course (over a weekend), three days of in-class with a group of mentors to cover such topics as leadership theory, mentoring, coaching, communications, command decision making, operations and SAR table top scenarios. The last two days will employ two vessels exercising leadership in challenging SAR scenarios.
3. All past qualifications will be grandfathered and the new courses could be made available on a case-by-case basis for qualified personnel with the priority going to members seeking a new qualification. As is currently the case, station recommendation and operational need is how courses will be loaded. To take a SAR skills or SARNav course does not mean someone must aspire to be a coxswain—if they are happy to be a crew or advanced crew that is perfectly satisfactory. Overall there will be 20 courses per year and if all the courses are at capacity (6) then we will have a 100% throughput increase at the SAR skills-RHIOT level and 50% increase at the coxswain level.
4. Fitness: Physical fitness is an aspect of individual readiness that is important to safety and mission success. We commissioned a study by UVic to develop an annual test. The study is under review to develop an annual RCMSAR fitness test equally applicable to all members that is based on common RCMSAR tasks. The aim is to develop a reasonable standard and release this policy by the end of 2017.

In the long term, members will be affected by how we move forward in validation and by whether or not we use teams for station visits to conduct safety audits, training assessment, leadership mentoring and the overall readiness assessment of a station.

What do you hope to accomplish by implementing this project?
In short, we hope to improve preparedness and execution of our missions in a safe manner that also enhances the organization’s image.

Is there anything else about the Readiness Project you would like to share with the membership?

Communication is very important as we can never do it enough. So far I have briefed the staff and CEO on a weekly basis since April, briefs to the management team occurred in May, a brief to the STB occurred on June 13 and will occur monthly as we seek their input, a brief to station leaders occurred on June 28 and will occur again in three months to get their and their members’ feedback (which I have been receiving); next is the safety and risk committee followed by the board of governors and the AGM in September. If members have any questions I encourage them to bring them forward through their station leadership.

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Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue is a volunteer-based organization that operates more than 30 marine rescue stations on the British Columbia coast and in the BC Interior. From Vancouver’s busy harbour to the remote waters of the North Coast, our volunteer crews are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ready to respond to marine emergencies.

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Latest Type I Sea Trials

The newest Type I commenced sea trials January 19 on a blustery day off Sidney. The latest Type I was built for RCMSAR Station Victoria and sea trials were conducted by Bruce Falkins, Earl Shirley and David Best. The vessel performed well. Final delivery is expected at month’s end.

As standard gear, RCMSAR Victoria is equipped with the AIS-based Data Marker Buoy; the DMB shows on the navigation screens as an AIS target with Course over Ground (COG) and Speed over Ground (SOG) data.

The Type I vessel provides a safe working platform for RCMSAR volunteer crews through the shock-mitigating ICE console. Both Type I and Type II vessels have significantly “beefed up” hulls as compared to older vessels, which provide volunteer crews with additional protection.

Data Marker Buoy Update

The AIS-based Data Marker Buoy is now installed and fully functioning on four rescue vessels at RCMSAR stations in West Vancouver (two vessels), Nanaimo and Victoria.

The AIS-DMB operates on channel 15 and appears on the navigation screens as an AIS target on any vessel equipped with an AIS receiver similarly tuned to channel 15. Aside from knowing exactly where the DMB is located, the SOG and COG are constantly updated.

In addition to use as a data marker buoy, the DMB can be tethered to MOB poles, mannequins and like items deployed during training to ensure they are located and recovered.

The AIS-DMB was deployed as part of the October 30, 2017 search and successful recovery of a person in the water.

The Region has applied for a Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund grant from Public Safety Canada to purchase and install the system on all RCMSAR vessels over the next 12 to 18 months. The intention is to have the installation professionally done. Word on the funding request is expected in the next few weeks.

Priority for installation of the AIS-DMB will be Type II, Type I vessels first as wiring/installation is relatively straightforward. On older vessels access to navigation system wiring may be more challenging and may have to be done as part of the 10-year refit. A stand-alone AIS DMB system housed in a weatherproof “Pelican” case (prototype shown below) may be an option.

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For one weekend in September at SAREX 2018, held at the Albert Head Training Centre in Metchosin B.C., our volunteer members of Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue did some things we typically don’t do – all in the name of working together.

