Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCM-SAR) Station 60–Comox Valley is looking for new volunteers to assist with marine search and rescue services around the Comox Valley.
The RCM-SAR Station 60 is comprised of a number of dedicated volunteers that provide marine search and rescue, first aid, vessel assistance and towing in Barclay Sound and Georgia Strait; from south of Campbell River, east to Powell River and south of Hornby and Denman Islands.
In 2012, volunteers collectively contributed over 3,700 hours in training and emergency calls. Last year Station 60 responded to 40 emergency calls and carried out over 750 hours of training and operations.
They are looking for additional volunteers for the next training course this fall. The training will include basic boat handing skills (seamanship), first aid training, navigation work, GPS & electronic pilotage, and search & rescue techniques.
They are looking for persons 19 or older with at least their PCOC and a strong commitment to volunteering for their community.
Additional qualifications such as a marine radio operators certificate and boat handling skills are an asset. All training is based on a detailed training program developed by the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue. Once certified as New Crew, volunteers assist with rotating call approximately once a month.
Persons interested in finding out more about RCM-SAR Station 60 can join Thursday nights at Crew Change between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Comox Municipal Marina; where members will be on hand to discuss the operations, answer questions and show you the vessels.
For more information, contact comoxmarinerescue@gmail.com, Peter Bolton at 250-890-0554 or Drew Hadfield 250-203-3796, visit www.unit60comox.ca or see the Bruce Brown II Facebook page.
— Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCM-SAR) Station 60–Comox Valley