| Inshore
Rescue Boat Program - Background Information
Base Locations
Job Responsibilities and Duties
Job Requirements - what you need to apply
Experience
Coxswain (IRB Crew Supervisor) positions
Conditions of Employment
How do I apply
Regional IRB Operations
The Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) program was initially established in the mid 1970s
as part of the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) initiative. This
government sponsored program was a co-operative project struck between Human Resources
and Development Canada (formerly Employment & Immigration Canada) and various government
departments with a goal to provide employment experience and mentorship to post
secondary students. This initiative provided students with exposure to "real-life"
experience in various aspects of government operations while earning a wage to help
pay for tuition.
Today, the Canadian Coast Guard continues to hire and train candidates each summer,
through the FSWEP program, to become members of an IRB crew. Selected candidates
are trained in Search and Rescue operations by Canadian Coast Guard regional staff
and following successful completion of training, are assigned as crewmembers to
IRB stations. Normally, each station is staffed with two (2) IRB crews.
IRB crews are comprised of three (3) people:
(1) Coxswain in charge; and
(2) Crewmembers.
In some regions, Coxswains are experienced members of the CCG Fleet. In others,
the Coxswain is a returning student with one or more years experience as an IRB
Crewmember.
The Canadian Coast Guard operates IRB Stations in five (5) regions in Canada.
 Newfoundland
& Labrador.
Maritimes
(Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, P.E.I.)
Québec
Central
Canada (Great Lakes Area)
Pacific
In 2005, the IRB Program consisted of twenty-four (24) strategically placed stations
across Canada. Each station was equipped with a six to seven meter Fast Rescue Craft
(FRC) capable of operating at speeds in excess of 24 knots.
Working on the water during the summer as part of an Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB)
crew can be a very challenging, but rewarding job. The job comes with serious responsibility:
Search and rescue (SAR) operations can occur at any time of the day or night, during
all types of weather and sea conditions
IRB crews are tasked to respond and provide assistance to mariners in distress or
need of assistance, by a Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) or a Maritime Rescue
Sub-Centre (MRSC). Some of these types of incidents may include:
Vessel on fire;
Vessel aground;
Vessel disabled and broken down;
Vessel taking on water;
Vessel capsized;
Vessel lost in the fog;
Person overboard; and
Medical emergencies.
In addition to responding to distress calls, IRB crews also provide public education
on boating safety. Topics can include:
Personal Floatation Devices
Hypothermia
Equipment that Every Boat Needs
Proposed Changes to the Required Equipment
Personal Watercraft Use
Rules of the Road
Boating Restrictions and Regulations
Pleasure Craft Courtesy Checks (PCCC) - The Canadian Coast Guard offers Pleasure
Craft Courtesy Checks (PCCC's) as a service to the public. These examinations
are beneficial because they insure that boaters are aware of the safety equipment
that should be carried on board their vessel, as well as keep them abreast of any
changes.
To apply to the Canadian Coast Guard’s IRB Program, you must be attending either
University or College prior to and following the summer of desired employment. These
are the guidelines set out by the Federal Summer Student Employment Program. In
addition, the following qualifications are required:
Students who wish to apply as “crew” for the IRB Program MUST meet the following
criteria:
1. be a full-time post-secondary school student;
2. hold a valid Driver's License (automobile);
(No legal restriction on the use or operation of a motor vehicle).
3. hold a valid Standard First-Aid Certificate;
4. hold a valid CPR LEVEL C Course Certificate (eight hours);
5. hold a Pleasure Craft Operator Card; and
6. hold a VHF Restricted Radio Operator's Certificate (Maritime).
Note: Please note that candidates must be fluent in French to work in Quebec
region and fluent in English to work in all other regions.
Preference MAY be given to candidates who:
a. hold a Valid Bronze Cross in Swimming; and
b. have a certificate from a boating course covering such subjects as chart work,
coastal navigation, basic seamanship etc.
Note: Please note that candidates must be able to provide their certificate from
a boating course no later than the commencement of IRB training (where applicable).
To apply for re-employment as a Coxswain, you must have a minimum of one year
of previous IRB Crew experience.
Quebec Region: For re-employment as a Coxswain in Quebec, preference MAY be given
to candidates with two (2) years of IRB Crew experience in Quebec.
