NR-M-98-35E
COMPETITION TO TEST SEARCH AND RESCUE SKILLS OF COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
October 2, 1998
Dartmouth, N.S. -- The Canadian
Coast Guard, Maritimes Region, is holding a one-day competition for the
Maritimes component of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA) at Oak
Island Inn & Marina this Saturday, Oct. 3. Events begin at approximately
8 a.m. and conclude at 5 p.m. Teams of three will represent each of the
16 CCGA zones in the Maritimes in six different events to test various
search and rescue (SAR) skills.
The events will test all of the skills
required for CCGA volunteers and will be judged by senior Coast Guard and
CCGA personnel. The events will include:
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SAR Exercise - This is the main event
with judges evaluating each team´s search organization, navigation and
chartwork, radio communications, log keeping and reporting, personal and
vessel safety and search pattern. Teams will judged both at dockside and
at sea.
-
Vessel Safety Check - Teams will be
asked to conduct a courtesy examination within a time limit and determine
if compulsory equipment is being carried and if the vessel is practising
good seamanship.
-
First Aid - Teams will be asked to
assess an incident scene, determine and render appropriate first aid Representatives
from St. John Ambulance will assist in the judging.
-
Communications - All three members
of each team will be tested on their knowledge of the rules and procedures
for the use of a marine VHF radio. In addition to a written test, competitors
will simulate a conversation during a SAR incident with a distressed vessel
and/or a Coast Guard radio station.
-
SAR Pump Operation - Teams will compete
head-to-head to run to a packed pump canister, carry it to the water´s
edge, open, prime and start the pump until a steady stream of water is
achieved, then drain and re-pack the pump.
-
Line Throwing - Competitors will be
judged for accuracy as they throw a rescue line at a target 15 metres from
the wharf.
The CCGA is an integral part of Canada´s
SAR system and its members voluntarily assume great personal risk to serve
Canadians. Many in the Mahone Bay and St. Margaret´s Bay areas were involved
in the recent Swissair 111 tragedy. This competition allows them to conduct
the serious business of practicing their SAR skills while engaged in a
friendly competition.
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Related Backgrounders:
Media are invited to cover this event.
For more information, please call:
Scott Verret
Communications
Canadian Coast Guard, Maritimes Region
Department of Fisheries and Oceans
Dartmouth, N.S.
(902) 426-6414
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