Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR) Station 60 Comox volunteers had a lot of fun providing a safety net for the dragon boat races, 442 SAR demo, and fireworks over the Nautical Days weekend.
In addition to this type of community support, RCM-SAR Station 60’s dedicated volunteers 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. We are looking for a few good volunteers to take our next training course beginning in September. Benefits of volunteering include:
- improved boat handing skills (seamanship),
- first aid training,
- improved navigation work, including GPS and electronic pilotage,
- self rescue skills,
- search and rescue techniques,
- satisfaction from helping others.
We are looking for people 19 years or older with at least their PCOC and a strong commitment to volunteering for their community. Other 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 Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue, and requires a reasonable time commitment not only for training but rotational on-call, when qualified as crew.
“Volunteering with RCM-SAR Station 60 provides me the opportunity to help out the community and learn more about boating, which I enjoy,” states Kathryn Clouston. “I enjoy being part of a great bunch of people who enjoy a common interest.”
RCM-SAR Station 60 Comox Valley has two vessels in its fleet. Lazo, a brand new 33-foot enclosed cab jet boat, and Paul Giles, a 22-foot RHIB (Rigid Haul Inflatable boat). The boats are moored at the Comox Marina, where the unit has a floating base.
For more information, email comoxmarinerescue@gmail.com or call Peter Bolton at 250-890-0554.