CompassThe Magazine of the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue September 2013

Commemorating a Tragic Anniversary See page 2

What’s Inside This Issue

► RESCUE ROUNDUPS ► OUR PEOPLE & STATIONS A Busy Summer for SAR Community Updates

► MEMBER PROFILE ► WHAT’S NEW ’ Ken Morisette Manager Updates

► DONOR SUPPORT ► A FINAL WORD Seaspan Gives Back SAR Review & SARScene

[email protected] 24-hr. Media Line (+1) 778-352-1006 RESCUE

RCM-SAR recently installed a memorial bench to honour crewmembers Angie Nemeth and Bea- trice Sorensen, who lost their lives in a tragic training accident on June 3, 2012. The bench sits on the most tranquil spot at the region’s Glenairley base, south of the main lodge, sheltered from the wind with a picturesque view of the Sooke Basin. While the bench is meant to remind us of Angie and Beatrice’s dedication to saving lives on the water, the real legacy of Angie and Beatrice is bigger than anything we can construct in their honour. It is the way you hug your kids a little tighter before a station meeting. How you take that extra minute to call your partner before an exercise. The way you tell recruits about their dedication, courage and ultimate sacrifice. Their legacy is in our hands. In the words of RCM-SAR Past President Randy Strandt, who spoke so eloquently at Angie and Beatrice’s memorial service:

While today we mourn, tomorrow we will carry on in their honour. Because of them we will be better, stronger and even more committed to this mission. Their names we will honour and cherish for generations.

Compass 2 September 2013 RESCUE ROUNDUPS It was a busy summer for RCM-SAR crews. Here are some of the incidents that kept them busy in July and August.

Station 4 Squamish— August 2–3 At 8:40 p.m. on August 2 Station 4 Squamish was called about a suicidal male that was re- ported to be armed and somewhere on the wa- ter on . He was a potential threat to anybody who came to rescue or assist him. The crew did a search of both sides of Howe Sound, down to Watts Point, with the assistance of the Coast Guard hovercraft Siyay. After three hours, the crew was stood down. The next morning, the crew was back on the in and arrested the man. Both the man and the boat were taken over to water to resume the search and on one of the two tiny Defence Islands Porteau Cove. off the west side of Howe Sound the crew spotted the man’s boat high All told, the Squamish crew was on the water for more than 10 hours and dry in a small cove, with no visible movement on board (though over two days, and with no loss of life and no damage to property, the because of the potential threat, the RCM-SAR crew were only able to mission was a success. observe from a distance). Because of the potential threat, the Siyay, now on scene, retrieved the RCMP’s emergency response team from Station 10 Richmond—July 27–28 Porteau Cove, across the sound. While the Coast Guard and RCMP coordinated their plan of action, Station 4 performed perimeter guard Richmond-based crews were kept extremely busy during the open- duty of the beached vessel. ing night of the Honda Celebration of Light on the evening of July 27. Unexpectedly, as the plans were being put together, the crew noticed The world’s largest offshore fireworks display proved to be a draw for movement on the suspect boat, and the RCMP immediately swooped Richmond boaters who, despite the strong winds, made the trip into

Compass 3 September 2013 RESCUE

English Bay from the Fraser had been made and RCM-SAR River. Station 10, Coast Guard crews immediately notified the and RCMP all played a part in Coast Guard. Crewmembers patrolling and monitoring boat- aboard the B.R. Hastings were ers’ safety. able to safely recover three Crews aboard Station 10’s persons from the vessel, for- cabin vessel B.R. Hastings and tunately without major injury, the Coast Guard’s Sea Island despite the severity of the col- 1 checked multiple vessels, lision. Sea Island 1 also attended including kayaks and canoes, to assist with the assessment throughout the evening that did of the vessel and ensure it was not have proper navigation and not leaking any fuel or oil that lighting equipment. Many ves- could create an environmental sels had left during the daytime hazard. and were unprepared to safely Nearby at Sand Heads, the navigate home after the sun- Richmond RCMP’s Fraser set, especially considering the Guardian was returning to base around 11:15 p.m. when it Many vessels had left during the daytime came across a vessel hard aground on a rock wall. The 25-foot Bayliner, and were unprepared to safely navigate with four adults and two children on board, had also been returning from the fireworks when it drifted out of the channel and into the wall. home after the sunset, especially Unable to make a distress call due to a malfunctioning radio, they were considering the muddy shallow waters able to signal to the passing RCMP vessel. The Fraser Guardian made that exist around Richmond. the distress call on their behalf, prompting a response from volunteer M crews out of Steveston. RCMP officers safely recovered the six persons onto their vessel prior to the arrival of Station 10’s rigid hull inflatable muddy shallow waters that exist around Richmond. vessel Jimmy Ng. Crewmembers attended the vessel, deploying their Station 10 members escorted multiple vessels throughout the crowd- anchor and ensuring no fuel was leaking into the river. RCMP members ed waters, even providing a few glow sticks to some underprepared safely transported the family of six back to Steveston. kayakers. By 2:00 a.m., all of Richmond’s emergency crews were securely back After the fireworks were over, the crew on theB.R. Hastings spotted at base after spending more than seven hours ensuring everyone got a 26-foot Bayliner that had collided with log booms in the North Arm home safe. of the Fraser River. As the incident had just occurred, no distress call

