Marine Search and Rescue Coxswain Training for Crew Member Leadership Development in Search and Rescue
Established in 1978 and headquartered in Sooke, BC, Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR) is a not-for-profit volunteer-based organization that operates more than 30 marine rescue stations along the coast of British Columbia from Vancouver’s busy harbor to the remote waters of the North Coast. RCMSAR is a key part of the marine search and rescue (SAR) system, working in one of the most challenging search and rescue regions in the world.
Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue’s Training Centre in East Sooke provides an exceptional learning environment for hundreds of volunteer crew members from throughout the region. Through RCMSAR’s training program, students learn seamanship, navigation, communications, search and rescue, first aid, leadership, teamwork and techniques for dealing with the stress that can result from traumatic rescue missions.
RCMSAR purpose-built facility has water frontage on Sooke Basin, a sheltered area that is perfect for basic on-water training. The Basin connects to the more challenging Juan de Fuca Strait where crews can practice coastal navigation, heavy weather operations and advanced search and rescue techniques.
The RCMSAR Training Centre building houses a classroom, offices, the Fast Rescue Craft Simulator, ready room, male and female washrooms with showers, sleeping accommodations and a TV lounge. Accommodation is provided for RCMSAR members at the Training Centre during their course.
Training Programs
Coxswain Training Courses
- Coxswain Leadership I: This is the first of two courses, with an objective of developing RCMSAR Leaders. CLI provides a solid platform in Seamanship and Boat-Handling abilities in order to maintain safety for Crews providing our services during various marine Search and Rescue taskings. Prerequisite include - completion of Transport Canada certified SVOP and SDV-BS (Med A3) and completed crew level sign offs as well as 12 months of dedicated service and 30 hours sea time.
- Coxswain Leadership II-B: The CLII-B course builds on the CLI course outcomes and furthers RCMSAR Crew Member’s leadership development. The focus is on Electronic Navigation techniques in Fast Response Craft (FRC) operations, as well as risk analysis, decision making and advanced Electronic Navigation for restricted visibility operations. Prerequisite include - completed advanced crew sign offs, CLII-B pre-course program/sign offs, 15 hours practicing skills in between CL courses.
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Last Updated: Nov 30, 2023