Membership

How do I become a member of the Royal Canadian Marine Seach and Rescue?

There are two main categories of RCM-SAR membership: Search and Rescue (SAR) duties and Boating safety activities. All members are required to have Standard First Aid training with CPR Level C, Restricted Radio Operator Certification, and a Pleasure Craft Operator Competency Card.

Members interested in volunteering as SAR crew must also have boating experience, be able to meet the physical conditions of long hours on the water in rough conditions, be willing to be on call for 24hourrs at a time over a 5 day period, and live within a 15 minute call-out range from a dock or marina. Call (250) 480-2798 for more information on how to contact the unit leader in your area.

How much time would be required of me?

The call rotation is based on how many people are in your unit. If you feel you are interested enough to call for more information, this would be a question to ask the unit leader of the unit you´d belong to. Boating safety events are more concentrated during the summer months, but SAR incidents happen all year, so it will also depend on how you want to volunteer.

Do I have to have a boat to join?

No, some stations have their own vessels, some use "owner/operator" vessels and a couple of stations use Coast Guard loaned vessels. If you do have a vessel that you´d like to be able to use, you would have to consult your unit leader and the RCM-SAR Director of Search and Rescue to see whether another SAR resource is required in your area, and whether your vessel would be an appropriate resource for the area.

Can I be involved without having to be on call?

Yes, there are units specifically dedicated to boating safety education such as visiting schools, setting up mall displays, and performing pleasure craft courtesy checks for the owners of pleasure craft. Stations that combine SAR and Boating Safety activities almost always need and appreciate having more hands around to help with administrative and educational tasks. As well, all stations have societies attached to them. These societies are active in fundraising and other events. It is possible that you could be involved in that capacity.

How old do I have to be to join?

• Junior Membership : 13-18 years
• General Membership: over 19 years

I have a boat that I´d like to lend for use in SAR activities. Can this be done?

To answer this question, you will have to consult your Unit Leader and the CCGA-P Director of Search and Rescue to see whether another SAR resource is required in your area, and whether your vessel would be an appropriate resource for the area. In most cases, sailing vessels would not be acceptable as SAR resources. You would be required to join as a regular member in order to offer the services of your vessel.