COLUMN: Canadian Coast Guard: always on the job

Sirens are blaring. Valiant crewmembers rush to high-powered boats and are crashing through waves within seconds. The wind screams as the blades of a helicopter cut through the air.

Although these are all ingredients of a blockbuster action film, they could also very well be the ingredients of a Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) search and rescue (SAR) exercise taking place on a coastline near you this summer. During such exercises, the determined men and women of the CCG are practicing their skills to make sure they are able to provide the highest level of service to all those at risk in the maritime environment.

The CCG is constantly fine tuning its performance when it comes to search and rescue. Specific procedures have been designed for a wide variety of possible scenarios. Examples of such incidents may include vessels sinking, locating vessels that have sent broken mayday calls, and retrieving persons overboard. During the course of a calendar year, CCG will normally run 12 to 14 of these exercises throughout the Maritimes Region.

With a success rate of 97 per cent in real situations, the practice is paying off.

The CCG is part of a SAR network led by the minister of National Defence (DND). This network is made up of six federal departments and two volunteer groups. DND and CCG have officers stationed at the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre (JRCC) in Halifax 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The JRCC receives distress calls and plans the proper modes of action.

A volunteer group known as the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA) is also ready to help at a moment’s notice. The CCGA have been given the proper training to react to any situation that may arise in times of need. They normally consist of local fish harvesters and pleasure craft owners. If a distress call comes from within their area, they may be the first on the scene.

And, their ability to navigate their home waters makes them an invaluable asset to the SAR team.

Another valuable resource are the members of the CCG’s Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) program who can be seen patrolling our waters daily in their bright orange fast rescue craft (FRC). The IRB program runs over the course of the summer and is made up of university students interested in CCG activities. During this time they will practice SAR exercises on land and water until it has become second nature. Other tasks of the IRB program involve educating the recreational boating public about safety awareness, reacting to distress calls, and providing first aid to those in need.

The beautiful waters of the Atlantic are a source of pride for most Maritimers; however, they can also be cold, unpredictable and unforgiving. CCG are aware that just one call over the radio can change the lives of many. That is why they stress training all year round–rain, fog, wind or snow.

(Nancy Hurlburt is an assistant commissioner with the Canadian Coast Guard.)