Compass 4 September 2013 RESCUE

Station 65 Lax Kw’alaams— thirds full of water. A portable pump was placed in the engine room; July 9–10 & 29 this helped the water levels quickly drop. Once the waters came down, Three members of the crew discovered that a seacock valve had come apart at some point RCM-SAR Station while the fishing vessel was heading back home to Lax Kw’alaams from 65 Lax Kw’alaams a halibut fishing trip. Amazingly, their engine was still running during were paged at 9:30 this whole event, despite the water. While Station 65 crewmembers the night of July 9 to stood by, the owner did some repairs to the seacock valve and advised assist a commercial the crew he could run on his own power to the Lax Kw’alaams boat fishing vessel that dock. Despite the owner’s assurances, to ensure the vessel’s safety Sta- had collided with a tion 65 escorted the vessel back into Lax Kw’alaams and made sure rock at Parkin Islets. everything was okay. In the end, the vessel only suffered minor damage The skipper had to alternators and some corroded wiring. fallen asleep en route to delivering his Station 8 Delta—August 5 catch to fish packers at Birnie Island. By 10:00 p.m., the crew had reached the scene and verified there were While training no injuries to the two on board, but the boat had sustained a hole in its a few miles south bow. Two other commercial vessels were assisting with a total of three of Point Roberts, pumps, keeping the vessel afloat. Station 8 Delta was Forty minutes later, Coast Guard crews from the Tanu and Cape contacted by Victoria St. James arrived in Zodiacs to assist with their own portable pumps. radio to assist with After the boat stabilized, Station 65 crewmembers and the crew from a man in the water the Cape St. James towed the damaged vessel to a boat grid in Lax with injuries near Kw’alaams, in anticipation of having a fibreglass professional do the Cabbage Island. necessary repairs to the bow of the boat. As the captain had never used Seventeen minutes a boat grid before, Station 65 crewmembers assisted him and remained later, they arrived to on standby until the vessel had dried up on the grid. The crew stood find a 67-year-old down at 5:20 a.m., after eight hours on the water. man lying on the aft deck of a large vessel; he had fallen off the vessel’s On the evening of July 29 Station 65 heard on VHF radio that a upper deck and struck both the guard rail and swim grid before land- fishing vessel was sinking fast, between Big Bay and Melville Island in ing in the water. Although he managed to pull himself out of the water Hecate Strait. The report indicated the vessel’s engine room was filling after the accident, by the time the crew arrived, he was pale, short of up with water. Station 65 crewmembers arrived on scene to find two breath and suffering from what appeared to be multiple fractures and people on board in good condition, but with an engine room two- broken bones.

Compass 5 September 2013 RESCUE

Victoria radio summoned the Coast Guard; in the meantime the Delta crew spoke to the man and assisted in his breathing by elevating his head with a pillow and covering him with warm blankets. He was in severe pain in his left shoulder and right arm. A BC Parks vessel arrived and it was decided that the victim needed to be given oxygen. After the Coast Guard arrived an arm splint was administered to his right arm and it was determined that though there were some back spasms the victim had no numbness in any extremity. He was gently transferred to a spine board, packaged with blankets, straps and flotation. He was then transferred to the Coast Guard’s vessel and taken to Sidney for emergency medical services.

