The local Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCM SAR) chapter is looking for new recruits.
On Sept. 9, RCM SAR Unit 60 in Comox will hold an open house to interview prospects to become crew members. The event takes place at the SAR station in the Comox Marina at 10:00 a.m.
The open house will be one of the last opportunities to become a crew member this year, as the station will begin its fall training orientation shortly afterwards. Crew members must have their Pleasure Craft Operator Cards before they can join.
Bob Hodgson, a coxswain with Unit 60 who is responsible for the training program, says the program is extensive. After their fall orientation is completed, recruits will have to commit roughly four or five hours per week from January until May.
The dozen or so recruits who will take part in the training program will learn seamanship, marine SAR techniques, navigation, boat driving skills and cruising regulations, among other skills. There will be both classroom and on-water components.
“Our work is very serious,” said Hodgson. “There is risk involved and safety is our first priority. Our people need to have to have the skills necessary to become competent search-and-rescue individuals.”
But if anything, the commitment will intensify once training is complete. On-call crew members sign up for 10 12-hour shifts each month. There are also monthly station meetings and further training commitments, as required.
“The first year is the most challenging because of the training requirement and the steep learning curve,” said Hodgson.
The Comox-based station, which has about 50 volunteers at the moment, responds to about 60 calls per year.
While the majority of those calls are not serious in nature, volunteers sometimes respond to life-or-death situations.
“It’s not a social club or a recreational activity. This is serious business, what we do. And we look for serious people who are committed,” said Hodgson.
Hodgson said there are many reasons to become an SAR crew member.
“It’s very satisfying knowing that when you get out there, you’re helping somebody in distress, whether it’s [because] they’re out of gas or because they’re sinking,” he said.
For more information, Hodgson can be reached at 250-339-6833.
The RCM SAR is a non-profit charity in British Columbia that assists boaters in distress. The organization provides year-round rescue service and promotes boating safety across the province.