Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 34 and its non-profit supporting society are organizations dedicated to providing marine search and rescue and promoting boating safety within the local area. Members are unpaid and most of the funding required to fulfill these duties is raised through grant applications and by our membership within the community.
- 25 dedicated members (SAR crews and administrative positions)
- On call 24 hours, 365 days per year
- Averages 20-30 calls / year
- Response vessel – Titan 249XL Rigid Hull Inflatable
To help achieve our goals, we require people interested in boating safety and / or marine emergency response and support members are also needed to help the society with its functions including fundraising, finance, secretarial, media relations, and other administrative duties.
MEMBER COMMITMENT
- Marine Emergency Response – our unpaid crew members require several months of specialized training, After successful completion, a new member can sign up for “on-call” shifts as New Crew, to observe SAR crews at work and to gain experience. The probationary period for new members is 6 months. After completing the necessary certifications and competencies, new crew then become a regular member of the SAR team and signs up for shifts each month when he/she is available. Shifts can be up to 12 hours long, from 0630-1830 and from 1830-0630 (times may vary), 7 days per week and 365 days per year. While on call, the crew member must be capable of responding to the rescue vessel within 15 minutes. All crew members will commit to continue to train regularly to keep up their level of skill and knowledge and can participate in community events promoting boating safety. Training courses are offered periodically in a variety of areas, including courtesy vessel safety equipment checks. Members promote boating safety at local community events.
REQUIREMENTS FOR CREW
- Pleasure Craft Operator’s Certificate (PCOC)
- Restricted Radio Operator’s Certificate (ROC-M)
- Standard First Aid and CPR-C (2-day course)
- Criminal Record check
- Preferred but not essential – boating background
- Able to commit to regular weekly training (theory and on-water)
- Reliable and able to commit to on-call 12-hour shifts
- Live within 15 mins of the RMSAR Rescue Station (in Cowichan Bay)
- Capable of handling the physical demands of SAR operations in all sea and weather conditions
- Able to make a minimum 3-year commitment to the Station
REQUIREMENT FOR SUPPORT
- Criminal Record check
- Time to attend meeting and events
- Passion for boating and community safety
- Positive attitude and can-do approach
- Organisation and administrative skills
HOW TO VOLUNTEER?
Download and complete a volunteer application form and email it to us.