Station 27 Nanaimo—July 27 On the morning of July 27 Station 27 Nanaimo was called to assist Station 29 Ladysmith—August 9 an 18-foot vessel that had suffered a windshield blown out by waves. With three people on board, it was quickly taking on water. The coor- Just before noon on August 9, Station 29 Ladysmith was called to dinates of the vessel provided by those on board were inaccurate and, assist a sailboat that was aground at Coffin Point, off Ladysmith Har- arriving on scene, the crew found no vessel in sight. Soon, the Coast bour. Guard hovercraft Siyay arrived on scene. Because the crew had earlier Arriving on scene only six minutes after departing base, crewmem- spotted a vessel two miles away, closer to Thrasher Rock, the Siyay and bers found the sailboat stuck on a reef between Coffin Point and Cof- the RCM-SAR crew proceeded to that location. There, they found fin Island. the stricken vessel with about a foot of water on board and the three On board were the unharmed owner, his wife and a dog. A nearby people on board all bailing. vessel of opportunity was tasked to transfer the wife and dog to the Normally, a broken windshield wouldn’t be a major issue, but be- Ladysmith Maritime Society. cause this particular boat was a low-slung runabout designed for calm As the tide came in, crewmembers bow-towed the sailboat safely off lakes, not rough seas, it found itself in trouble. The Siyay put pumps on the reef and into open water. A visual inspection showed no damage to board and the crew set up a tow to Nanaimo. The three on board were the sailboat (pictured above), but as a precaution crewmembers escort- transferred to the RCM-SAR boat and one RCM-SAR crewmember ed the sailor to his wife and dog, now waiting on shore in Ladysmith. switched over to the stricken vessel. After 40 minutes in strong winds and seas, the vessel and RCM-SAR arrived safely at Nanaimo.

Compass 6 September 2013 FLOTSAMRESCUE & JETSAM

Save the Date! 2013 Annual General Meeting

t’s almost AGM time again! RCM-SAR’s annual general meeting will be held Sunday, October 6 at the River Rock Casino IResort in Richmond. It will be a great opportunity to meet fellow members from all over , celebrate our success during the past year and hear about some extraordinary search and rescue missions. We have a block booking of rooms at the resort. If you need accommodation, email [email protected] or call the office at 778-352-1780. See you there!

Like us on Facebook Member Reminders

he RCM-SAR regional Facebook page is ember Profiles: Please take a moment to check your personal information on your SAR an amazing source of up-to-date infor- Management System (SMS) profile. The office receives quite a bit of returned mail and Tmation on RCM-SAR. It is packed with Memails and cannot reach some members by phone because of out-of-date phone numbers. dynamic photos, exciting incident summaries We want to make sure all of our members are reachable, so please take a bit of time to ensure and important updates for members and non- that your latest contact information on the system is accurate and updated. Thanks for your help! members alike. Certs: The SMS is an excellent tool to keep track of our member certifications, something To view RCM-SAR updates in your Face- that’s become more and more important over the years. Most of our members enter their certifi- book news feed, all you have to do is “Like” cate information into the SMS but there are many who do not upload an image of their cert as us. Simply click on the following link and then part of this process. The office must review these images before accepting certs; currently there click on the “Like” button near the top of the are over 100 certs waiting to be signed off which have no images attached—some of these date page: back a year or more. https://www.facebook.com/rcmsar If you need help uploading your certs, please email [email protected]. If you don’t have access If you need any help with the Like function to a scanner you can always mail paper copies of certs to the office to scan. Send them care of please email [email protected]. Like us today! the operations assistant to: 6040 East Sooke Road, Sooke BC V9Z 0Z7. We know you work hard for your certifications and you deserve the recognition that comes with them—send us your certs today!

Compass 7 September 2013 RESCUE Commitment of a Lifetime

RCM-SAR Station 25 Gulf Islands’ Ken Morisette joined the organization more than 33 years ago and is still going strong. Although he’s seen many changes over the years, one thing has not changed—the passion of volunteers dedicated to SAR and SAR prevention. MEMBER PROFILE

When did you join RCM-SAR? I first joined this organization back in 1979 or 1980 when it was called the Canadian Marine Rescue Auxiliary. At that time is was all pri- vate owner/operator boats. I joined the original Station 6 (Richmond) based in Burrard Inlet with our boats moored at Port Moody. Soon afterwards we became the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary–Pacific.

Why did you join RCM-SAR? I had been boating for several years and had been helped out a few times and had also assisted a number of boaters in trouble, so I knew that occasionally all boaters need a helping hand. I saw this as an op- portunity to learn search and rescue and boating safety and to be of help on the water. It’s been a great experience and a great education.

What sort of boating/boating safety experience do you have? All my experience on the water has been pleasure boating. I have tak- en the Canadian Power Squadron course, a sailing course, first aid/CPR courses, courtesy/safety check courses and several instructor courses. Crossing Georgia Strait for the first time in a small boat in five-foot seas was also a great “character-building” experience.

What is your “day job,” and how do you balance work, other commitments and your volunteer work with RCM-SAR? I am long retired now, but in my earlier years I was an information officer with the provincial government. Fortunately my employer ap- preciated the importance of search and rescue and if I got called out I could, depending on my circumstances, respond to the call immediately. Things worked out well.

What are some of your non-SAR interests and hobbies? WFor many years I have been involved with the local Emergency Sup- MEMBER PROFILE port Services here on . As an old newspaper man and freelance writer I have an interest in journalism. I am also a foreign exchange/futures trader.