Training
In General, student IRB training begins shortly after the end of the preceding
school year. Training requirements vary between regions, but are generally provided
by regional Canadian Coast Guard staff over a one to two week period. Topics such
as boat handling and seamanship, local coastal navigation, search and rescue operations
(search techniques, communications etc) and more are covered. Upon completion of
the training period, crewmembers are then assigned to an IRB station (See note below)
Note: The Canadian Coast Guard reserves the right to post students to stations
as required, as IRB operational requirements can change from year to year.
Pay during training:
Information regarding pay and the provision of accommodations during training
will be provided by regional Canadian Coast Guard staff during the interview selection
process.
In 2005, students were paid in accordance with Treasure Board Guidelines:
Crewmember: $12.49/hour
Boat Coxswain: $16.36/hour
Note:
Québec Region: For IRB students working in Québec Region, pay
during the training period will be provided in the form of a “lump sum payment”
to cover expenses. For further details, please refer to
Regional IRB Operations –
Quebec on this web site.
Hours of Work:
Hours of work vary according to region, but generally consist of 12 hour days,
on a 7 or 14 days worked / 7 or 14 days off basis, depending on the region. As previously
mentioned, each station is normally staffed with two (2) IRB crews. While one crew
is working, the other crew is on days of rest.
Note: Information regarding hours of work, pay, training and accommodations, will
be provided by regional Canadian Coast Guard staff during the interview selection
process.
The deadline to apply for a position with the Canadian Coast Guard's IRB Program
is normally between early January to mid- February, depending on the region.
Apply on line at:
http://www.jobs-emplois.gc.ca/fswep-pfete/student/dp_009_e.htm
In general, IRB crews and stations operate in a similar way across the country.
However, regional operational variances between each region do exist. Factors such
as the type and volume of boating activity, geography and environmental conditions,
as well as the availability of Canadian Coast Guard Fleet personal, have an impact
on IRB resources and operational requirements.
Further information on region-specific IRB operations can be found below:
IRB Training
When:
IRB crewmembers – Two (2) weeks prior to Victoria Day
long weekend.
Coxswains - three (3) weeks prior to Victoria Day
long weekend.
Where:
Location to be confirmed during interview process.
Training facility availability/location to be confirmed
spring 2006.
Accommodations: Students are responsible for their accommodations.
Pay:
Students are paid during the training period.
Additional Information and Employment Conditions:
Season start: Saturday of Victoria
Day long weekend.
Season ends: Monday following the
Labour Day long weekend
Work Schedule: 14 days of work followed by 14 days of rest.
Accommodations: Students are responsible for their accommodations
(see
note)
*Coxswains: These
positions are filled by Canadian Coast Guard Fleet
Personnel and
students with preferably two (2) years of
IRB experience or more.
*Bronze Cross: Preference may be given
to those candidates with a
Bronze Cross
swimming qualification.
Note: Accommodations may be provided at remote IRB base locations.
Further
details will be provided by regional CCG staff during interview
Application deadline: 10 January, 2006
Apply on-line at:
http://www.jobs-emplois.gc.ca/fswep-pfete/student/dp_009_e.htm
For Newfoundland & Labrador, choose Option 1 (6100)
Contact Information:
The Canadian Coast Guard
Search & Rescue / Inshore Rescue Boat Program (IRB)
SAR Training Office
Southside Base
5667 St John's, Newfoundland
Stephen Sheppard: sheppardsn@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Search and Rescue Training Officer
IRB Training
When:
Mid-May to the end of May
Where:
Dartmouth CCG Base
Accommodations: Students are responsible for their accommodations.
Pay:
Students are paid during the training period
(8 hrs/per day).
Additional Information and Employment Conditions:
Season start: After the training
period.
Season ends: Tuesday following
the Labour Day Long weekend
Work Schedule: To be confirmed during interview.
Accommodations: Students are responsible for their accommodations.
*Coxswains: These
positions are open to students.