“Our 2018 SAREX was an opportunity to train and practice with different resources and responders,” said Ralph Mohrmann, RCMSAR Director of Readiness and the primary organizer for the weekend.

RCMSAR members learned from, shared information and worked alongside members of the 4^th Canadian Ranger Patrol, local Ground Search and Rescue crews, PEP Air, the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard.

“For many of our members, it’s not something they typically get to do. Creating that understanding and building those relationships between different agencies can only improve and help our joint effectiveness in the heat of the moment,” said Mohrmann.

Relationship building was a key element of SAREX 2018.  The opportunity to train together also meant the chance to laugh together and build some lasting memories – and alongside some serious training scenarios, there was plenty of laughter and friendships forged.

“The opportunity to train and practice together can highlight any challenges that should be addressed before an actual emergency, and ultimately it improves crew confidence for when and if different agencies are called upon to respond together,” said Mohrmann.

After SAREX 2018, we know our crews are ready and better prepared to respond to marine emergencies alongside different resources.

Group photo courtesy of Jason van der Valk, Coxswain, Sooke Station

All other photos courtesy of Scott Smith, Station Leader, West Vancouver Station

 

 

 

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Six RCMSAR stations recently took part in an on-water mass rescue operations training exercise jointly managed by the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Coast Guard with coordination at the provincial level provided by Emergency Management BC.

On October 25, a simulated fire took place onboard BC Ferries MV Coastal Renaissance in Trincomali Channel off Salt Spring Island, forcing the evacuation of over 1,300 people. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Victoria tasked all nearby assets to assist, and RCMSAR provided on-water response with vessels from six stations: Brentwood Bay, Gulf Islands, Ladysmith, Mill Bay, Pender Island and Saanich. Other first responder groups included the Canadian Coast Guard, the US Coast Guard, RCMP, Transport Canada and Royal Canadian Air Force.

After the MV Coastal Renaissance deployed their inflatable slides and passengers evacuated to life rafts, rescue crews transferred them to waiting ground crews on Salt Spring Island. First responders from BC Emergency Health Services, local fire rescue, local ground SAR and many other groups coordinated triage and support for the evacuees.

The exercise continued on October 26, focusing on environmental response, coordinated by the Canadian Coast Guard and the BC Ministry of Environment as well as local and Indigenous government representatives.

This exercise served as an excellent opportunity for multiple agencies to work together in a maritime emergency scenario and practice a coordinated response.

“Careful preparation and practice ensure first responders are ready to spring into action when emergencies arise,” said the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. “These exercises build and strengthen the working relationships that are essential to effectively coordinate with partners to quickly and effectively deploy resources to support Canadians when disaster strikes.”

Did you know?

• This two day exercise involves approximately 500 people from more than 20 government and non-governmental organizations – including local Indigenous peoples from several Coastal First Nations.
• A total of 15 vessels and four aircraft were employed.
• Canadian Coast Guard personnel joined this exercise from both Central & Atlantic Canada, while personnel from both the United States Coast Guard and the Korean Coast Guard also attended.

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Work is well underway at Titan Boats in Sidney building the new Falkins Class Type 2 for Station 45 Masset.

RCMSAR 45 will be the ninth Type 2 in RCMSAR service.  The last delivery of a Type 2 was in 2014 to Station 60 – Comox.

Construction progress is reviewed with Titan Boats

The Type 2 have proven a reliable and safe platform for RCMSAR volunteers.  It is designed and built as a self-righting vessel capable of operating in winds up to 50 knots and seas in excess of three meters.

Refinements have been made based on construction practices of the previous two builders and six years of operating experience.  A noticeable upgrade is the use of 12” navigation screens which provide a much clearer picture.   Improvements have been made to the air conditioning / dehumidification system and fire suppression systems as well.   Standard Type 2 equipment includes a Taiyo radio direction finder, AIS-DMB, 48” open array radar, David Clark intercom system. Davit and LED lighting.  For northern operation it is equipped with a satellite compass.  Powering the Type 2 are the twin Volvos driving Hamilton Jets.

Almost ready for the paint shop

Substantial funding for the vessel construction from BC Community Gaming Grants with community support notably from the Port of Prince Rupert and the Haida Trust.

Vessel completion is planned for later this year.