Are there any specific station achievements you’d like to share? In 2009 Transport Canada changed its funding agreement with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary–National and it looked like the Pleasure Craft Courtesy (Safety) Check program was going to be abandoned. With complete support from the boating safety stations we convinced the regional board of governors that this program was too effective and too valuable to lose; also, it was not expensive to operate. Executive Officer Stan Warlow and company, plus another strong voice from one of our members back east convinced our people in Ottawa to keep the program alive. We relabeled it the Pleasure Craft Safety Check program, redesigned the check form and decals, and while we were a bit late in the season we kept the program going in 2010. Since then we have trained at least 136 safety check examiners and I to that? We were farthest up the inlet searching the east shore when the am sure we are checking about 500 boats a year in the Pacific Region. station leader came on the radio with good news. Our boat searching mid-channel came upon the young supervisor Tell us a bit about your SAR experiences with the couple in their canoe, who said all the kids were ashore on the west organization. side farther up the inlet. Right at midnight we found the kids soaked to I believe it was my very first mission when we set a record for the the skin, very cold (verging on hypothermia), with minor scrapes and most people rescued in Pacific Region. That record stood for more strains but all okay. than two decades. Seventeen kids from a summer camp, supervised by In 2012 I believe it was Station 27 Nanaimo who rescued 22 dragon a young adult couple, had ventured north in 10 canoes to the end of boat paddlers. Is there an RCM-SAR historian who keeps records of Indian Arm in Burrard Inlet. such things? The weather became stormy—rain, strong winds, rough seas and When I was leader of Station 25 Gulf Islands we were operating then night fell. The kids were reported long overdue and we were sent three rescue boats and crews on three islands 24/7–Salt Spring, Pender out—five owner/operator boats searching at 2130 hours. It was raining and Galiano. It was like operating three different stations, but we were steadily and very dark but the winds had died and the seas had calmed. co-ordinated. Pender got its first RHIB (rigid hull inflatable boat) dur- My crew and I were dreading the thought that we may end up retriev- ing that time; prior to that they used a small Boston Whaler. Eventually ing the bodies of young children from the water. How would we react Pender became the separate Station 20 Salish Sea.

Compass 10 September 2013 MEMBER PROFILE

You’ve been very involved with boating safety at the What are your thoughts on future directions for RCM- station and regional levels. What in your opinion is the SAR? most effective way to get the SAR prevention message The future of RCM-SAR looks very exciting indeed, and also chal- out to the public? lenging. There are some very big, ambitious projects on the horizon. I The boat safety check program is without doubt the most effective think funding will be a challenge but I am convinced that this organiza- way to educate the boating public. It is live, direct, one-on-one, per- tion can do the job. sonal education. You are face-to-face with the boat’s owner/operator, When I look back at how things were in our early days—a bunch of boating enthusiasts in their own vessels (everything from 16-foot When I look back at how things were aluminum car-toppers to big, slow displacement hulls) with minimal equipment, and compare it to where we are now—man, we can do in our early days—a bunch of boating anything. I’m confident our people have the energy, determination and enthusiasts in their own vessels wherewithal to tackle the tasks ahead. with minimal equipment, and compare it to where we are Wnow—man, we can do anything. standing on the deck of their boat showing them the safe, not so safe and the sometimes dangerous things on their boat. For us as an organization to be more effective it would be nice to get all of our checkers checking more boats and to get more checkers trained in more stations. This is also a very useful and pleasant way for members who (like me) are getting a bit long-in-the-tooth for search and rescue activity to continue to provide a valuable service.

You’re involved in the organization’s new Vessel Safety Survey program. What sort of feedback have you gotten from the public so far? The only feedback I have on the Vessel Safety Survey is my own ex- perience and what I have heard from our Station 25 Leader Per Svend- son. It has all been excellent.

Compass 11 September 2013 COMMUNITY SUPPORT RCM-SAR Receives $300,000 Donation from Washington Foundation