Application deadline: 19 January, 2006
Apply on-line at:
http://www.jobs-emplois.gc.ca/fswep-pfete/student/dp_009_e.htm
For Maritime Region, choose Option 2 (6200)
Contact Information:
The Canadian Coast Guard (Maritimes Region)
Search & Rescue / Inshore Rescue Boat Program (IRB)
SAR Training Office
Dartmouth Base
27 Parker Street
P.O. Box 1000 Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Phillip Walker: WalkerP@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
SAR Training & Exercise Officer.
IRB Training
When:
13 - 22 May 2006
Where:
Québec CCG Base in Québec
Accommodations: Laval University for logging and DND for meals.
Pay:
Students are provided with a lump cash sum to cover
expenses during
the training period. (See note)
Additional Information and Employment Conditions:
Season start: Tuesday,
30 May 2006.
Season ends: Monday night
of the Labour Day Long weekend
Work Schedule: To be confirmed during interview.
Accommodations: Logging is available within close proximity to IRB
Stations during
the operational season.
Students are responsibility for their accommodation
expenses.
(see note)
*Coxswains:
These positions are open to students with preference
given to those
with two years of IRB crew experience
in Québec or more.
*Bronze Cross: Preference may be
given to those candidates with
a Bronze Cross
swimming qualification
Note: Further details regarding pay during the training period and accommodations
during the IRB operational season will be provided by regional CCG staff during
interview.
Application deadline: Friday, 27 January, 2006
Apply on-line at:
http://www.jobs-emplois.gc.ca/fswep-pfete/student/dp_009_e.htm
For Québec region, choose Option 3 (6300)
Contact Information:
The Canadian Coast Guard (Québec Region)
Search & Rescue / Inshore Rescue Boat Program (IRB)
101, Champlain Boulevard, 3rd floor.
Québec (Québec) G1K 7Y7
Robert Jinchereau: JinchereauR@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Karine Harvey: harveyka@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
or
Suzie Delisle: delisles@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Web-Site:
http://www.marinfo.gc.ca/en/Emplois/RechEtSauv.asp
IRB Training
When:
Normally held the first week of May for seven (7) days
Where:
Centre for Inland Waters, Burlington, Ontario.
Accommodations:
Provided during
training with a daily meal allowance.
Pay:
Students are paid during the training period
Additional Information and Employment Conditions:
Season start: Tuesday
before Victoria Day long weekend.
Season ends: Tuesday following
the Labour Day Long weekend
Work Schedule: (14) day cycles - two (2) weeks on,
followed by
two (2) weeks off.
Accommodations: Provided with a daily meal allowance
Coxswains:
These positions are open to students.
Application deadline: 08 January, 2006
Apply on-line at:
http://www.jobs-emplois.gc.ca/fswep-pfete/student/dp_009_e.htm
For Central Region, choose Option 4 (6400)
Contact Information:
The Canadian Coast Guard (Central & Arctic Region)
Search & Rescue / Inshore Rescue Boat Program (IRB)
SAR Training Office
201 Front Street, Sarnia, Ontario
Greg Sladics: SladicsG@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Search and Rescue Operations Officer
Web-Site:
http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/cen-arc/sar-res/irbp-pbsc/index_e.htm
IRB Training
When:
Begins last week of May 2006 for approx. 10 days
Where:
Victoria CCG Base and Cortes Bay, B.C.
Accommodations:
Provided during
training period with a daily
meal allowance.
Pay: Students are paid during the training period
Additional Information and Employment Conditions:
Season start: 13 June 2006
Season ends: Tuesday following
the Labour Day Long weekend
Work Schedule: (14) day cycles - two (2) weeks on,
followed by
two (2) weeks off.
Accommodations: Provided with a daily meal allowance
Coxswains:
These positions are filled by Canadian Coast Guard
Fleet personnel only.
Application deadline: 31 January, 2006
Apply on-line at:
http://www.jobs-emplois.gc.ca/fswep-pfete/student/dp_009_e.htm
For Pacific Region, choose Option 5 (6500)
Contact Information:
The Canadian Coast Guard (Pacific Region)
Search & Rescue / Inshore Rescue Boat Program (IRB)
SAR Training Office
25 Huron Street
Victoria, British Columbia
Steve Sekulich:SekulichS@pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Search and Rescue Training Officer
Web-Site: http://www.pacific.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/sar/index_e.htm
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