By Alistair Duncan

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For one weekend in September at SAREX 2018, held at the Albert Head Training Centre in Metchosin B.C., our volunteer members of Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue did some things we typically don’t do – all in the name of working together.

“Our 2018 SAREX was an opportunity to train and practice with different resources and responders,” said Ralph Mohrmann, RCMSAR Director of Readiness and the primary organizer for the weekend.

RCMSAR members learned from, shared information and worked alongside members of the 4^th Canadian Ranger Patrol, Ground Search and Rescue crews, PEP Air, the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard.

“For many of our members, it’s not something they typically get to do. Creating that understanding and building those relationships between different agencies can only improve and help our joint effectiveness in the heat of the moment,” said Mohrmann.

Relationship building was a key element of SAREX 2018.  The opportunity to train together also meant the chance to laugh together and build some lasting memories – and alongside some serious training scenarios, there was plenty of laughter and friendships forged.

“The opportunity to train and practice together can highlight any challenges that should be addressed before an actual emergency, and ultimately it improves crew confidence for when and if different agencies are called upon to respond together,” said Mohrmann.

Maintaining our Search and Rescue skills and capabilities in support of the Canadian Coast Guard is our primary function. This SAREx had various activities with that focus including on-water towing drills and workshops detailing Dewatering techniques, direction finding and first aid.

With the new provincial MOU there was also a focus on working alongside other agencies to better understand what an effective response would look like.  Other activities included conducting on-water search patterns for a person over board while PEPAir searched from above, and transferring a patient in a litter and personnel with gear from a rocky shoreline. All of these activities were designed to train and highlight effective communications capabilities for responders.

Of course, the important act of working together was all integrated within each activity where communications and leadership needed to be applied.  This was hugely amplified in the very popular and fun Obstacle Course that members worked through.

Participating in SAREX 2018, we know our crews are more understanding and better prepared to respond to marine emergencies alongside different resources.

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Janet Austin, OBC, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia

In a ceremony at Government House in Victoria on November 6, the Maritime Museum of BC awarded the Beaver Medal of Maritime Excellence to this year’s recipients, including RCMSAR Board of Governors member, Jane McIvor.  In addition to Jane, the Honourable Janet Austin, B.C.’s Lieutenant Governor, and RCMSAR patron presented the medals to Robin Inglis, Donald Krusel, and John MacFarlane along with a special award to the Wahl Family of North Coast Boatbuilders. Read the full article to find out more about the award and Jane’s incredible contributions to the maritime industry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click to Read Article

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Coast Guard SAR planned two on-water Search and Rescue exercises for both Campbell River and Powell River on the weekend of 18-19 November 2018.  Participants included the C.C.G., Powell River Lifeboat, SAR Program Instructors, Tla’amin Nation, RCMP and RCMSAR volunteers.

The training objectives included:

• Interoperability and team work
• Emergency communications
• Search and Rescue Techniques
• Risk Assessment and Mission Safety
• Canada’s Search and Rescue System

An interactive training session and pre-exercise briefing were held each morning in the respective location. This was followed by an on-water Search and Rescue exercise including simulated injured boaters recovery and cold water immersion casualty treatments from C.C.G. Rescue Specialists.

Both the shore-based training and the on-water exercise were an excellent opportunity for all organisations to work together and learn more about marine SAR. We had experienced SAR instructors leading the exercise and a C.C.G. Medic on hand to participate.

Station 60 Comox

The RCM SAR 60 Comox accepted the C.C.G. invitation to participate in both training exercises. It was an excellent opportunity for the members to apply their acquired knowledge and practice their skills. It was also a chance to play, learn and share ideas with other SAR groups.

Both days was carried out with a different crew. Cape Lazo type II vessel was taken to Campbell River the day before the exercise. Departing Comox on Saturday there was heavy fog in the Valley that lifted before arriving in Campbell River. After the exercise debriefing Cape Lazo was returned to Comox on the same day and ready to go the next day to Powell River.

On Sunday morning at 06:30 the new crew reported to the Station, ready to depart for Powell River. Again due to very thick fog the crew faced restricted visibility on the 5 nm trip to P54 in the Strait of Georgia. After crossing P54 the fog cleared over the Strait. We arrived just in time for coffee and donuts. Unit 59 Deep Bay covered our area in the event of a distress call.