On behalf of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation (the Washington Foundation), Seaspan announced on July 25 a multi-year donation of $1.1 million to three British Columbia marine and port community charitable organizations. Partnering with RCM-SAR (as well as Sail and Life Training Society [SALTS] and Vancouver Maritime Museum), the Washington Foundation’s commitment to RCM-SAR totals $300,000. The donation will be given in $100,000 installments over three years. Half of the donation will go towards regional-level training including development of the Glenairley Training Centre, while the other half will be divided between several rescue stations. This donation marks the Washington Foundation’s first direct donation of its kind in Canada. Since its inception, the Washington Founda- tion has donated more than $144 million in the United States to hundreds of organizations that focus on education, health and human services, arts and culture and community ser- vice. “This contribution will enhance the readi- ness of a number of our rescue stations and benefit our entire organization by helping build a new training facility for our nearly 1,000 volunteer crew members,” said RCM- SAR President Jim Lee. “RCM-SAR is a vital part of the marine rescue system on the West Coast, and we are very pleased that the Wash- ington Foundation and Seaspan are supporting the work we do to save lives on the water.” RCM-SAR crewmembers and staff pose with Seaspan CEO Jonathan Whitworth at the July 24 funding announcement in North Vancouver. Above: RCM-SAR President Jim Lee (right) receives the Washington Foundation cheque from Jona- than Whitworth. IN OUR COMMUNITIES Delta Station Dedicates New Vessel

July 27 saw the launching of the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 8 Delta’s new Type I fast response vessel at Captain’s Cove Marina in Delta. VIPs participating in the event and offering their congratulations were the Honourable Kerry-Lynne Findlay, MP for Delta-Richmond East and Minister of National Revenue, Vicki Hun- tington, MLA for South Delta and Captain Joanne McNish, Regional Director Fleet, Canadian Coast Guard. RCM-SAR Southern Area Rep- resentative Hans Verbeek read greetings from Delta Mayor Lois Jack- son and RCM-SAR President Jim Lee. Norm Dyck, a long-time mem- ber of Station 8, acted as master of ceremonies and provided some of the history of the station. The new vessel, purchased by the Delta Marine Rescue Society with funds raised through donations and grants, is an excellent example of the improved vessel seaworthiness and sophisticated equipment now available for search and rescue purposes in the community. The vessel, referred to as a Type I vessel, replaces an 11-year-old Ti- tan 249XL and is a nine-metre rigid hull inflatable powered by twin Ya- maha 250 hp engines, capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots and with a range of 250 nautical miles. This fast response craft is completely equipped for search and rescue with a state-of-the-art electronics suite, high-powered searchlights, night vision and extensive first aid equip- ment. It is self-righting in case of unexpected rollover and features the new Shockwave Integrated Controlled Environment shock absorbing console to help lessen the impact of heavy seas. The vessel normally carries a crew of four–a coxswain and three crewmembers–but is capable of a large overload in the event of a seri- ous marine accident. Station 8’s primary area of responsibility is ap- proximately 600 square miles. This area is travelled extensively by BC Ferries, cruise ships, tugs and barges, freighters and fishing and pleasure craft, including canoes and kayaks. Activities such as kite boarding are seen regularly. The proximity of Vancouver International Airport and

Compass 13 September 2013 IN OUR COMMUNITIES

Boundary Bay Airport (the third busiest airport in Canada for take- offs and landings) adds to their responsibilities. With this new vessel, located at the Point Roberts Marina, RCM-SAR Station 8 will be able to respond quickly to marine emergencies throughout Boundary Bay, the southern Gulf of Georgia and the San Juan and Gulf Islands in virtually all weather conditions, day or night, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Following the remarks by the dignitaries, Audrey Engholm, wife of Station 8 Leader Captain Jeff Engholm, named the vessel Spirit of Delta V and broke the traditional bottle of champagne over the bow (pictured right). This was followed by Father Ronnie of Sacred Heart Parish, who proceeded to bless the vessel. The vessel was then launched and once in the water attendees were invited to view the vessel and ask any questions they might have. Re- freshments were served to those in attendance as well. Congratulations to Station 8 and the Delta Marine Rescue Society on this exciting new vessel!

Type I Vessel Specifications

Built by Liquid Metal in Sidney to Lloyd’s Register Standards for Special Service Craft G2-G3-G4/5 Class B-Offshore, it is designed for offshore up to top wind force 8 and significant wave height up to four metres. It is self-righting in case of unexpected 180-degree rollover and has 14 watertight compartments. The vessel features the new Shockwave ICE (Integrated Controlled Environment) console.

