News Release

Dartmouth, N.S. Search and rescue (SAR) is a serious business. The skills required to save lives at sea are developed through training, experience and practice. For the volunteer Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA), the practice includes an annual friendly competition against fellow auxiliary members.
The Canadian Coast Guard is holding a one-day competition for the Maritimes component of the CCGA at Rodd Marina Inn and Suites in Montague, P.E.I., this Saturday, Sept. 30. 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:

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 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 assess an incident scene, determine and render appropriate first aid. Representatives from St. John Ambulance will conduct 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. This competition allows them to conduct the serious business of practicing their SAR skills while engaged in a friendly competition. Last year when the event was held in Dartmouth, N.S., competitors participated in a real SAR mission as a sailing vessel experienced an emergency in Bedford Basin where the SAR exercise competition was being conducted.

COMPETITION TO TEST SEARCH AND RESCUE SKILLS OF COAST GUARD AUXILIARY