Campbell River

The day started with a training session and safety briefing held in the Thulin room at the Maritime Heritage Centre in Campbell River. This was followed by an OTW exercise. Moorage was made available at the Fisherman’s Wharf for all participating vessels.

Campbell River Exercise Area

 Powell River

Same as in Campbell River the day started with the training session and safety briefing held at the Coast Guard Base, Powell River. Participating vessels were moored on the South side of Westview Harbour.

Powell River Exercise Area

The goal of training was to simulate a real life situation. At the start of the exercise the participating vessels were assigned a search area. Despite careful planning, it was not possible to follow the exact course as it was subject to the actual weather. All players were expected to be well versed in their roles, responsibilities, plans and procedures. The participants were expected to perform as if in real conditions.

Aboard Cape Caution, the C.C.G. provided opportunity to train one of their own in the role of OSC. In this scenario OSC needed to adapt to changing circumstances and conditions.

 Powell River scenario was similar to Campbell River except for the location. It was a vessel experiencing difficulties in open water; sinking with 4 PIW. For the exercise five SAR vessels took part in the simulation; CCG, RCM SAR 60,12,14, and First Nations.

En route to our destination assigned by MTCS we were on the look-out for anything OTW. We did find a gas can well mark for the exercise. We contacted OSC about the gas can. OSC advised us to carry on to destination assigned. Once on-site, we were a cable and a half from the west side of Hardwood Island to the shore. OSC instruction was to carry-on with a modified search pattern! We stopped (SAPP) to discussed OSC’s request. We started the modified search away from the shore for our vessel’s safety. At this point, several calls came over the VHF Radio from other vessels that found objects in the water. The VHF radio traffic started to come in fast and OSC responded with new directives. Every time the directives changed, we carried out a SAPP first then proceeded with the new directive. Near the end we did transfer one rescue body to our vessel with a minor injury to the head. Soon after, the training exercise came to an end.

The scenario was realistic and the tasking was carried out professionally by all participating groups without incident. We found the SAPP approach was very useful. Without calling it a SAPP, when our action needed to be readjusted, we stopped and discussed how we were to carry out the next step. Most of them were short discussions but the beauty of doing it was it’s like resetting the plan! For some people it can be difficult to deviate from the original plan but using SAPP makes it easier to let it go.

We completed the day with a debriefing aboard Cape Caution. Everyone seemed to be pleased with the exercise. Before we had a chance to take a group photo, one RCM SAR Unit received a distress call and had to leave. On the way to home base we did pacing between Cape Lazo and Cape Caution. It was a nice way to finish the day.

Story provided by Roch Massicotte, Station Leader, RCMSAR Unit 60 Comox

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In a report titled When Every Minute Counts: Maritime Search and Rescue, released Nov. 29 by the Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, the Committee recommends more support for agencies like RCMSAR.

Acknowledging that SAR individuals and teams are the “best of the best,” the Committee thanked SAR personnel for their courage and dedication to the search and rescue cause in Canada before providing 17 recommendations aimed toward addressing gaps in coverage, capacity, prevention and governance.

Although gaps in coverage and capacity were identified, the committee recognized that maritime SAR in Canada is largely effective.  However, the report discusses in greater detail how improvements can be made to help increase the likelihood of mission success, reduction of risk to SAR personnel and increased capacity for remote community response.

Included in the 17 recommendations is a call to make the Coast Guard “a separate statutory agency reporting to the Minister of Transport,” much like it operated before 1995, and that Transport Canada shift responsibility, and funding, for recreational boating safety to the Coast Guard.

While each recommendation may bring about opportunity for growth and change, a number of which have the potential to impact positively RCMSAR crews, vessels and operations, particularly with regards to funding.

“The report accurately reflects many of the current challenges in the maritime search and rescue environment and recognizes the need to adequately resource capabilities across all relevant organizations as we work together toward a common purpose of saving lives,” said Pat Quealey, RCMSAR chief executive officer, and one of the people who made presentations during the committee’s hearings.

Pat Quealey, RCMSAR CEO and Ralph Mohrmann, RCMSAR Director of Readiness visit Station 12

One recommendation that could have significant impact on all 33 RCMSAR stations includes a call for an increase in the roughly $5.5 million auxiliary program direct funding to keep up with rising operational and training costs.