LOA (Tube) 9.14 m Top Speed 40+ knots LOA (Transom) 8.64 m Crew 5 persons Beam 3.12 m Engines Twin outboards Draft (DWL) 0.59 m Horse Power 2 X 250 Deadrise 24 degrees Range 250 nautical miles

Compass 14 September 2013 IN OUR COMMUNITIES

RCM-SAR Station 27 Nanaimo is sad to report that one of their most dedicated supporters, Basil Hobbs, passed away August 21 after a short illness. Basil was a huge influence on the Nanaimo Marine Rescue Society and Station 27 in particular. He served as our society president The 56th Annual Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival took place when we were working to August 1 to 5. RCM-SAR Station 4 Squamish has marshalled the Log- get funding for the sta- gers Sports Festival parade for the past five years and this year was no tion’s dedicated response exception. vessel G.B. Meynell and We attend logger sports meetings once a month all year until the Au- was an active supporter gust long weekend. Invitations for the parade are sent out to the com- ever since. munity in the beginning of May and include most of Squamish’s local He was also very in- businesses along with Squamish council members and the local MLA. strumental in the Nanai- We have a wide variety of groups like the Squamish Legion, the Squa- mo Yacht Club as past president, long-time member and boater. mish and Vancouver pipe bands, logging outfits, the classic car club, the Professionally, Basil was a Nanaimo solicitor who assisted many, Shriners Mini Corp and anyone in between attend the parade. It is free many local people. He was always there with a warm smile, excel- to enter so anyone can come out. The parade route goes right through lent advice and superb service. downtown Squamish, so it brings a bit of excitement to the downtown Basil will be remembered by station and society members as a core. This year we had well over 3,000 spectators—the streets on both person who gave us all so much. sides were full. We also had about 50 entries taking part in the parade itself—large entries with lots of people. It’s a fun event and a lot of Michael Banning, Station Leader work but the logger sport committee is very generous at the end of Station 27 Nanaimo the year and gives us a proration. The parade ends up being one of our biggest fundraisers.

Rebecca Spitzer, Deputy Station Leader Station 4 Squamish

Compass 15 September 2013 SAFETY UPDATE RCM-SAR Unveils New Annual Safety Inspection Program In the coming months the SAR/operations team will be introducing a new Annual Safety Inspection program that will entail a designat- ed regional safety representative visiting each station to carry out an inspection. The goal of creating this safety program is to implement a properly-managed vessel inspection program that will satisfy Transport Canada require- ments and our own RCM-SAR policies. We are also aiming to create a more safety-conscious approach to our operations. By helping to identify areas where a vessel/ station can improve, we hope to raise aware- ness and ultimately improve our safety culture around the fleet. The safety representative will not only carry out an inspection but will also act as a regional resource to help with any questions the stations may have.

What to expect: o Management o Maintenance • Each station will be contacted by the safety officer and given a o Policies and procedures date when the regional representative will be visiting that station o General vessel condition (at least two weeks’ notice will be given). • Please ensure a knowledgeable station leader or coxswain is there • The regional safety rep will then be put in contact with the sta- to meet the representative and be on hand for the duration of the tion leader to coordinate the visit. inspection. • We expect the inspection to take anywhere from two to four • Following the inspection a signed copy of the report will be hours and cover all aspects of the vessel, including: issued and any non-conformities will be prioritized with corre- o Navigational equipment sponding completion dates. o Lifesaving equipment o Electrical systems We appreciate all of your participation in this program and your con- o Engine/mechanical systems tinued hard work in achieving a higher safety standard.

Compass 16 September 2013 TRAINING UPDATE Glenairley Training Centre Hosts its First Course RHIOT/ARTE Coordinator Joins Training Team A joint coxswain sign-off day took place on August 10th out of our new training location in East Station 5 Crescent Beach Sooke. Being the first training exercise out of the new location, it was a very exciting day! Four- member Ryan Woodward, a teen coxswains participated from various stations on the south Island; it was great to see so many 19-year veteran of RCM-SAR of our members present. with both local and regional The day consisted of both classroom and on-water training with a lesson provided from the experience, has joined Justice Institute of British Columbia on critical incident stress training. Our intention is to con- the training team as the tinue to offer this training every few months at various stations throughout the region. With a RHIOT (Rigid Hull Inflatable few more fully signed-off coxswains we will be able to spread the training throughout the region Operator Training)/ARTE more effectively and thoroughly. (Advanced Rescue Trainer This is the first of many training days to come at our new location, and we’re looking forward Evaluator) coordinator. to the many new opportunities ahead. Thanks very much to all of our members who participated Ryan has a wealth of in this event. It was great opportunity to share training ideas and to meet members from our knowledge and experience neighboring stations. in the organization. With his years of search and rescue experience and as a member of the ARTE team he will be a great person for this position.

The RHIOT/ARTE coordinator will arrange pre-RHIOT evaluations, ensure that pre-course requirements have been met and will be part of the RHIOT committee. In addition to this, Ryan will be involved in further developing the ARTE team.

We welcome Ryan to this important new position!

