VOLUNTEER

We are always looking for new members to join our dynamic and positive team.

There are two ways that you can become involved, either as a supporting member or as a search and rescue crew member. A supporting members will be involved in a number of important roles such as fundraising, administration and financial management as an example. Supporting members do not serve as search and rescue crew and generally do not go out on the water.rescue boat

Volunteering as search and rescue crew

Becoming an active crew member on search and rescue missions requires specific skills, training, and commitment above all. New crew members are selected by our Recruitment Officer and spend the bulk of the first year at the station training to become full crew.

Requirements for joining as search and rescue crew:

  • Pleasure Craft Operator’s Certificate (PCOC)
  • Radio Operator’s Certificate (ROC)
  • Standard First Aid and CPR-C
  • Criminal Record Check
  • Able to commit to regular weekly training (classroom and on-water)
  • Reliable and able to commit to be on call for multiple 12-hour shifts per week
  • Live within 15 minutes of Fisherman’s Wharf in Cowichan Bay
  • Capable of handling the physical demands of SAR operations in all sea and weather conditions
  • Boating experience and knowledge of the local waters around Saanich Inlet and surrounding areas
  • Be fully vaccinated against Covid-19

Our members also receive seamanship training at our Training Centre in East Sooke. With this training crew members can advance to coxswain positions and station leadership roles. The Training Centre uses in-class, on the water, and simulator training that offers our volunteers the tools needed to be safe on the water and be ready to respond to emergencies when called upon.

rescue boat

How do I volunteer?

Contact our Station Leader at station34@rcmsar.com. and tell us what interests you.

training with another Station
Training with Station 25
training
Headquarters training room – Sooke BC