In the words of Senator Fabian Manning, RCMSAR is a key contributor to marine safety on the West Coast and warrants additional support: “The $1.3 million in federal funding [RCMSAR] receives is a bargain considering the value of the service it provides.”

“We are glad that the report included two of our key recommendations to adequately fund capital acquisition, vessels and equipment, as well as appropriately reimburse our operational and training readiness expenses” said Quealey.

“At present the federal government provides no funding for the purchase nor long term maintenance of our dedicated response vessels that keep our rescuers and those whom we save, safe at sea.”

The committee has also recommended the creation of a Maritime Search and Rescue Fund to “support the purchase of equipment and services needed by regional Canadian Coast Guard auxiliary organizations” and that the Coast Guard “assist regional Canadian Coast Guard auxiliary organizations to diversify their funding sources.”

“We look forward to working with our federal colleagues to bring these recommendations to life, said Quealey. “RCMSAR is proud to partner with the Canadian Coast Guard and the many agencies that work together to keep our communities safe.”

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The free SAR Tools App I created in 2014 continues to grow in popularity with marine SAR organizations around the world. As of the end of 2018 there are 1878 active installs on Android and IOS devices. In the last five years there have been more than 6000 Android installs, with the United States accounting for the largest percentage of users.

Core App Features

• Sector Search Timer and Calculator
• Expanding Square Search Timer and Calculator
• Speed, Distance, Time Calculator
• Find Lat / Long with Google Map View and Distance Calculator
• Automatic Logging
• Night Mode (to preserve night vision while searching)

What’s New in version 2.0

At the beginning of November, SAR Tools for iPhone was finally moved into its own App and was removed from its previous home in the iPhone Safe Boating App. There are a number of subtle improvements under the hood which most users won’t notice. One is that previously entered data is now saved which makes it quicker if you have to switch out of the App and continue later. Both the Android and iPhone versions are now identical which makes group training a lot easier.

A very noticeable improvement is the new automatic logging feature. Whenever you run a search, all the data associated with the search including the GPS coordinates are automatically saved to the log.  If you pause and re-start a search, the App will save the location where you paused. At the end of a search the log can be emailed with a simple button press. The email feature is really handy to prove a training exercise, or for Coxswains to attach to a mission report.

Power User Tips

 One common question is how to stop and re- start a search when you see an object, investigate, and then go back to searching? This is very easy with the sector search calculator because the App automatically stops timing at datum until you press the datum button again. After veering off your search line to check something, proceed back to the datum point to re-orient the search. Now push the datum button to continue. Most sector searches are within a fairly small search radius so you shouldn’t miss much by doing this. If you run a second circuit with a 30 degree offset to the first, then you should visually overlap what you might have missed by skipping a couple of search legs.

Remember that while accurate search patterns are good practice, the better practice is to thoroughly investigate anything you can’t easily identify – even if you miss a few search legs.

With an expanding square search it’s more difficult to re-start from a defined reference point. The easiest solution is to make sure you have the track feature activated on the boat’s Raymarine multi-function display. Now imagine that you are in the middle of your expanding square search and you break away to investigate something. First press the pause button in the App. When you are done the investigation go back to the last right angle turn shown on the active track on your boat’s display.  Now press continue in the App and the time will automatically re-start from where you are. Simple right?

Requested Features 

The most recent feature requests have come from New Zealand. It seems that the Kiwis aren’t completely happy with cables as base units for track spacing. I’m told that the metric system is preferred! One of these days I might get around to a unit settings section in the App. Ninety nine percent of users seem to to be fine with cables (1/10 of a nautical mile) as the base unit. The App aims to make data entry as fast as possible when time is of the essence. Not having to enter long numbers or decimals helps speed things up.

I suggest you try the App out at home first and then bug your Coxswain to run mock searches on your training night. You will be pleasantly surprised how much more efficiently SAR Tools helps versus the old stopwatch method. Safe searching!

Please download our Apps, play around with them and help get the word out. Good App ratings on the Google Play and iTunes stores are also appreciated!

Download iOS Safe Boating App

Download Android Safe Boating App

Download SAR Tools for Android

Download SAR Tools for iOS

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