Compass 17 September 2013 BOATING SAFETY UPDATE

From July 26-28, Station 51 Alert Bay took part in their community’s annual Seafest, a family-friendly event featuring live music, kid’s activi- ties, a fishing derby, a parade and much more. We distributed boating safety guides, kayaking guides and kids’ fun things while Bobbie the Safety Boat interacted with the whole commu- nity. RCM-SAR is very well recognized and appreciated in Alert Bay. Sup- porting member Chuck Wong and Station Leader Richard Sanborn (pictured right) had fun operating Bobbie and talking with the kids. Both Chuck and Richard have volunteered with Station 51 for more than 30 years! Thank you Chuck and Richard!

Cathy Dupuis Deputy Boating Safety Manager

The Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC)’s next symposium, Building the Business of Safe Boating, is scheduled to take place in Whistler Septem- ber 23-25. This annual event, which convenes boating safety enthusiasts from across Canada and internationally, includes government policy makers, not-for-profit organizations, marine law enforcement, first respond- ers, boating safety instructors and course providers, marina operators, volunteers, marine manufacturers and more. RCM-SAR is tentatively scheduled to take part in the Emergency Responders on the Water panel, scheduled for the afternoon of Septem- ber 24. Other organizations on the panel include the Canadian Coast Guard, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and CFB Comox. The CSBC is an alliance of members committed to preventing boat- ing injuries and drowning. Their annual symposium is a key component of their commitment to education and exchange of ideas and informa- RCM-SAR Station 5 Crescent Beach members Ken Sissons (left) and tion on safe boating activities in Canada. Ben Jones conduct a Vessel Safety Survey with an interested boater. For information on CSBC Symposium 2013, visit www.csbc.ca.

Compass 18 September 2013 RESCUE COLD WATER SHOCK

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is the United Kingdom’s volunteer marine search and rescue organization. This venerable 189-year- old organization operates 444 lifeboats whose crews rescue an average of 22 people a day. Their prevention department, RNLI Coastal Safety, endeavours to change people’s attitudes and behaviours towards safety on the water. The following article on cold water shock comes from their excellent Coastal Safety website which is packed with innovative, in-depth advice that will help to keep boaters safe. COLD WATER SHOCK

Recent research identified the fact that many people don’t wear their lifejackets because they think that falling in the water is an occurrence that they could relatively easily get through because they believe them- selves to be strong swimmers, or that their crew will rapidly get them from the water. However established science renders those beliefs questionable. Cold water shock is a leading cause of death that many people fail to appreciate. Many deaths recorded by coroners are mistakenly attributed to either hypothermia, or drowning, when in fact the cause of death, or cause leading up to the death, is something different. One of the authors of the seminal work Essentials of Sea Survival, Professor Mike Tipton, is quoted as saying, “If you are lucky enough to survive long enough to die of hypothermia, you have done very well; most die in the first minute of immersion.” It is cold water shock that tends to kill people around our shores.

If you are lucky enough to survive long enough to die of hypothermia, you have done very well; most die in the first I minute of immersion. What is cold water shock? It is the body’s short-term involuntary response to being suddenly immersed in cold water. The waters around the UK are officially cold (10—15°C; BC’s coastal waters are comparable temperatures) and The RNLI recently launched its Respect the Water campaign to raise awareness of when the body enters this cold environment there are a number of drowning and water safety, ultimately reducing the number of people who lose their physiological responses. The sudden lowering of skin temperature is lives in the water. one of the most profound stimuli that the body can encounter. The The campaign, which offers key safety tips, has a particular focus on men aged responses tend to be short lived, but threaten survival. 25–65, as this demographic represents the biggest number of fatalities. Their mes- sage is being conveyed in creative ways, such as the cold water shock story on the pint glass pictured above.

Compass 20 September 2013 COLD WATER SHOCK

The responses are...

First of all, closure of the blood vessels in the skin which results in increased resistance to blood flow. The heart then has to work harder and blood pressure increases. At the same time there is a “gasp” re- sponse which can result in water being breathed rather than air. Con- currently the breathing rate changes dramatically, it can increase by as much as tenfold. All these responses contribute to a feeling of panic, and are more difficult to manage if no lifejacket is worn and the ca- sualty is struggling to stay afloat. After a while the body gains control of itself and much of the excessive reaction reduces. However cop- ing with cold water shock certainly takes its toll in terms of long-term survivability. Unsurprisingly one effect of cold water shock is to induce a heart attack, even in the relatively healthy and relatively young—hence the possibility of wrong inquest verdicts because it is water in the lungs that is thought to be the cause of death (or sometimes even hypother- mia) when it is in fact heart failure that has caused the water to enter the lungs. Wearing a lifejacket allows you to weather the cold water shock and prolong your survival long enough for you to be recovered, either by your own boat or by the rescue services.

RNLI’s Coastal Safety website: http://completeguide.rnli.org/

Compass 21 September 2013 FINAL WORD A Message from the National Chairman As some of you are already aware, I have been asked to take on the role of chair for the Cana- dian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA) National Council. As such, I get to report on a bit of a different angle this month. I was hoping to provide a little bit of insight and information to RCM-SAR members this month on the national search and rescue scene to keep you informed and also aware that we are part of a significant and effective system. This is no small feat in a country the size of Canada with the longest coastline (by a fac- tor of four), the second-largest land mass and one of the lowest populations per area in the world. It is only because of the significant ef- forts of volunteers that much of this country receives such an effective level of coverage.

SAR Quadrennial Review The first update relates to a report on the first-ever Canadian SAR quadrennial review. a conference in Ottawa to go through some of the findings. RCM-SAR President Jim Lee, two To briefly summarize, the federal government others from CCGA National and I were able to represent the volunteer marine SAR component asked the National Search and Rescue Secre- at this meeting and address how we are doing now and where we are and should be going. tariat (NSS) to organize an evaluation every Obviously there was a significant amount of discussion and information coming from this four years of the entire Canadian SAR system, review, but a few of the key points that I can report on include the following: taking into consideration land, air and sea re- sponses. This of course is a huge undertaking • Volunteers’ importance: A significant amount of the discussion from all groups revolved which involved preliminary questionnaires and around the increasing need for volunteers in the system and for more support for these surveys to municipal, provincial and federal or- groups whether it be via funding, coordination, training or overall support. ganizations (paid and unpaid) culminating with • Information: There is a need for better accumulation and sharing of data.

Compass 22 September 2013 FINAL WORD

• Interoperability: Increase the ability for is important to remember that it has all been various agencies to communicate and built on the backs of strong, smart, hard- work together, including coordination working unpaid professionals. We need to keep between land, air and sea resources. them around as well as continue to ensure we • Incident command: Utilize common are finding, training and building up those who communications and command struc- will take over the helm one day soon. tures. The final findings of this SAR review are yet • Risk analysis: Identify risk areas and to be published and the long-term impacts will resource accordingly. likely extend beyond the next review in four years, but rest assured we are certainly on the The one that clearly jumped out at us right path when it comes to strategy, direction throughout the process was the need to recruit and best practices in search and rescue. and retain strong volunteers, which is an issue across all regions and organizations. While While we are all extremely proud of the the issue is not a new one nor is it going equipment, training standards and many away anytime soon, it RCM-SAR accomplishments in recent years, is important for us to it is important to remember that it has all ensure we are doing been built on the backs of strong, smart, everything we can to not only find the best hard-working unpaid professionals. people but also to W keep them. Recognition and utilization were key components identified in helping with SARscene recruitment and retention. My second note is an advertisement and request for involvement from RCM-SAR members In short, our partners and colleagues around at SARscene 2013. If you are not aware (and many of us are not), each year the National Search the country are squarely focused on the same and Rescue Secretariat organizes a gathering of search and rescue crews and organizations from goals that we have and we will be working with around the country at an event called SARscene. This event rotates throughout regions of the them to ensure we stay ahead of the curve in country and this year we are fortunate that SARscene will be hosted in Chilliwack. This location this regard. While we are all extremely proud should allow more of our members to attend and participate, which I hope we will. of the equipment, training standards and many Some of the details are still being worked out but I would strongly encourage any members RCM-SAR accomplishments in recent years, it who are able to get out and see what it is all about, learn from other SAR groups, participate in

Compass 23 September 2013 FINAL WORD RCM-SAR Station 33 Oak Bay crewmembers Aaron Richards (left) and Ed Walker presentations and generally engage with others who have a passion for SAR. Some details are as follows:

Dates: Saturday, October 19 to Monday, October 21 Saturday October 19 • SAR Games, media day, trade show • This day open to all, no registration required Sunday October 20 & Monday October 21 • Conference and training program • Registration required (cost $130 unless helping with RCM-SAR presentation)— see website Website: www.sarscene.ca

We will likely be looking for some volunteers who can not only participate in some of the ses- sions being offered but will also be able to put together a booth for us with Bobbie the Safety Boat, SARGO (search and rescue games online), simulator details and other general information about RCM-SAR. We are looking to have a static display, a training session during the conference and hopefully a SAR Games team. Finally, to any members who are able to attend any of the days to see exhibits or take part in the conference/training sessions: this event will provide you with a good opportunity to learn, share and establish relationships with our SAR colleagues.

Randy Strandt CCGA National Chairman

Compass 24 September 2013

RESCUE

If you would like to support RCM-SAR, please send the form below and your donation to: Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue 6040 East Sooke Road, Sooke BC V9Z 0Z7 Thank you for helping to save lives on the water!